health & wellness

When should children get an eye exam?

Posted 28 June 2022 at 2:00 pm

By Dr. Robert Ford, OD, Chief of Optometry, Oak Orchard Health

It starts very simply with parents watching their child’s visual behavior. Does your child by 6 months of age look directly at objects and are their eyes working together? Does one eye appear to cross in or wander out to the side while the other eye is straight? Does the front of the eyes look normal in general?

If parents have any of these concerns, they should discuss them with the child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician is trained to know what is normal and what is not, and he will refer the young child to an optometrist or an ophthalmologist if necessary.

What’s the impact of schoolwork on your child’s vision?

At Oak Orchard Health, we feel that all children should have a comprehensive vision exam, by an Optometrist or an Ophthalmologist, before entering the first grade. 60-70% of kids do not have a significant vision problem earlier, but it can develop as they go to school. When they come in for their exam, we want to know for sure if both eyes are working together and that the visual acuity (how sharp they see) is acceptable in both eyes.

We also check how a child functions at close reading distances. Can the child focus easily when objects are near and can they sustain the eye concentration necessary to read or learn to read up close (10 to 20 inches away)?

It can be a little confusing because children develop at different rates. Some kids have the visual skills to meet the visual demands by the time they are 4 or 5, while other children may not have the necessary skills until they are 6 or 7. This is all very important because even very smart children can perform badly in the classroom all because of vision-related learning problems that can sometimes be hard to detect.

How do you prepare kids for their first eye exam?

Taking young kids to the doctor is always a bit tricky but as they say, honesty is always the best policy. Let your kids know that they are going to sit in a big chair and that the eye doctor is going to look at their eyes. If kids are very young, they often sit on their parent’s laps. Let them know that they will see some pictures or letters, and a light will be shined in their eyes – like a tiny flashlight. Explaining calmly and simply is usually best.

Sometimes the child does not cooperate, cannot sit still, and will not let the doctor get near their eyes. This is not unusual behavior and is understandable. It is not the child’s fault. Sometimes we must wait a year or so and try again.

At Oak Orchard Health, we try to make these early visits a good experience – as fun as possible. However, sometimes the doctor will have to use dilating drops in order to rule out certain disorders or to determine accurate vision prescriptions.

“Sometimes I get on the floor with two or three-year-olds and roll a ball to them just to see how their eyes are working. I have some juggling balls I use too. I watch very carefully how they are using their eyes. Are they looking straight? Are they following the objects?” says Dr. Ford.

An exam can take up to an hour. In our office, if glasses are prescribed, they are usually ordered on the same day.

How does screen time affect children’s vision?

Often you see young kids watching videos or playing games on phones or other hand-held devices. This can cause nearsightedness. To avoid this, you should encourage your children to spend more time outdoors and limit their screen time. It does contribute to changes in their vision and can create eyestrain after a while. We know it is difficult but keeping kids’ screen time low is important. Try to set a limit and stick to it.

Other clues that your child should see the eye doctor?

Constant squinting could mean that they are having a hard time seeing, and would be a reason to go to the eye doctor. If they are closing an eye to see better or moving closer to objects, then a trip to the optometrist is worth it. Eye redness and rubbing are often symptoms of allergies, and you should talk with your pediatrician.

If you have any questions about your children’s vision, call the Oak Orchard Health Vision Center and we will determine if an eye exam is appropriate.

Genesee, Orleans now at ‘low’ for Covid community level

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 June 2022 at 11:24 am

Charts courtesy of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lowered the Covid community level for both Genesee and Orleans counties from medium to low. The two counties were both put in the high community level about two months ago.

But the confirmed Covid cases have steadily been dropping. Orleans reported 15 cases total from June 15 to 21, which was down from 36 the week before. Genesee reported 34 cases, down from 43 the previous week.

Two months earlier, Orleans had 166 cases from April 20-26 while Genesee had 278 that week.

There was another Covid-related death in Genesee in the past week, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments reported. That brings the total Covid deaths to 192 in Genesee and 119 in Orleans since March 2020.

The cases have been steadily dropping in recent weeks in Orleans County.

The 34 cases in the past week are 13 percent of the 261 six weeks earlier.

Oak Orchard Health opens new primary care site in Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 June 2022 at 9:25 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Mary Ann Pettibon, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, welcomes people to a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Tuesday for Oak Orchard’s new office in Medina at 911 West Center St.

This is the former office for Dr. Surinder Bath, a Medina physician for nearly 47 years. He retired in September.

Pettibon is joined by Michelle Okonieczny, a family nurse practitioner. She has worked for Oak Orchard the past six years out of the Albion and Lyndonville offices.

Paul Pettit, public health director for Genesee and Orleans counties, said Oak Orchard is bringing more primary care to Orleans County, which is classified as a medically underserved community.

“More primary care is a great opportunity for our residents,” he said.

Pettibon, right, introduces the staff at the site which includes two of Dr. Bath’s long-time employees, including Elizabeth “Betsy” Phinney and Theresa Gurney. Phinney is a patient services representative and Gurney is a medical assistant.

The staff from left include Alicia Fletcher, office manager; Shentelle Shaffer, lead nurse; Theresa Gurney, Elizabeth “Betsy” Phinney and Michelle Okonieczny.

Michelle Okonieczny is shown inside the office which has been renovated with new floors, cabinetry, sinks and medical equipment. The office also is more accessible with widened doorways and an improved ramp.

Okonieczny lives a couple blocks away in Medina. She will continue to work on Mondays in Lyndonville, and then Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Medina. Oak Orchard is looking to hire a nurse practitioner, primary doctor or physician assistant to serve the Lyndonville site.

Staff and Oak Orchard board members cut the ribbon for Oak Orchard’s Medina location.

The healthcare agency also is working to open a dental office in Albion at the corner of Allen Road and Route 98, and also will have a new mobile dental unit that visits local schools. Oak Orchard is going through the state regulatory process for the dental location and new mobile unit.

Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said the community is fortunate to have Oak Orchard as a healthcare provider locally.

Covid cases see slight increase in Orleans after weeks of decline

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 June 2022 at 11:22 am

The number of confirmed Covid cases in Orleans was up slightly from 36 during June 8 to 14 compared to 34 the previous seven days.

In Genesee County that cases dropped from 61 to 43, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

The cases have been trending down in recent weeks.

In Orleans, the cases dropped from 120 (May 18-24) to 71 (May 25-31) to 34 (June 1-7) and then were slightly up to 36 (June 8-14).

In Genesee the cases are down from 170 (May 18-24) to 85 (May 25-31) to 61 (June 1-7) to 43 (June 8-14).

Both counties are now considered at the medium level for community spread by the CDC.

Statewide the percentage of positive tests over 7 days was at 5.48 percent on Friday. The Finger Lakes, which includes Orleans and eight other counties, was below the statewide average with a 4.88 percent positivity rate.

Covid cases continue to drop in Orleans, Genesee

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 26 May 2022 at 5:27 pm

Genesee reports 3 more Covid-related deaths

Chart courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The number of Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties dropped in the past week, the second straight week of decline after a steady rise for two months.

There were 120 cases in Orleans from May 18 to May 24, which is down from the 10 the previous seven days and the 220 from May 4 to May 10.

The cases in Orleans in the past week include 90 from lab tests and 30 from take-home tests, the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments reported on Wednesday.

In Genesee there were 170 new confirmed cases from May 18 to May 24, which is down from 261 the previous seven days and 283 from May 4 to May 10.

Genesee County also is reporting three more Covid-related deaths during the seven days and now has had 191 Covid-related deaths during the pandemic since March 2020. Orleans has had 117 Covid deaths during the pandemic, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments said.

The seven-day Covid positivity rate statewide is 7.68 percent. In the nine-county Finger Lakes Region, which includes Orleans, the positivity rate is at 10.10 percent in the past seven days. It’s higher in the Capital Region at 10.65 percent, Long Island at 10.68 percent and Western New York at 12.95 percent. Central New York has the lowest rate at 5.79 percent.

“As we head into the Memorial Day weekend and prepare to travel and gather with loved ones, I encourage everyone to continue taking advantage of the tools we have available to protect against and treat Covid-19,” Governor Hochul said. “The best way to avoid serious illness from Covid-19 is by keeping up to date with your vaccination and booster doses.”

Whether you have Diabetes or not, here are some helpful nutrition and lifestyle tips

Posted 24 May 2022 at 2:00 pm

By Chrissy Krueger RN, RD, CDN, CDCES,
Diabetes Education Specialist, Oak Orchard Health

Let us start by talking about diabetes since I am a Diabetes Educator, at Oak Orchard Health and have been a registered nurse and dietitian for 15 years. Much of this information will be helpful whether you have diabetes or not. I will also discuss nutrition tips that are helpful to everyone.

Two main types of Diabetes

With type 1 diabetes, genetics and viruses are often the main reasons why people get this. With type 1 diabetes, your own immune system destroys the cells that produce insulin. This is a problem as no one can live without insulin. Insulin is key to helping our bodies obtain energy. Type 1 diabetes most often affects younger people, but it can also be found in people in their 30s-40s and even older.

Most people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes; some risk factors include family history, age above 35, and high blood pressure. Two main things are going on with type 2 diabetes. Your insulin doesn’t work the way it should and over time, you may not make enough insulin. Both these factors make it difficult for your body to obtain energy and lead to high blood sugars.

What does weight have to do with it?

Two risk factors found in many people with type 2 diabetes are also very common among people living in America today. You guessed it! Being overweight and inactive. Per the CDC 73.6% of adults and 22% of adolescents are overweight/obese. Physical activity stats are not much better. Only 23% of adults are meeting the physical activity guidelines, which is very similar to our younger folks.

Just having a diagnosis of diabetes puts you at increased risk of heart disease. Not surprisingly being overweight/obese also places you at higher risk.

What you eat helps control diabetes

Eating heart-healthy foods is one of the key tools to managing your diabetes. It also is effective for disease prevention. There is no diabetic diet currently endorsed by the American Diabetes Association. Overall, your nutrition plan should be individualized, so it fits within your lifestyle. Yes, it is true carbohydrates do affect your blood sugar more than other nutrients. However, carbs are your main source of energy for your body. So, what is a person with diabetes supposed to do? Include healthy carbs, spread your intake of carbs throughout the day, pay attention to the portion size, and have balanced meals.

For diabetes, we often review the meal planning method called carb counting. In this plan, you learn what foods are high in carbs, and what is a portion, and then learn to have a consistent amount at each meal. By following this type of plan, you will have blood sugars that are more predictable. Another type of plan commonly used is called the plate method. It is based on a 9-inch plate. Half your plate should include non-starchy veggies, ¼ is for starch and ¼ is for protein.

For people on insulin pumps or 3-4 injections of insulin per day, some learn how to adjust the insulin to the number of carbs they will eat. This gives people much more flexibility in their eating habits.

Carbohydrates are not necessarily bad for you

For everyone out there, carbs are not bad, just like fat and protein are not bad if eaten in moderation. They make up our nutrients and nutrients are what we all need to live on. It is true; however, if you have diabetes, it is important to pay attention to the number of carbs you eat. Instead of eliminating an entire food group, work on including a variety of heart-healthy food choices most often and limit your intake of less healthy ones. With diabetes, you can really have your cake and eat it too! Just do not eat the whole cake whoever you are!

This article gives you a peek at diabetes and nutrition. There is so much more to know so if you have questions, talk with your primary care physician or a diabetes educator.

Covid cases decline in Orleans after 2 months of steady rise

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 18 May 2022 at 3:31 pm

Charts courtesy of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The confirmed Covid cases in Orleans declined the past seven days after about two months of steady weekly increases.

There were 190 cases in Orleans from May 11 to May 17, which is down from 220 the previous seven days, 197 from April 27 to May 3, and 166 from April 20 to April 26.

The cases in Orleans in the past week include 140 from lab tests and 50 from take-home tests, the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments reported this afternoon.

In Genesee the cases have declined from 286 from April 27 to May 3, to 283 from May 4 to May 10, and 261 the past week.

Both counties are reporting a Covid-related death in the past week, which brings the total Covid deaths to 188 in Genesee County and 117 in Orleans since March 2020.

The 7-day positivity rate state-wide was at 7.66 percent on Monday, and was the highest in Western New York at 18.20 percent. The nine-county Finger Lakes Region was second highest at 13.15 percent. New York City is the lowest at 5.18 percent.

The federal Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized the first Covid-19 booster dose for 5 to 11 year olds.

“Following approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Yorkers will be able to safely provide this life-saving tool to their children,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “In the meantime, I am calling on our parents and guardians to do what they can to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. That includes getting boosted, if you haven’t already. Let’s continue to work together and take care of one another, New York.”

Genesee, Orleans set anti-rabies immunization clinics

Posted 12 May 2022 at 4:33 pm

Press Release, Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments

The Genesee County Health Department will be hosting a free drive-through anti-rabies immunization clinic on Thursday, May 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. 4 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia).

“We encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure that their animals are immunized against rabies and that the vaccinations are kept up to date,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Rabies 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 (including baby wild animals), stray dogs or cats.”

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats and ferrets, but voluntary donations are accepted. 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 four pets per car maximum.

To save you time, please click here to fill out your registration form in advance. Be sure to print out two copies for each pet to be vaccinated and bring them with you to the clinic.

The next anti-rabies immunization clinics are as follows:

Genesee County Clinics at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056 East Main Street, Batavia, NY)

Thursday, August 11th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, September 15th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, October 13th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Orleans County Clinics at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 Rt. 31, Albion, NY)

Saturday, June 4th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 13th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, October 15th, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For more information on Health Department services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call 589-3278 for Orleans County or 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County.

Orleans reports 220 more Covid cases, 2 Covid-related deaths in past week

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2022 at 8:37 am

Orleans County continues to see an increase in Covid cases, with 220 from May 4-10, which is up from the 197 the previous week.

The county also had two more Covid-related deaths and now has had 116 residents pass away from Covid during the pandemic that started in March 2020.

There were 54 confirmed Covid cases in the county from March 30 to April 6. In the following weeks the cases increased to 83 (April 6-12), 113 (April 13-19), 166 (April 20-26) and then 197 (April 27-May 3), according to data from the Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments.

Genesee County also experienced an increase in cases each week for about two months – until this past week, when the cases dropped from 286 from April 27 to May 3, to 283 from May 4 to May 10.

Genesee also reported another Covid-related death in the past week and now is at 187 during the pandemic.

Statewide the 7-day positivity rate is 7.18 percent. It’s much higher in the Finger Lakes region. Those nine counties, including Orleans, are at 13.34 percent over 7 days. The positivity rate is only higher in Western New York at 18.33 percent. The rate is lowest in New York City at 4.80 percent.

“Getting fully vaccinated and staying up to date on booster doses is a key way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from Covid-19,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement on Wednesday. “I want to thank the more than 75 percent of New Yorkers who have gotten fully vaccinated and are keeping their communities safe and healthy.”

Medina nursing officer one of 14 finalists in WNY for award for nurses who showed courage in unprecedented times

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 10 May 2022 at 9:05 pm

Provided photo: Kim Gray, chief nursing officer at Orleans Community Health, is one of 14 finalists for the 2022 Community Recognized Distinguished Nurse Award.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has learned one its nurses, Chief Nursing Officer Kim Gray, is one of 14 finalists for the 2022 Community Recognized Distinguished Nurse Award.

The announcement appeared over the weekend in The Buffalo News, which ran the competition.

The award recognizes a nurse who has long provided care for individuals with serious illness and their families in a manner that has clearly gone well beyond the usual and expected requirements.

A nurse chosen for this award is one whose clinical practice is exemplary and who is generous in mentoring other clinicians. The form on which Gray and other nurses were nominated states the award, in these unprecedented times, “celebrates the courageous Western New York nurses who put the needs of their patients and community first.”

Gray has been employed at Orleans Community Health for 19 years. While she doesn’t know who nominated her, she thanks whoever it was around her who submitted her name.

“I’m blessed to be able to work in my community hospital, to take care of the patients in my community and to work every day with those who want to see this hospital flourish,” Gray said. “I love this team, this hospital, the community and everyone around me. Being a finalist for this award is an amazing honor. More so that someone felt I was worthy of the nomination. I really love what I do. It’s my purpose.”

Scott Robinson, director of marketing, communication and outreach for OCH, shared a bit of information about Gray.

“We’ve all heard the name Nancy Albanese, one of the true giants in the history of Medina Memorial Hospital,” Robinson said. “Albanese would eventually become a resident of the North Wing, and when patients were taken to the surgery department on the third floor, Gray would get a wheelchair and take Albanese up there. She would hand Nancy a clipboard and let her be in her element. If Nancy Albanese had a last hurrah at Medina Memorial Hospital, it was probably thanks to the memories Kim Gray gave her during those days.”

Albanese, a recovery room nurse for 40 years, died about two years ago, and the Recovery Room has since been remodeled and named in her honor.

Winner of the award was Kymmarrie Knose-Weibel from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.