Wilson, a Medina native and television host for Channel 7 in Buffalo, is a breast cancer survivor

Provided photo: Mercedes Wilson, author, host of 7Life with WKBW Channel 7 and breast cancer survivor, will be the guest speaker at Orleans Community Health’s For Women Only, scheduled Oct. 5 at White Birch in Lyndonville.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health is excited to announce the return of For Women Only, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at White Birch in Lyndonville.

For Women Only was an annual event which always sold out until Covid forced its cancellation in 2020, according to Scott Robinson, director of marketing, communications and outreach for Orleans Community Health.

In addition to raising funds, the event also provided educational information to attendees and entertainment.

“Everyone knows someone who has had their lives affected by cancer,” Robinson said. “Bringing back For Women Only allows us to bring survivors, fighters and supporters together for an evening of stories, information and uplifting times.”

When Covid forced a change in plans in 2020, several tickets and sponsorships were sold, Robinson said. These will all be honored in October. Anyone who believes they had already purchased tickets should contact Lori Condo at (585) 798-8422 and she will confirm the purchase and reservation. Contact with Condo is necessary to confirm the reservation.

Tickets for a new reservation are $30 and can be purchased by contacting Lori Condo.

Guest speaker for the evening will be Mercedes Wilson, mother of four, an author, advocate, host of 7Life with WKBW Channel 7 and entrepreneur. She also is a 2000 Medina High School graduate.

She will share her story of being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, which changed everything, she said. From that battle she formed For Our Daughters, a non-profit geared at teaching youth how to advocate for their health and wellness. The organization served young women across Western New York.

 Wilson is the host of a new digital platform for Channel 7 called “7Life,” which highlights all of the great people and places in the area. While doing a segment for AM Buffalo, she discovered a dish that her late grandmother used to make called “Cha-Cha.” Her family and friends loved it so much that she kept making it and it is now sold in more than 100 grocery stores across Upstate New York.

In addition to Wilson, other speakers will share information about services available in Orleans County and some will share their personal experiences.

“While we’re using the October date to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to stress that this is an event for all,” Robinson said. “In addition to basket raffles and other returning highlights, we’re also adding an opportunity to have loved ones included in a slide show that honors those we’ve lost, current fighters and survivors. As always, funds raised during this event will go toward cancer services in Orleans.”

Anyone interested in participating in the event or donating a basket should contact Robinson at srobinson@medinamemorial.org.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

What is a vape?

Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes), better known as vapes, have become a widely used product for teens and young adults. Vaping is the action of inhaling vapor created by an E-Cigarette device.

The devices can look like flash drives and come in many different flavors, sizes, and brands. The vape device works by heating an oily liquid until it becomes vapor. The liquid in the device, also known as vape juice, contains chemicals and can contain marijuana distillate or oil.

The liquid also contains some mix of flavorings, aromatic additives that could smell and taste fruity or minty, depending on the flavor of the device.

Is vaping bad for you?

“There are still many unknowns about vaping and its long term effects, including the vape liquid contents,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Although vapes have been advertised as a way to quit smoking regular cigarettes, vapes still contain nicotine, the same addictive chemical in cigarettes. They also contain chemicals that have the potential to damage the lungs and there are no real regulations on how much nicotine and other chemicals are added.”

Vaping associated risks

Our lungs are not built to take in chemicals and oils over time. According to John Hopkins Medicine, the oily liquid from vape devices could have the ability to coat the lungs and cause chronic lung diseases such as lipoid pneumonia, a form of lung inflammation.

A National Library of Medicine research review article discussed that nicotine can lead to brain development risks and may cause anxiety. Nicotine also raises blood pressure and spikes adrenaline. Heart rate then increases, increasing the risk for heart attack.

The risk of becoming a regular cigarette smoker and or developing other addictions is high. Reasons for quitting not only involve the health risks, it is also financially expensive and sports performance can dwindle as vaping may lead to lung irritation.

Tips on quitting

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

Feeling the urge to vape? Try these instead:

• Chewing gum or drinking water
• Exercise
• Yoga or meditation
• Keeping your hands busy

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

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

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

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

It is early August and the height of summer, which often means the peak of “bat season” for local health departments and when people more commonly have encounters with bats.

Bats can occasionally find their way into houses, particularly in older homes that are not properly sealed. This most often occurs during the summer nights. When you find a bat in your home, it is extremely important to safely capture the animal if it is suspected to have been in contact with people, pets or livestock so that it can be tested for rabies. If the bat cannot be captured, you should call the health department for advice and next steps.

In some situations, it is possible that a bat bite could go undetected. For example, if you awaken and find a bat in your room, if you see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or if you see a bat near someone who is unable to speak or is under the influence of drugs/alcohol, it is important to seek medical advice and have the bat tested.

To safely capture a bat:

• Turn on room lights and close all the windows.
• Close the room and closet doors.
• Wait for the bat to land.
• While wearing thick leather-like gloves, place a coffee can, pail or similar container over the bat (Never handle a bat with your bare hands).
• Slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat.
• Firmly hold the cardboard in place against the top of the container, turn it right side up and tape the cardboard tightly to the container.
• If you do not feel comfortable capturing the bat or cannot do it safely, contact your respective health department during regular business hours. If it is after regular business hours, contact your local county dispatch. For Orleans County, call (585) 589-5527. For Genesee County, call (585) 343-5000.

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in August.

• The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Aug. 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion).

• The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Aug. 10 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).

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 maximum.

“Rabies continues to be a public health issue in Genesee and Orleans Counties,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “We urge pet owners to take this opportunity to ensure their pets are protected against rabies.”

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

Provided photos: Oak Orchard Health has a new dental office at the former All Smiles Dentistry site at the corner of Allen Road and South Main Street.

ALBION — Oak Orchard Health welcomes the community to a ribbon-cutting celebration at 3 p.m. on Aug. 10. Oak Orchard has a new dental office at 362 South Main St.

The public also can tour the facility which includes 7 new exam rooms. Oak Orchard has a full-time dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistant. Oak Orchard accepts most insurances, including Medicaid, and offers a sliding fee discount scale.

Dr. Jenna Rogge

“The lack of dental services in our region is detrimental to the total health of our patients,” said Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health. “The Albion community has needed more dental care for some time and we are proud to have our new office opened. We continue to grow to meet the needs of our community and now serve more than 30,000 patients across Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, Steuben, and Wyoming counties.”

The open house on Aug. 10 also will be a chance to meet Dr. Jenna Rogge, DDS; dental hygienist Miranda Betances, RDH, Dr. Rachel Nozzi, the chief dental officer.

“We’re so proud of our new dental center and the qualified dental team there,” said Dr. Nozzi.

Dr. Rogge brings with her several years of dental experience working with families including children and seniors. She said she believes it’s very important to treat patients with respect and empathy while supporting them in making decisions about their health and course of treatment. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has issued an announcement highlighting its successes in the first half of 2023.

After a solid 2022 that included expanding services and a higher patient volume, Orleans Community Health has more positive things to report about the start to 2023, according to Marc Shurtz, CEO of Orleans Community Health.

“Recognitions, new highs with patient volume and many other things highlight why we’re excited for things to come,” Shurtz said.

Highlights of the first half of 2023 include expanding primary care services at the Albion Healthcare Center. Cheryl Kast, an Orleans County resident, started with OCH’s Albion Healthcare Center in January and brought a decade of experience directly serving the community with her.

The Wound Care Center was recognized as a “Center of Distinction” for its patient care. This center opened three years ago and has already expanded hours with an increase in patient visits.

It was announced in June, Buffalo Business First recognized Rhonda Woody as one of their 25 “Excellence in Health Care” recipients. Woody is lead sonographer and technical director of echocardiography at Orleans Community Health.

As the second half kicks off, Shurtz said there are several exciting announcements forthcoming. Additional recognitions and some returning events, including For Women Only, will be taking place before the end of the year.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

Depending on the weather, aerial and hand distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits will take place in Western New York from Aug. 15-17.

Areas of New York State are once again taking part in a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 16 states. Ongoing field evaluation of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) called ONRAB will occur in Clinton, Essex counties in the Empire State as part of an evaluation that also includes parts of northern Vermont and New Hampshire.

Additionally, evaluations will also occur in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wyoming counties. These sites were selected in part because of ongoing collaborations with Quebec and Ontario, Canada in the fight against rabies to protect human and animal health and reduce significant cost associated with living with rabies across broad geographic areas.

“Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is generally fatal,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies conservatively exceed $500 million annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, greater than 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife.”

The cooperative USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) was established in 1997 to prevent the further spread of wildlife rabies in the United States by containing and eventually eliminating the virus in terrestrial mammals. The majority of the NRMP efforts are focused on controlling raccoon rabies, which continues to account for most of the reported wildlife rabies cases in the U.S.

Raccoon rabies occurs in all states east of the established ORV zone that extends from Maine to northeastern Ohio to central Alabama. Continued access to oral vaccine and bait options that are effective in all target wildlife species remains critical to long-term success.

ORV was designed to test the safety and immunogenicity (provoke an immune response in the body of a human or other animal) of the oral human adenovirus-rabies glycoprotein recombinant vaccine ONRAB (Artemis Technologies Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ceva Sante Animale S.A., Guelph, Ontario, Canada), which has been successfully integrated into comprehensive rabies control programs that resulted in elimination of raccoon rabies from Canada.

Encouraging results from the U.S. trial in West Virginia represented a major milestone that led to expanded evaluations in 4 additional states (NH, NY, OH, and VT) in 2012-2021 and expansion into 2 new states (PA and TN) in 2022. Data from these evaluations could lead to licensing of this vaccine for broader, more aggressive management of raccoon rabies by the NRMP and partners, with the goal of eliminating the variant of the rabies virus that cycle in raccoons.

The ONRAB bait consists of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blister pack, containing the vaccine. To make the baits attractive, the blister packs are coated with a sweet attractant that includes vegetable-based fats, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil, artificial marshmallow flavor, and dark-green food-grade dye.

Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait. However, people who encounter baits directly are asked to leave the bait undisturbed. Should contact with bait occur, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap and contact your local health department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County or 585-589-3278 for Orleans County.

Please do not attempt to remove a bait from your dog’s mouth. The bait will not harm the dog.  If you have additional questions related to the field evaluation in New York, please contact the Wildlife Services office in Rensselaer, NY at (518) 477-4837.

Karen Kinter

By Karen Kinter, CEO, Oak Orchard Health

At Oak Orchard Health (OOH) we are twice as excited to be celebrating National Health Center Week (August 6-12) and our 50th anniversary. It has been fifty years since a few medical residents ventured out to care for those who did not have access to healthcare! Much has changed since then – we now care for more than 30,000 patients across Western Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, Steuben, and Wyoming counties.

National Health Center Week – The Roadmap to a Stronger America

National Health Center Week (NHCW) is an annual celebration with the goal to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s community health centers over the past five decades. Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. Not too long ago, we gave Covid-19 tests in our parking lots and remained open to care for our patients throughout the pandemic.

Each National Health Center Week (NHCW) day is dedicated to a particular area of importance. Oak Orchard is focusing on the following days:

Tuesday, August 8th is Agricultural Worker Health Day. Our roots run deep in the agricultural community Oak Orchard started by caring for farmworkers. During NHCW we will reach out to our patients with items that will help keep farmworkers safe while they work to put food on our tables. Our staff has chosen to donate gently used or new hats and bandanas to agricultural workers so that they stay safe in the heat during their long days. If patients and others in the community would like to donate these items or any others, please drop them off at one of our health centers by July 31st.

Wednesday, August 9th is Patient Appreciation Day. Oak Orchard Health serves more than 30,000 patients and we are grateful that they trust us to keep them and their loved ones healthy. On this day we will be recognizing our patients when they visit our health centers and send thank you messages through our social media channels. Stay tuned!

Thursday, August 10 is Stakeholder Appreciation Day. This is a special day to recognize our elected officials who support our mission. What better way than to show them our newly renovated Albion Dental Center at 362 South Main Street? We are having a Grand Opening with tours of the facility on August 10th from 3-5 PM. Everyone is welcome.

Friday, August 11 is Health Center Staff Appreciation Day. In recognition of their hard work, our Board of Directors will be having some fun with our staff by hosting Ice Cream Socials throughout the week at each health center. This is but a small token of thanks to our staff who work diligently day in and day out.

Oak Orchard Health turns 50 this year!

Over the past fifty years, OOH has grown to eleven health centers where you can get medical, dental, and behavioral health services — but we are so much more than that. Need health insurance? We can show you how to apply and make the process easier. English is not your first language. We have interpreters to help you communicate with your providers and some medical staff speak multiple languages. Having a tough time getting to healthcare services? Oak Orchard provides transportation services. Having trouble paying for healthcare services? We offer a sliding fee discount program based on your income.

Your chance to give back to Oak Orchard Health and your community.

Community Health Centers provide these services for everyone and would like to continue with your help. We are here to serve our entire community, but we need financial support.

Your donation will keep Oak Orchard financially healthy for the medical, dental, and behavioral health staff who make our organization so proud—each one tireless, kind, and skilled in their field. Donating not only fuels vital services; it lets us introduce new ones like the Mommy and Me Program which connects new moms to specialized counselors who help them tackle challenges like postpartum depression.

If you would like to donate, visit our website https://oakorchardhealth.org/donate/

Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

Did you know that radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil and water? Radon has no smell, taste or color and kills more than 21,000 people each year. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

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.”

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

“Testing your home for radon is the only way to know if high levels are present and corrective action is needed,” Brodie said.

When radon tests are completed, they should be performed in the lowest primary living area of the home.

GO Health encourages residents to test for radon when buying a home, doing a major renovation, every two years if there is a mitigation system installed or every five years otherwise.

You can purchase a short-term radon test kit from your local hardware store or through a radon-testing laboratory. A limited supply of Radon Test Kits are also available for Genesee County Residents at the Genesee County Fair this week from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Stop by the health department booth and ask for a free kit. For more information on radon or other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

If you are 45 years old or older or have a family history of colorectal cancer, now is the time to talk with your primary care provider about what screening option is right for you.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. It is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

The CDC also notes that in New York State among all races and ethnicities, the age-adjusted rate of colon and rectum cancer was 32.8 per 100,000 people in 2020.

Colorectal (or colon) cancer is a disease where the cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. The colon is the large intestine. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. When screening for colorectal cancer, providers are looking for abnormal growths called polyps, which may turn into cancer over time. Removing any polyps early on may decrease the risk of cancer.

For some people, there are no symptoms of colorectal cancer at first. Most colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum.

“The only way to determine if a person has polyps or colorectal cancer is through regular screening,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “There are several types of screening (stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography) and you should talk with your healthcare provider to determine which is best for you. Early detection is key in preventing colorectal cancer and also helps to reduce a person’s risk.”

Choosing to eat healthier has shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer as well as other chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. People are also encouraged to increase physical activity, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption and avoid the use of tobacco/nicotine. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can reduce your risk and when you should start screening for colorectal cancer.

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

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced the selection of three new members to the board of directors.

Jacquelyn Bixler, Matthew Kennedy and Mary Williams were named to the board at the June 27 meeting.

“Jacquelyn, Matthew and Mary are all great additions to our already strong board,” said Shannon Blount, who was re-elected as chair of the board of directors. “While each of these individuals bring experience with different backgrounds, they also bring a strong passion for making Orleans Community Health and our community a better and stronger place.”

In addition to Blount and the three new members, the 2022-23 Orleans Community Health board of directors includes Hector Fuentes, vice-chair; Kevin Foley, secretary; April McGaffick, treasurer; Richard Elman, MD, medical staff president; Lynne Johnson; Aaron Knights; Jenifer Maynard; Joseph Misiti, MD; and Dale Sponaugle, MD.

Marc Shurtz, CEO/CIO of Orleans Community Health, praised outgoing board members Dawn Meland and Cindy Hewitt, who have given years of dedication to Orleans Community Health.

“Exciting times are continuing at Orleans Community Health,” Shurtz said. “There’s no question that this group of community leaders and health professionals are going to continue to help push us in the right direction.”

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the existing air quality health advisory for the entire state will remain in effect through Thursday, and State Agencies and Authorities continue to coordinate ongoing air quality monitoring, public awareness and education, mask distribution, and other efforts to prevent or limit exposure to elevated levels of smoke-driven air pollution across New York.

The Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health are closely monitoring air quality for impacts from Canadian wildfires and issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for tomorrow after forecasts of levels of particulate matter pollution that are “Unhealthy” and “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” In addition, the Governor announced that a third crew of Forest Rangers is deploying to Quebec to assist in the Canadian fire response.

“As we continue to monitor air quality levels and provide communities with the information and tools they need to help prevent exposure to smoke-related air pollution, New Yorkers should remain vigilant and take steps to stay safe,” Governor Hochul said. “I thank the brave New York Forest Rangers joining the Canadian wildfire response and wish them a safe journey as they prepare to assist in the ongoing efforts to control the fires north of our borders.”

 Governor Hochul announced earlier today that the air quality health advisory for Wednesday, June 28 expanded to include the entire state. Tomorrow, Thursday, June 29, smoke will slowly move eastward and stall over Central New York as a high-pressure system meanders over the Mid-Atlantic coast, with the highest concentrations of smoke-induced fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution expected across Western and Northern New York. The smoke plume is expected to move out of New York more slowly than it moved in and heavier smoke is expected to remain upstate through much of Friday.

Air quality is forecasted to reach “Unhealthy” Air Quality Index levels tomorrow for Western and Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the Adirondacks. At this level, everyone may begin to experience health effects, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Air quality is forecasted to reach “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” in the rest of the state. At this level, members of sensitive groups such as people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions like asthma, young children, and older adults, may be more at risk of health effects from smoke. To learn more, see chart here.

Emergency cell phone alerts will be used to warn New Yorkers if air quality index exceeds the 200 threshold for “Very Unhealthy” air and sustained for longer than an hour. The alerts will be transmitted via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, managed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.