By Jeannie Wodo, CDPSE, Orleans Community Health IT Team Lead/IT Clinical Analyst/HIPAA Security Officer

In today’s digital age, technology continues to revolutionize the healthcare industry, making it more patient-centric and efficient. One such advancement is the introduction of patient portals, which have proven to be invaluable tools in fostering patient engagement and improving healthcare outcomes.

It’s time to delve into what patient portals are, their impact on patient participation, and the evidence from studies that underscores their importance in modern healthcare.

What are Patient Portals?

Patient portals are secure online platforms that give individuals direct access to their personal health information, typically provided by their healthcare providers or institutions. These portals offer a range of features, including:

1. Access to Medical Records: Patients can view their medical history, lab results, medications, and treatment plans.

2. Communication: Patients can send secure messages to their healthcare providers, facilitating direct and convenient communication.

3. Appointment Scheduling: Many portals allow patients to schedule appointments, request prescription refills, and receive appointment reminders.

4. Educational Resources: Portals often provide resources, such as educational materials and links to trusted health information, to help patients make informed decisions about their health.

Empowering Patients through Studies

Over the past decade, numerous studies have examined the impact of patient portals on healthcare outcomes. The results consistently show that patients who actively use portals are more likely to take control of their healthcare journey, adhere to their providers’ recommendations, and achieve better health outcomes.

1.  Improved Medication Adherence: One key aspect where patient portals excel is medication adherence. Studies have shown that patients who regularly access their medication lists and receive medication reminders through portals are more likely to take their medications as prescribed. This leads to better management of chronic conditions and reduces the risk of complications.

2. Enhanced Communication: Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is fundamental to quality care. Patient portals facilitate secure messaging, enabling patients to ask questions, seek clarification, and report concerns directly to their providers. Studies confirm that improved communication leads to better understanding of treatment plans and increased patient satisfaction.

3. Engagement in Preventive Care: Patient portals often display preventive care reminders, such as vaccination schedules and recommended screenings. Patients who use these portals are more likely to stay up to date with preventive measures, ultimately reducing the likelihood of preventable illnesses and complications.

4. Timely Access to Test Results: Quick access to test results is crucial for informed decision-making. Patients who use portals can view their lab results as soon as they are available. This timely access empowers patients to discuss results with their providers promptly, enabling faster adjustments to treatment plans when necessary.

Conclusion

Patient portals have transformed healthcare by putting patients at the center of their own care. The evidence from various studies is clear: Patients who actively engage with these portals are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans, communicate effectively with their healthcare providers, and ultimately experience improved health outcomes. As technology continues to advance, patient portals will remain a vital tool in promoting patient empowerment and enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

As the colder weather starts drawing people in their homes, the windows are closed, and the heat is turned on, this creates a perfect setting for viruses that cause respiratory illnesses to spread.

“Respiratory viruses include rhinovirus (the common cold), influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. These viruses are spread from person to person by coming in contact with fluids like saliva (spit), respiratory droplets (from coughing and sneezing), or mucous from someone who is sick,” said Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “These viruses tend to mutate or change making it difficult to destroy, making it possible to get any of these viruses more than once.”

Generally, these viruses can be mild for most people however, for the very young, the very old and those with weak immune systems, or underlying health condition(s), they can cause serious illness.

Daily practicing of good health precautions throughout the year can limit the spread of all respiratory illnesses. Make sure you and your family practice the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing. This may prevent those around you from getting sick. Use your elbow or shoulder to limit the spray when coughing/sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. It is especially important to wash your hands after you have coughed or sneezed into your hands or blown your nose. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Frequently disinfect shared items, like doorknobs, phones, pens, remotes, etc.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about being vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia. For information on vaccinations visit vaccines.gov.

Practice these other health habits for general health all year:

• Clean and disinfect touched surfaces at home, work and school.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Engage in regular physical activity. As you are able, work up to 20-30 minutes a day most days of the week.
• Manage your stress. Read a book, chat with a friend, take a walk, etc.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Eat nutritious foods.

For more information on respiratory illnesses visit: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory- viruses/index.html.

To access New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) COVID-19 isolation orders, visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/isolation. Residents should follow the COVID-19 isolation guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html.

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

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

Event also honors those lost to cancer, and highlights local services for those fighting the disease

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Joyce Chizick of Lyndonville won this basket just brought to her by volunteer Cora Young at For Women Only.  Chizick and her friend Christine Krisher have attended many For Women Only events together in past years.

LYNDONVILLE – A crowd filled White Birch Golf Course Thursday night for the first For Women Only event since Covid.

The purpose of the event, which has been a popular sell-out for many years, is to celebrate cancer survivors, honor those lost and support cancer services in Orleans County.

Joyce Chizick and Christine Krisher were two of the guests who love coming to the event. Friends since 1976 when Chizick designed a float for the bicentennial, they both know people who had cancer and want to support cancer services in Orleans County.

Twin sisters Darlene Rich and Charlene Pratt of Medina have rarely missed an event in recent years.

“We’ve been to every one except 2006, the year I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Rich said. “We don’t miss Treasure Island either. We are so lucky to have a community hospital, and attending these events is a good way to support it.”

Lori Condo, assistant comptroller at Orleans Community Health, welcomed the crowd and introduced guest speakers.

The name and picture of Medina native Sherri Boyle was one of those shown on the screen during For Women Only. Boyle died in 2022 at the age of 61 from a rare breast cancer. Pictures also honored cancer survivors.

Kim Gray, chief nursing officer and director of surgical services, shared the pride she takes in her job at Medina Memorial Hospital, taking care of the people in the community she has known since she was a kid. A 20-year employee, she praised all the services offered at the hospital, including surgical, diagnostic testing, and, coming in the next few months, multiple therapies, including pulmonary function testing by the Respiratory Department.

“Orleans Community Health is a pillar of health and wellness in our community,” Gray said.

Lead technologist and technical director of echocardiology at the hospital, Rhonda Woody, is a 26-year employee of the hospital. She was recently honored by Buffalo Business First as one of their 25 “Excellence in Health Care” recipients.

Artist Carol Culhane, right, watches as Devon Heveron of Lyndonville writes her grandmother’s name on a leaf to place on the Tree of Life that Culhane designed. The framed tree will be hung in the hospital lobby.

“Our hospital is doing very well by leaps and bounds,” Woody said.

She praised the addition of cardiologist Dr. Harry McCrea and the fact that each and every department at Orleans Community Health is accredited. She added the hospital has the very best equipment available and can stand up to any hospital in the city. She urged everyone to bring their doctors’ scripts to Medina Memorial Hospital.

Danielle Figura, director of Orleans County Mental Health, added her support for women battling cancer. Her mother is a 23-year cancer survivor, she said.

“Every time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women,” Figura said. “Women don’t need to find their voice. They need to be empowered to use it.”

Maegan Suhr of Lyndonville told her story of her daughter being diagnosed with brain cancer when she was 4 months old. That was about seven years ago.

A special education teacher and mother of two, Suhr said there is so little done to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

“Last month was Childhood Cancer Month, and you saw nothing about it,” she said. “It’s not pretty to talk about. It’s an ugly and tragic disease. It changes you forever.”

When her daughter had been lethargic and not feeling well, Maegan and her husband Joe Suhr took her to the doctor, who said the tests and scans would not take long and they could be on their way.

“Five minutes later he rushed into the room and said, ‘Your daughter has a softball-size tumor on her brain.’ Hours later she was in surgery.”

Suhr recalls signing the consent form acknowledging that the treatment they would give her could also kill her. Six months later, there was another surgery, followed by five months of chemo.

“She spent the next few months in and out of the hospital,” Suhr said. “She went from 12-month-old sized clothes to six months.”

At the age of 14 months, Suhr said her daughter turned the corner. She had an amazing team of doctors, but she still faces multiple problems seven years later.

“Nothing in life prepared me for the last few years,” Suhr said. “You never expect to hear your child has cancer. My hope is I can spread awareness and our collective resources can make the government give more than four percent to research of childhood cancer.”

(Left) Medina native Mercedes Wilson, cancer survivor and TV host, made a return appearance as keynote speaker at For Women Only on Thursday night. (Right) Lori Condo, assistant comptroller at Orleans Community Health, welcomes guests to the first For Women Only since Covid at White Birch Golf Course Thursday night.

She urged everyone to support cancer services, lend a hand to families dealing with it and donate.

Mercedes Wilson is a return speaker to For Women Only, having been the keynote speaker at the last event in 2019. A breast cancer survivor, author, entrepreneur and host of 7Life with WKBW Channel 7, she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer when she was just 28 years old.

“That changed everything,” she said. “I was newly divorced with two children.”

She faced eight rounds of chemo, during which she lost her hair, her hands and feet turned black – and everything hurt, she said.

She had her first of three surgeries on Dec. 20, 2011.

During the experience, Wilson said she learned life is lived in relationships.

“You have to love, shatter glass ceilings and connect,” she said. “Breast cancer showed me the definition of love. If you find a way to give back, that can be your act of love.”

Her glass ceiling came from a relationship with a co-host with whom they couldn’t agree on anything. But that worked it out and now are on friendly terms.

“That kind of relationship causes you to grow,” she said.

She said people are meant to connect. Positive relationships that add value to your life mean you have someone to laugh with.

“Hug someone tonight. Shake someone’s hand before you leave,” she urged.

Before the evening ended, a tribute was paid to Cindy Perry, who headed Community Partners and organized For Women Only for many years. She is out of town, but will be presented with a gift when she returns. She was also assisted by Nicole Helsdon, who was in attendance.

Other special features were honoring cancer survivors and remembering those lost by showing their name and picture on a giant screen, and a Tree of Life designed by local artist Carol Culhane. Attendees could write the name of a cancer patient on a leaf and stick it on the tree. The framed tree will be hung in the lobby of the hospital.

Maegan Suhr of Lyndonville shares about her daughter surviving brain cancer after being diagnosed seven years ago.

The evening also included hors ‘d oeuvres, a 50-50 drawing and basket raffle.

Vendors who participated were Orleans Community Health, Genesee and Orleans County Health Department, Hospice of Orleans, Orleans County Mental Health Department, GOWN Cancer Services Program, Barbara’s Wreaths and Things and Bomb Party (Techelle Stephens).

 For Women Only was generously sponsored by Baxter Healthcare, Takeform, Nesbitt Fruit Farms, Plummer Orchards, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Kristine Hydock, Partyka Farms and the ACT Program.

Special thanks is also owed to supporters Carol Culhane, Case-Nic Cookies, Lori Condo, Megan Johnson , Amanda Luckman, Erica Chutko, Jeannie Wodo, Scott Robinson, Eli Howard and everyone who donated baskets and raffle items.

Condo informed the women that the profits from the event would benefit cancer services programs at the hospital.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering their final 2023 free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October. Funding for the rabies clinics are provided by the New York State Department of Health.

• The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia)
• The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)

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

“We encourage all Genesee and Orleans County residents to take advantage of our last rabies immunization clinics of 2023 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in both Genesee and Orleans Counties and is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Please leave wildlife alone and do not feed, touch, or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.”

For more information on GO Health’s programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org. You can also contact your respective health department:

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

Panel of experts will discuss the health effects of vaping and suggest resources for quitting

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

ALBION – Are you a parent that is concerned about your child who is vaping? Are you a community member that wants to know more about vaping?

If so, you are invited to attend the Orleans County Vaping Summit at the Albion Middle School Auditorium on Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A panel of experts will discuss the health effects of vaping, provide data on youth vaping in Orleans County and discuss resources for quitting. Following the event, experts will be available for questions and will have resources and information available.

“One of the priority areas of the 2022-2024 Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming (GOW) Counties Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is to prevent tobacco use and vaping among youth,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Vaping is a serious public health issue facing the youth in our community. We look forward to providing community members with information on vaping as well as an opportunity for attendees to ask questions of experts in the field.”

GO Health appreciates the support of our partners for this event including the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, UConnectCare (formally GCASA), and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

By Mike Pettinella, UConnectCare Publicist

Christen Foley

BATAVIA – UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) has promoted Christen Foley to the position of project director of the Western New York Prevention Resource Center.

The Batavia resident will oversee the implementation of training programs and technical assistance to community drug and alcohol prevention coalitions in the eight-county region. Foley, with the support of two community development specialists, is responsible for collaborating with the prevention providers, coalitions and community groups that make up the WNYPRC.

One of six prevention resource centers in New York State, the WNYPRC is based at UConnectCare’s offices on Clinton Street Road in Batavia and is an initiative of the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

Its focus is on engaging community stakeholders in the development of new coalitions and supporting established community coalitions as they work to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Additionally, the center provides technical assistance, training and support to communities and coalition partners.

“The WNYPRC encourages the use of the Strategic Prevention Framework, which is a public health, outcome-based prevention approach,” Foley said. “This seven-phase approach helps coalitions assess the community’s needs and address them accordingly. The key is to respond appropriately by utilizing the data that reveals each community’s specific needs.”

Foley was hired by UConnectCare in 2019 to lead the Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force. Her efforts helped expand the task force to various segments of the community and resulted in it receiving the 2020 Community Star from the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. The award is given annual to only one rural entity in New York State.

Shannon Ford, services director of Communications and Development and director of Prevention at UConnectCare, said Foley is “a natural fit” for the project director role.

“Christen was able to refine her community engagement skills with the GOW Opioid Task Force and will now be able to help community coalitions across the region,” Ford said. “Most people don’t understand the science behind substance use disorder prevention and coalition activities. Christen and her team will help community coalitions effectively reduce underage substance use using evidence-based approaches.”

Foley has been attending trainings and workshops since her appointment to the new position in June, including the Foundation in Prevention Ethics Training and the CADCA Mid-Year Training Institute, the latter a four-day conference in Dallas.

“As a result, I will now be certified to host and facilitate the six-hour, in-person Foundations in Prevention Ethics course for our prevention providers, coalitions and community partners,” she said, adding that she also is working towards becoming a certified Substance Abuse Prevention Skill Training Trainer.

She said she plans to host an ethics training next year and will be working on establishing coalitions in Genesee and Orleans counties.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

BATAVIA – Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Health have identified Genesee County as having a high average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter).

Radon can build up to dangerous levels in your home, which can occur in new homes or older homes.

“Radon can enter your home through cracks in the foundation, cracks in basement walls, holes, joints, dirt floors, sump pump holes, suspended floors and in the well-water supply,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Any house that has contact to the ground has the potential for radon to enter the home. That is why training contractors and code enforcement officers about the risk of radon is important.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Genesee County Health Department will be hosting George Schambach, the Vice President of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologies, Inc., and President/Owner of Professional Home Inspection Service to implement a training for all contractors and code enforcement officers. This training will be held at the Genesee County Emergency Management Office on 7690 State Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

Topics will include:

• Radon Measurement
• Radon Mitigation
• Radon Abatement and
• Health Risks of Radon to Construction Personnel

This training is free of charge and open to Genesee County and those outside the county as well. Any contractor or code enforcement officer interested in attending can contact Allysa Pascoe at 585-344-2580 x5508 to register. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Dr. James Goetz, retiring pediatrician, praised for 45 years of service to OOH patients

Photos courtesy of Oak orchard Health: (Left) Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, celebrates at the 50th anniversary celebration at Maison Albion on Friday. (Right) Dr. James Goetz and his wife celebrate at the dinner on Friday.

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

ALBION – What a night! After 50 years there was a lot to celebrate. Oak Orchard Health was founded in 1973 and Dr. James Goetz joined us in 1978 as a pediatrician. As he said, “There must be something special at Oak Orchard Health for me to stay that long!”

Oak Orchard Health celebrated the milestone anniversary with a gala on Friday at Maison Albion with its staff, board members and elected officials.

Karen Kinter, the Oak Orchard Health CEO, presented the State of the Organization to cheers and applause. She also brought Dr. Goetz up to the podium to thank him for his years of service and presented him with original artwork signed by Oak Orchard staff.

“We wanted to do something special for Dr. Goetz and this artwork depicting our agricultural workers seemed appropriate,” Kinter said. “He has always been dedicated to ensuring our health services are available to everyone, particularly farmworkers. We were honored to have Dr. Goetz with us for 45 years.”

This group include Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, pediatrician and chief medical officer; OOH board president Renee Biedlingmaier; and Dr. Rachel Nozzi, chief dental officer.

On Saturday, October 14, Oak Orchard Health will host a community open house for Dr. Goetz from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Brockport office. All are welcome to come by for fun, friendship, and refreshments. We’d love to see you there.

Representatives from the offices of Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Senator George Borello, and Senator Robert Ortt attended the Friday event and presented Oak Orchard Health with proclamations. OOH also received a 50th Anniversary Proclamation from Congressman Joe Morelle.

Our current and past board members were present and recognized for their dedication to Oak Orchard. Three retired board members Kathy Williams (served 11 years), Rita Wagner (19 years), and David Jewell (18 years) joined us.

Karen Kinter is shown with OOH board president Renee Biedlingmaier, and vice president Randy Dumas.

Current board members that attended were Renee Biedlingmaier (Board Chair), Randy Dumas (Vice Chair), Nyla Gaylord (Treasurer), Lorienda Smith (Secretary), Rene Cibrian, George Sokolsky, Cynda Watroba, and Leda Pacelli-Szabo.

Each member of the Senior Executive Team donated a themed basket that we later gave to the lucky team member.

The dinner and dessert were fabulous. Thank you to everyone who helped us make this a special evening.

The 50th Anniversary celebration would not be complete without the support of our sponsors which include Labella, The Bonadio Group, Henry Schein, Pullano & Farrow, PLLC, Crane Dental Laboratory, Maison Albion, Wolf Martial Arts, and Pro Squared Janitorial Services. We also received donations from many local businesses.

Oak Orchard Health

Founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Currently serving over 30,000 patients at eleven locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina, and Warsaw.

This group enjoying the celebration includes Rita Wagner, Karen Kinter, Kathy Williams and David Jewell.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Lead is a metal that is toxic to our bodies. Young children under 6 years old are most at risk for lead poisoning because their bodies are rapidly developing. A child with lead poisoning can experience learning difficulties, lower IQ, difficulty paying attention, organ damage and anemia. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.

“Lead poisoning is preventable,” stated Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “It is important to stop children from coming in contact with lead hazards before poisoning occurs.”

The Genesee County Health Department has expanded their Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to include Livingston and Wyoming Counties. The grant now includes Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

The Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (HUD) Grant addresses lead-based paint hazards, as well as certain health concerns, in homes and apartments in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming (GLOW) counties. In order to be eligible for these funds, homeowners and property owners must meet all of the following requirements:

• Tenants or homeowners who are income eligible (limited funds for vacant units, call for more information)
• Building was built prior to 1978
• At least one child under the age of 6 living in the home, or visiting 8 or more hours a week, or a pregnant female
• Lead-based paint hazards in the home
• Current on tax and mortgage payments
• Other requirements determined on a case by case basis

Rental property owners are also required to match 10% of the total project costs. For example, a rental property owner would be required to pay $2,000 for a $20,000 project. Rental properties must have 4 units or less. All recipients are required to maintain ownership of the residence for 5 years after the project is completed.

Applications can be obtained by contacting our lead program staff or found on the GO Health website (click here).

Possible contracted work may include:

• Painting
• Window replacement
• Entry door replacement
• Porch repair or replacement
• Bare soil treatment/landscaping
• Other general repairs

All work is completed by pre-approved local contractors trained and EPA-certified in lead-safe work practices. If you would like to be added to our list of contractors, please contact the Genesee County Health Department.

Our GLOW Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) team collaborates with HUD to offer education on preventing lead poisoning and how to renovate safely. If you have any lead related questions, contact the GLOW CLPPP team.

For more information, help determining eligibility, or to be added to our list of contractors, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@co.genesee.ny.us.  You can also visit GOHealthNY.org for an application.

By Estela Sanchez Cacique, Patient Engagement Services Manager, Oak Orchard Health

Getting health care services isn’t always easy. At Oak Orchard Health (OOH), we focus on breaking down barriers to care for our patients.  At OOH, we understand that at times it can be difficult to get the care you need. That is why we will work to help you navigate through any barriers to care by providing support services that are free of charge to our patients. Offering these services is what makes a community health center different from other healthcare options in the region. Our Community Health Workers are here to help provide services directly to our patients or refer them to local community agencies.

Need transportation for medical or dental visits?

Oak Orchard Health has eight vans stationed at our health centers that can provide transportation services to and from your appointments at no charge. Please give us at least three days’ notice so that we can plan to accommodate your trip. Unfortunately, our vans are not handicap accessible but folding wheelchairs are the exception if the patient is mobile and can get themselves in and out of the van without any assistance. If you require assistance getting in and out of our vans, we recommend that you bring someone along who can help you.

We provide medication delivery services if there are no copays on any of the prescriptions. Or we can take patients to the pharmacy to pick up their medications, whether that is on the way home from their appointment or another day.

Oak Orchard Health provides transportation services for specialty care visits, or any type of testing or lab services not offered at OOH, even if it is in Rochester.  We also provide transportation to the local food pantry, if a patient is home-bound but needs a food basket delivered. OOH is also available to meet that need by delivering it directly to the patient’s home.

Have you seen our Mobile Medical Unit?

We have a state-of-the-art Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) which is out in the community at libraries, community events, and other partnering agencies. The MMU is where you can get same-day appointments, physicals, and referrals to other community agencies. We look forward to working collaboratively with our local County Health Departments, partnering agencies like Head Start programs, and organizations for the homeless to bring the Mobile Medical Unit closer to those in need.

English isn’t your first language? No problem.

At Oak Orchard, we have Bilingual (English and Spanish) Community Health Workers on staff along with a Bilingual medical provider who speaks Spanish at our Batavia location. We also use interpretation services for other languages that are not available in-house. For patients with ASL needs, Oak Orchard Health uses an in-person ASL interpretation service.

Open enrollment for health insurance started June 1, 2023!

If you have not already recertified for your health insurance through the New York State of Health, now is the time to do it. During the pandemic, you did not need to recertify but that has now changed. If you receive health insurance through the New York State of Health, you need to reach out to a facilitated enroller to ensure there is no gap in your coverage. Some of our Oak Orchard Health locations also have facilitated enrollers working out of their health centers. For more information, please contact your local Oak Orchard Health Center or the marketplace website: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov

Sliding Fee Scale Program or health insurance?

If you are uninsured or have a high deductible plan, we offer a sliding fee scale program that can help offset the cost of some of your medical costs here at Oak Orchard Health. This program offers patients discounts on services based on family size and annual income. Patients approved for the Sliding Fee Program must also pay their co-pay at the time of the visit.

The bottom line is that we are here to help you get the healthcare services you need. Call Oak Orchard Health at (585) 637-3905 to discuss any of these support services if you need them.  

Press Release, Oak Orchard Health

Michelle Okonieczny

MEDINA — Oak Orchard Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Okonieczny, DNP, from the Medina office as its new Director of Advanced Practice Providers.

“She has proven herself to be an exceptional leader with unwavering dedication to our organization and the field of family medicine,” said Dr. Danielle Renodin-Mead, Oak Orchard’s chief medical officer. “Michelle brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, having recently achieved her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).”

Okonieczny’s dedication to expanding the capabilities of our advanced practice providers (APP) which includes Family Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Practitioners, and her deep understanding of family medicine, make her the perfect choice. In her new position, Okonieczny will be responsible for overseeing and guiding the growth of our APPs, providing mentorship, and ensuring all APPs have the resources they need to excel in their roles. Michelle will be under the leadership of our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mead.

“Michelle has a deep commitment to our mission and values and will continue to see patients in the Medina office in addition to her new responsibilities,” Dr. Mead said. “We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our team and the communities we serve. Together, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care and making a difference in the lives of our patients.”

About Oak Orchard Health

Originally founded in 1973, Oak Orchard has grown from a migrant health project into an integrated health center with multiple locations providing health care services for everyone located in the communities we serve. Oak Orchard currently serves over 30,000 patients at eleven locations in the towns of Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Corfu, Hornell, Medina and Warsaw.

By Lauren Rogers, PA, Oak Orchard Health in our Albion and Batavia Health Centers.

Hard to believe that the summer is fast coming to a close. The first indication of that is parents thinking about preparing their kids (and themselves) for going back to school. In this article, I want to give you a few tips on making those early weeks more successful and throughout the school year.

Kids do get sick more, especially during the first few months.

It’s true, kids do get sick more in the first few months of school. How do you prevent it? Be sure they wash their hands often, have them get enough sleep, and try not to send them to school if they are sick – unfortunately, that’s how germs get spread.

Often kids have runny noses, sneeze, and get chills. How do you know if it’s allergies or a cold, or something else? The symptoms can be very similar.  Children experience congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose with allergies, but he/she generally feels all right. Cold symptoms include fever, chills, and achiness all over. If your child has a fever for more than 24 hours or you have any concerns about them, contact your pediatrician.

And if you think it could be Covid-19, over-the-counter tests are readily available at your local store. Take an at-home test and if positive, then contact your provider. It’s probably a good idea to have some of those tests at home.

The school physical

Often schools require that children get a physical so please make an appointment now if you haven’t. Here’s your opportunity to be sure kids are up to date on immunizations. It’s also a great time to discuss health conditions that can hinder school performance such as vision and hearing screens.

During a physical, we also screen for anxiety, depression, and behavior issues. These are important topics that need to be addressed and we need to develop a course of action.

To be successful at school, nutrition, sleep patterns, exercise, and screen time all play a role. Ending screen time an hour or more before bedtime will help them get better sleep.

Of course, we capture height and weight and discuss nutrition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, children and adolescents aged 2-19 in 2017-2020, obesity affected 14.7 million nationwide.

Nutrition

Another great way to keep kids healthy is to give them healthy foods and snacks. Easier said than done, right? It’s always best to eat something rather than skip a meal. Also, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day for kids. If they don’t eat nutritious foods or skip breakfast, they’re likely to be less attentive in school and that will affect how successful they are. Some good options for kids are eggs (even hard-boiled), cheese sticks, bananas with peanut butter, toast with nut butter, and yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, are healthier choices. Try to avoid foods that come out of a package. Cereal is always easy but unfortunately, your child will be hungry an hour or two later.

Car Seat Safety

Back to school often means more drop-offs and pick-ups. Car seat safety is extremely important because motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for children 4 years and older (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics).

Car seat safety can be a complex topic but it’s so important. Be sure to read your specific car seat manual. Keep in mind that straps need to be as close as possible to the body of the child. Big puffy coats and Halloween costumes can often get in the way. Think about strapping your child in and then adding the coat or keeping a blanket in the car.

Did you know that New York State law requires that:

•all children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat.

•all children under the age of 4 ride in child safety seats.

•all children ride in child restraint systems until their 8th birthday.

If you have any questions on these topics, please call your medical provider or pediatrician. Oak Orchard is always here to help.

By Erica Chutko

Did you know breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? As a result, the American Cancer Society recommends women over the age of 40 should at least consider getting yearly mammograms. Mammograms can help prevent breast cancer, which can be credited with one of the reasons that the 5 – year survival rate is can be as high as 90% plus. It’s all about early detection. Did you also know that not only is lung cancer the 2nd most common form of cancer in the United States, but it’s also the leading cause of cancer related deaths? Knowing this, is there an imaging test that can help detect lung cancer? Thankfully, the answer is yes – a CT scan.

What is a CT scan?

Commonly referred to as a CAT scan or computed tomography scan, CT scans produce a number of detailed and efficient computerized x-rays of the body. If contrast dye is ordered by the physician, the technologist with use a small needle to place an intravenous line into the arm. For those not familiar with the test, patients lie down and enter through what looks like a tunnel, sometimes even doughnut-shaped. Even though the machine is large and makes humming noises, it will not touch your body during the scan. A radiology technologist will operate the scanner. During the test, a low dose of radiation is used to take images that are then sent to a computer for a more detailed look at different portions of the body.  The computer puts the images together to make a 3 dimensional (3D) image. The dose of radiation is low and safe as possible, but still gives the best quality for the images.

What can a CT scan detect?

The minimally invasive test can diagnose, detect, and evaluate a host of diseases and injuries. A CT scan is often used to investigate head injuries or acute neurological symptoms, evaluate chronic sinus symptoms or hearing loss. It can diagnose appendicitis and evaluate masses.  Your doctor may request a CT scan to obtain specific diagnostic information that is not provided by or is complementary to other imaging technologies. Those include x-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Whether your doctor is looking for muscle disorders, broken bones, internal injury, bleeding, or for the purpose of this discussion the location of tumors, including cancer.

What are some general guidelines to follow when having a CT scan?

1. Notify the radiology department of any illness such as cold, cough, fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. They may need to reschedule your appointment if you are an outpatient.

2. Notify the radiology technologist about all allergies or any previous drug reaction that may keep you from receiving contrast if needed.

3. Notify the radiology technologist if you have severe kidney disease or are on kidney dialysis due to risks from the contrast.

4. Dress in comfortable clothing with no metal snaps, belt buckles, or zippers. In the case of CT scans of the head, metal hair clips and jewelry must be removed.

Prevention is the key.

How well do you know your body? Only you will know when chest pain is different, wheezing or a cough is more than allergies, and other symptoms just won’t subside. These symptoms and others are why it’s so important to have a good relationship with your primary care provider. An annual physical will allow you the opportunity to continue a dialogue and bring up concerns or simply questions you might have. If these symptoms develop throughout the year, even if you’ve already had your annual physical, you should contact your primary care provider immediately. Early detection is crucial, and it’s one of the reasons the 5 – year survival rate for lung cancer is so low, because detection is typically not found until the later stages.

What should you be looking for? You’ve probably guessed it already and can assume many of the early symptoms of concern center around your chest and throat. Chest pain, shortness of breath, a worsening cough, and even a hoarse voice might be signs that you need to call your doctor.

In fact, the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening for people those at high risk. These would be individuals who smoked 1 pack per day for 20 years and still smoke or who quit in the last 15 years and are age 50 – 80. The annual surveillance has demonstrated some success in catching lung cancer very early. This early detection can lead to higher survival rate.

Now that you know a CT scan can help detect lung cancer, you should also know how to avoid it in the first place. By now you’ve probably seen an ad that discusses smoking and its dangers. That’s because smoking tobacco products causes 8 to 9 out of 10 cases of lung cancer. While radon, a family history of lung cancer, and asbestos are said to be some of the other causes, so is secondhand smoke. If you want to be serious about avoiding lung cancer, you have to be serious about avoiding tobacco products altogether.

Erica Chutko is the director of radiology and cardiac services at Medina Memorial Hospital. Community Health Resource is a monthly informational feature by healthcare providers at Orleans Community Health – MMH.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Provided photo: A Health Department official uses tick dragging to try to collect of host-seeking ticks

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) encourage residents to protect themselves, their children and their pets from tick-borne diseases.

Not all ticks can cause disease and not all bites will make you sick, but as ticks become more widespread, there is a higher risk the ticks will carry disease. It is important to learn how to prevent a bite, how to check for ticks, how to remove a tick and what to do if you think you could have a tick-borne disease.

“Lyme disease is endemic (widespread) throughout New York State,” said Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services for GO Health.

“Lyme disease is also the most common disease spread by ticks in New York, but there are other serious diseases ticks spread including Anaplasmosis, Erhichioisis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever,” Bedard said. “There are many different species of ticks, but locally the most common is the deer tick. The deer tick is a vector (carrier) for several diseases (Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis) and received the name because of its habit of living and feeding on white-tailed deer, however ticks acquire Lyme disease by feeding on infected mice and other small rodents.”

According to the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, Genesee and Orleans counties have had 36 local cases of Lyme disease between 2018-2020, said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health.

“Ticks are here locally and you can’t tell which are infected by disease or not,” he said.

Ticks are found in many types of settings such as woodlands, tree stumps, lawns and gardens, around stone walls, nature trails, outdoor summer camps, and playing fields. Ticks do not jump or fly, they attach to their host when a human or animal makes contact with something that a tick is on, like tall grass, shrubs, or an animal.

The risk of human infection with Lyme disease is greatest in late spring and summer, but ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing.

“We know the ticks that cause Lyme disease are in Western New York, that is why it is so important to make sure you do regular checks for ticks while outdoors and when you first get home,” Pettit said. “It is also important to check pets for ticks after they spend time outdoors.”

GO Health started conducting local tick surveillance in both counties this month. Tick dragging is a widely used technique for active collection of host-seeking ticks and is done by dragging a cloth over the top of vegetation and regularly checking it for the presence of ticks. The collected ticks are sent to the laboratory and tested for the presence of tick-borne diseases. Over the next few months, health department staff will continue tick dragging in local parks and public places.

To prevent tick-borne illness exposure while outdoors, you and your family can do the following:

• Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
• Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
• Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently while outdoors.
• Use insect repellent with 20-30% DEET. Follow use instructions.
• Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Avoid dense woods and busy areas.
• Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls.
• Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after going indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you.
• Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets), and remove ticks promptly.

Additional prevention tips to create a tick-free zone in your backyard to keep you, your family and pets safe from tick exposure include:

• Keep grass mowed, along with clearing tall grasses and brush.
• Remove brush and leaves around stonewalls and woodpiles.
• Keep woodpiles and bird feeders away from your home.
• Keep family dogs and cats out of wooded areas to reduce ticks brought into your home.
• Place swing sets, sand boxes, decks and patios in a sunny spot away from yard edges and trees.
• Place a 3-foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment.

Removing a Tick

To properly remove a tick, you should use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the ticks by its mouthparts, as close to the surface of the skin as you can. Carefully pull the tick straight up without twisting.

Do not touch the tick. Do not squeeze the body of the tick (it may increase your risk of infection). Clean your hands and the areas on your skin where the tick was.  Watch the site of the bite for rash (3-30 days after bite).

Removing a tick within 36 hours of attachment to the skin can lower the risk of contracting Lyme disease. You can view a video to learn more about what you can do if you find a tick attached to you. (Click here to see it.)

To learn more about ticks, Lyme disease and other diseases ticks can spread visit the New York State Department of Health, click here.

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

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