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

Press release
Hospice of Orleans

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release, Reality Check and Smoke Free NOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Tom Rivers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He is working on getting stronger and improving his balance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press release, Alzheimer’s Association

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Batavia hospital will look for another location

Photo by Tom Rivers – United Memorial Medical Center withdrew its plan to turn a former gas station and food mart on Route 31A into a women’s health center after the property was tested for environmental concerns.

smartDesign Architecture of Batavia made this rendering of the United Memorial Medical Center project, which included an addition of about 800 square feet as well as a canopy and brick for the front of the facade.

MEDINA – A plan to turn a former gas station on Maple Ridge Road into a women’s health center has been withdrawn after environmental auditing at the property.

United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia eyed the former K & K at 11360 Maple Ridge Rd. for obstetrics, gynecological care and other health services. UMMC currently provides those services out of space on Ohio Street. UMMC leases from Orleans Community Health.

The Batavia hospital wants more space for doctors and patients. It will look for another site in the Medina area after withdrawing from the Maple Ridge property.

That application was due to be reviewed by the Orleans County Planning Board on Thursday but was taken off the agenda just before the meeting.

Medina Memorial Hospital closed its birthing unit on July 1, 2011. The Batavia hospital now delivers about 100 babies to Orleans County women.

The former K & K site is owned by Reid Petroleum. Chad LaCivita was in the process of acquiring it, with the plan to then lease it to UMMC. The site would have been renovated, and expanded with a new brick exterior on the front and wrapping around the front sides.

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

For some folks, the holidays bring thoughts of office parties, family gatherings and other social gatherings. This may be a time of renewing friendships, relaxing with family, new friends or enjoying down time with co-workers.

The problem generally comes when alcohol is added to the mix. Many people don’t think about the consequences of drinking alcohol until it is too late.

Studies have shown that holiday drinking tends to fuel bad behavior. Most people link alcohol and parties with drunk driving only, but mixing alcohol with various social activities has also been known to increase inappropriate text messages, sexual antics and other inappropriate behaviors that have major repercussions affecting both family and work relationships.

Any party where alcohol is served freely not only increases the risk of injury from falls, car crashes, assaults, etc., but has also been shown to increase overuse of alcohol.

Many folks tend to drink more if they are not paying for the beverages. Also depending on who is preparing the drinks, some drinks are more than the recommended serving size of 1 ½ ounces of hard (distilled) liquor, 5 ounces of wine and 12 ounces of beer. Many of the glasses people use are larger than the recommended serving size so the person is getting more alcohol than they think.

Most parties have finger foods available to munch on, but it may not be enough to offset the amount and speed of alcohol being drunk. People are also usually visiting and aren’t paying attention to how much they are drinking or do not want to hurt someone’s feelings by refusing a drink until it is too late.

The only way to get the alcohol out of the bloodstream is through time, about one hour per drink serving. That means no alcohol for at least one hour after you finish the last drink before having another drink.

Another myth about staying sober is having a cup of coffee before leaving the party. If you have had even a couple of drinks (which may be double depending on the measurement of the alcohol) and are getting ready to leave and think a cup or two of coffee will clear your head, you are wrong. It may make you more awake. However, the effects of alcohol are still slowing your reaction time and clouding your judgment.

If you are planning on hosting a party, consider not serving alcohol. If that doesn’t work for you, designate one or two people to tend bar and make sure they know how to measure the correct amounts.

Use smaller glasses and make arrangements for guests to get home safely. Keep an eye on folks and cut them off early if you think they have had too much to drink. Have plenty of food for your guests to enjoy and in turn it may slow down the number of drinks they have. Do not leave anyone alone who has passed out from drinking alcohol – get them to a hospital.

Jobs and relationships have been lost due to drinking. Think before you drink and NEVER drink and drive!

Photo by Tom Rivers – Todd and Becky Wolford are pictured outside their home on West State Street in Albion on Wednesday. The couple worked in ministry together for about two decades with Mr. Wolford serving as a pastor and his wife the worship leader.

ALBION – Eight years ago on Thanksgiving, Becky Wolford was recovering from brain surgery. A massive softball-sized tumor had been removed from her brain a couple weeks before the holiday.

Wolford would have a skull piece inserted on her shaven head, and that skull piece would lead to infection and more surgery on Dec. 13, 2005.

She would suffer through deep depression, memory loss and anger in the months and years that followed. But Wolford said the ordeal has made her a better person with battle-tested faith.

“I have more sensitivity,” she said. “I feel things more now for people when they are going through something difficult.”

Wolford, 52, is now a college student with a goal of becoming a crisis counselor. She has written a book about her battle with cancer and her recovery. She will have a book-signing for “Trusted To Go Through” on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bindings Bookstore, 28 West Bank St., Albion.

Wolford and her husband Todd moved to Albion with their four children 14 years ago. They bought a big house in the village on West State Street. They moved to Albion drawn to a house that was cheap with a decent size lawn.

At the time, Todd was pastor of Victory Full Assembly of God church in Akron. Becky was the worship leader, singing contemporary Christian music and praise songs.

Becky has been singing in church since she was a little girl. She has performed at Darien Lake for Kingdom Bound, a Christian festival. She and her husband were a team, with Todd delivering a message from the pulpit and Becky leading congregations in singing.

When the tumor was detected on the left side of her brain, doctors said if she survived, she might not be able to sing again.

The cover of Becky Wolford’s book shows the scan of the tumor in her brain.

“The tumor was the worst size and it was in the worst place,” she said Wednesday at her home.

Doctors feared she wouldn’t be able to see, and her speech, math skills and memory would all be disrupted because of the invasive surgery.

Wolford had the tumor removed at the Cleveland Clinic. Doctors did an experimental surgery, cutting open the back of her head to go in between the halves of her brain. That approach proved a success.

Wolford, about six weeks after the surgery, sang a solo at the Batavia Assembly of God church.

It would be five years, however, until she could sing without looking at notes. Wolford said still struggles with her short-term memory.

But that hasn’t kept her from singing on a stage in public. She is part of the worship band at the Albion Free Methodist Church.

Her husband is now a full-time teacher at Lyndonville Central School, teaching business and technology. He is a pulpit supply preacher, filling in at churches when the regular pastor is on vacation. His wife will often join him at the churches, and sing for the congregations.

Wolford has home-schooled the couple’s four children, ages 17 to 30. She said she finally feels like herself from a decade ago, about two years before she had the tumor removed. Wolford suspects it was growing in her brain for years.

“I had headaches, but I thought it was stress,” she said. “I was tired a lot. I was so exhausted.”

Her energy has returned. She has taken up biking, joining her husband on bike rides on the canal and around Albion.

She is studying crisis counseling through Liberty University, and she hopes her book will encourage people at a crossroads. She titled the book, “Trusted To Go Through,” believing God will not forsake the faithful in a crisis

“We Christians don’t always have it easy,” she said. “This is the real world. It’s not Heaven. There are some things that we’re called to go through.”

For more on the book, click here.

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

Did you know being thankful is healthy? When you are optimistic or hopeful, you are also generally thankful for what you have. Thankful people also tend to think of what they can do for their community. They are generally healthier and they tend to heal quicker if they become ill or are injured.

If you tend to be pessimistic or negative, try to choose one thing to be thankful about and each day add something new. Being thankful and optimistic is your choice.

When dealing with the stresses or loneliness of the holidays, find a way to turn those feelings into something positive.

Consider the following tips to choose to be more thankful each day:

Talk with your family about what the holidays mean to you. Be honest about what you can afford and encourage everyone to give the more meaningful giftthe gift of their time.

Consider sharing stories about how thankful you were when someone helped you out, or when you helped someone out.

Share your gratitude with others by sharing your time with them. Take turns reading a favorite holiday story together, play board games or just enjoy one another’s company.

Volunteerthere are many options to volunteer. Ring the bells for the Salvation Army, volunteer at a soup kitchen, visit folks in a nursing home or who are shut-in. Helping others takes the focus off of yourself and you may make new friends.

Also, consider volunteering all year round, not just during the holidays as there are always folks who need help and it will make you feel good and more positive too!

Consider sending cards to members of our armed forces or to VA hospitals to thank them for their service.

Listen to and share joyful laughter.

Don’t forget to get in regular exercise – it helps keep the extra pounds from adding up and also relieves stress and gives you a brighter outlook.  Some ways to help get more exercise: park further away and walk, take stairs instead of escalators and elevators, and/or take time to play.

Finding ways to keep active 30 minutes each day for most days of the week helps with your appetite / digestion; you sleep better; and it helps keep you mentally focused.

Another way to consider being thankful is to participate in the 1^st Annual Holiday Spirit 5 K Fun Run/Walk held on Saturday, Dec. 7. The course starts at the Albion Fire Hall on Platt Street. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and is $25. Race time is 9:30.

All proceeds from the race will benefit MHA of Orleans County to continue to provide a safe, drug/alcohol free drop-in center and peer-driven support groups for adults 18 and older.

For more information or to register, call Nola Goodrich-Kresse at the Orleans County Health Department at 589-3162 or e-mail Nola.Goodrich-Kresse@orleansny.com.

To get the ball rolling on being thankful, I would like to thank each of you for reading this column, for your comments and your column suggestions.  You are much appreciated! Thank you! So, what are you thankful for?

A new leader has been appointed for Oak Orchard Health, a healthcare organization with sites in Albion, Lyndonville, Brockport and Warsaw.

Jim Cummings, the new CEO, is familiar with the community. He was an executive at Lakeside Health System since 2006.

Cummings

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that the board announces our hiring of Jim Cummings as the next CEO at Oak Orchard Health,” said Karen Watt, the OOH board chairwoman. “He will begin in this position by the middle of December and is enthusiastic and appreciates that he is joining a truly gifted and extraordinary staff.”

As an executive at Lakeside, Cummings first served as vice president of human resources, then senior vice president, and finally interim CEO.

Watt said Cummings keenly understands the health care needs and issues of our region. He provided executive leadership for all aspects of strategic planning, executive and physician recruitment, compensation, benefits administration, employee relations, organizational development, volunteers, and oversight of Lakeside hospital operations starting in 2011.

“It is my honor to have been selected to serve the community by leading Oak Orchard Health through this turbulent, yet exciting time of transition in American health care,” Cummings said. “Oak Orchard has a 40-year history of providing affordable quality services to families and individuals who might not otherwise have access to care. It will be my job to ensure that this important resource is well-positioned to thrive into the future and to continue to provide the community excellent preventative and primary care services.”

Prior to Lakeside, Cummings held a series of executive positions at Corning Hospital over a 26-year period. Corning Hospital is a 99-bed acute care facility with high volume outpatient services, 550 employees, and is an affiliate of Guthrie Healthcare System.

While employed by Corning Hospital, Cummings was vice president of human resources and vice president of operations. For the five years prior to that, he held various management positions at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Elmira.

“Jim Cummings clearly stood out from among the 85 applicants for the president and CEO position, as a person that both intimately understands health care administration and is keenly committed to the Oak Orchard service area and patients,” said OOH Board member Dave Jewell. “There is no question but that we are placing Oak Orchard in very capable and caring hands.”

Robert Q. Hendershott served as interim president and CEO for Oak Orchard since August 2012.

“Under Bob Hendershott’s experienced guidance, Oak Orchard has very considerably strengthened its management and other systems,” Watt said. “He has helped build an excellent executive team, and is handing over the organization in fine condition.”