Photo by Ginny Kropf: Robin Sidari runs Immediate Care For You with telemedicine services.

ALBION – An Albion native has returned home to offer an increasingly popular way of providing medical services.

Robin Sidari, daughter of Carol Culhane of Gaines and the late Jerome Sidari, has a doctorate of nursing as a board certified family nurse practitioner. It is her desire to fit healthcare into busy lives in a convenient and safe setting by offering virtual urgent care.

Sidari graduated from Albion High School in 1990. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Brockport State College and entertained the idea of going into pre-med, but changed her mind. She worked as a lab technician for a time, then went back to school for nursing at Monroe Community College. After receiving her two-year degree there, she went to work at Strong Memorial Hospital in 2009 in their cardiovascular surgery unit.

In 2010, Sidari decided to become a nurse practitioner graduating in 2014 from the University of Rochester, after which she started working in outpatient cardiology at Strong. Then she moved to Rhode Island for two years, where she worked in a CVS Minuteclinic. After returning to Rochester, Sidari went back to Strong to work in advanced heart failure/heart transplant unit for a year. Next followed four years in urgent care at Strong.

Desiring to further her education, Sidari enrolled in Chatham University, where she obtained her doctorate in nurse practitioner in 2021.

After facing the Covid pandemic, Sidari left Strong to pursue a career in a new health field – telemedicine.

“Much of my career includes treating patients of all ages in an urgent care setting, both in person and through telemedicine,” Sidari said.

In addition to her clinical experience as a nurse practitioner in urgent care, she also has extensive experience in the specialty of cardiology. She has cared for the mildly ill to the critical ill patient. She has seven years’ experience teaching nursing students at both the RN and nurse practitioner levels.

Sidari said telemedicine is becoming popular all over the country, but is often not available in rural areas. She said the advantages of telemedicine are a patient doesn’t have to wait hours in a waiting room full of sick people, transportation is not a problem with the high cost of gas and there is no wait to get an appointment.

She is qualified to treat patients of all ages, from babies to adults, with acute illness or injury which needs same-day care. She calls her practice ICU (Immediate Care for You). She treats minor injuries, such as allergies, flu, upper-respiratory infections and urinary tract infections; minor injuries, from abrasions, animal and insect bites to strains and sprains; and skin conditions. She can also refill prescriptions.

Anyone with a condition which requires more serious care Sidari will refer to their primary care doctor or the emergency room.

Sidari is licensed to practice in New York, Rhode Island, Wyoming and Florida. She charges one fee for a 30-minute telemedicine visit, and only accepts credit cards.

Patients can log on to her website at www.icareforyouonline.com, or she may be reached by phone at (585) 228-7874. She is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday or at other times on a limited basis in case of an emergency.

Sidari may also be contacted on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/icareforyouonline.

The number of new confirmed Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties remains at a low level.

In seven days from March 23 to March 29 there were 25 new cases in Orleans, the same number as the previous week. Genesee is up from 23 to 33. The 33 is down from the 38 from March 9-15.

The federal CDC continues to rank the two counties as low for Covid community spread.

Statewide the percent of Covid tests that were positive on Tuesday was 2.54 percent with 3,243 positive out of 127,873. The seven-day average for positive tests is 2.45 percent.

“While we keep a watchful eye on hospitalization and case trends, it is vitally important that every New Yorker continues using the tools we know are effective,” Governor Hochul said on Wednesday. “If you’re feeling sick, get tested and limit your exposure to others. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about available treatments. The vaccine and booster are still the most effective way to limit infection and severe illness, and I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of these tools so we can continue to keep ourselves and loved ones safe and healthy.”

Women tend to be the caregivers in families, whether they’re caring for their parents or their children and significant others, but they often ignore their own health. It’s important that they take time for themselves which is why I’m dedicating this article to that topic. 

Yearly exams and preventing Cervical Cancer

Many Moms wouldn’t think of skipping their kids’ “Well Child” visits each year, but they don’t always come in for their yearly physicals. During your physical, we’ll take your blood pressure, weight, address any health issues and talk about preventative measures for your future. For women, we’ll also do a Pap Smear if that’s appropriate. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, a Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure.

How can you manage your stress? 

Stress affects women (and everyone) in different ways. It’s often a major factor in weight gain and struggles with mental health. Remember, you can’t take care of anybody if you’re not taking care of yourself. 

How can you help yourself? Some simple tips include increased exercise such as walking which gives you the added benefit of some quiet time – time with your own thoughts. If you don’t allow yourself some downtime, you’re going to burn out. If you’d like to talk with a behavioral health professional, Oak Orchard Health offers counseling that can be done by phone, video, or in-person. Getting outside perspective and advice can be super helpful to your mental health. 

Healthy eating 

Eating healthy can make a world of difference in your life but it does take planning and thoughtful purchases. Staying away from fast foods, processed foods, and high-calorie drinks can have a big impact on weight loss. Diets that include lots of vegetables or vegetables with fish, are the best for you. I understand that people are busy and often don’t have the time to prep fresh vegetables, but you can get the same nutritional value if you microwave or steam frozen vegetables. Be sure to read the labels when purchasing and look for lower calorie and carbohydrate items. You will be surprised that there are healthy items in the frozen food area beyond just frozen vegetables. 

Eating regularly is as important as what you eat. Be sure to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, and avoid eating late at night. If you find yourself hungry late at night or in between meals, look to healthy snacking like vegetables such as cucumbers or even a small salad with lite dressing. 

Breast cancer and early detection

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It can occur at any age, but the risk goes up as you get older. Because of certain factors, some women may have a greater chance of having breast cancer than others, according to the American Cancer Society. 

Many of you reading this article already know that getting a mammogram is the #1 way to detect breast cancer – but when should you get one? The American Cancer Society recommends women start at age 40 for their yearly breast cancer screening and I agree.  Should you have a family history of breast cancer you may need to get your mammogram earlier, particularly if that family member was under 40 years of age. If that’s the case, you may want to start mammograms at 35. 

Shingles, what are they?

The CDC reports that a number of studies have revealed that more women than men develop shingles, although it states that the reason for the disparity is not known. What are shingles? Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body and becomes inactive. Years later, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles. 

Often people associate Shingles with a terrible rash, but it can also show up like a fever, malaise, flu-like symptoms, and sometimes the rash can be very minimal. This virus can also cause meningitis so it’s extremely important to see your medical provider and get treated. If you are 50 or older, you are eligible to get the Shingles vaccine to prevent getting this often very painful disease. 

We hope you’ve found this article to be helpful. Should you have any other questions, please contact your medical professional or Oak Orchard Health. 

18-month program connects leaders in health care and community-based organizations in WNY, CNY

The director of the Orleans County United Way is one of 34 professionals in the Health Leadership Fellows program. These are leaders from health care and community-based organizations throughout western and central New York.

Dean Bellack

Dean Bellack said he is making connections with key foundation and agency leaders as part of the 18-month program.

The group held its opening conference from March 14-16 in Canandaigua. The Fellows meet monthly and develop, in small teams, inter-organizational projects that seek to address a community health need.

They also participate in development sessions focused on personal leadership, results-based leadership, leading change, and communicating as a leader. After graduating, Fellows continue to collaborate and learn together as members of the Fellows Action Network.

Bellack, the United Way executive director the past three years, said he was recommended for the program by some of the foundations he has worked with in his role with the United Way.

He said he is honored to be in a prestigious program with so many leaders across the region, from small counties to organizations based in Buffalo.

“It’s total immersion into the nonprofit world and nonprofit thinking,” Bellack said today. “It’s making connections for us in Orleans County.”

Bellack said the United Way has been successful in securing foundation money for a digital literacy initiative and to hire a grantwriter to assist local organizations and municipalities.

He expects the Health Fellows program will give him stronger relationships that could lead to more funding opportunities for the county.

“This is about making the connections we need,” he said. “It’s connecting to foundations and funders in the community and further outside of Orleans County.”

Since 2005, the Health Leadership Fellows program has worked to build and strengthen a network of collaborative leaders across health-related organizations in WNY and CNY in order to enhance regional capacity for addressing community health issues.

During the 18-month program, Fellows meet monthly and develop, in small teams, inter-organizational projects that seek to address a community health need.

They also participate in development sessions focused on personal leadership, results-based leadership, leading change, and communicating as a leader. After graduating, Fellows continue to collaborate and learn together as members of the Fellows Action Network.

“The tenth cohort of Health Leadership Fellows is an inspiring group of change-makers,” said Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, President, the Health Foundation. “The pandemic has reinforced how critically important it is for health care leaders to break down silos and partner to meet the community’s needs more effectively. Cohort 10 will join the proud tradition of Fellows graduates who work together to make a real, lasting impact for the people we serve.”

The number of confirmed Covid cases increased in Orleans County from 13 during the week of March 9-15 to 25 from March 16-22.

That is still significantly less from the Covid surge in early January when there were 855 cases from Jan. 5-11.

In the past eight weeks in Orleans the cases have dropped from 255 from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 157 from Feb. 2-8, 84 from Feb. 9-15, 41 from Feb. 16-22, 29 on Feb. 23 to March 1, 15 from March 2-8, 13 from March 9-15, and 25 from March 16-22.

In Genesee County the number of new confirmed cases from March 16-22 was 23, which was down from 38 the previous seven days, according to an update from the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

Neither county reported a new Covid-related death the past week and Genesee remains at 184 and Orleans at 113 during the pandemic the past two years.

Statewide the percent of positive tests on Wednesday was 2.13 percent or 3,450 out of 162,273, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

She said daily hospitalizations were at 911, the seventh straight day under 1,000.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Elizabeth “Liz” Gurnsey sits at her desk at the Albion Healthcare Center, where she is a nurse practitioner. Gurnsey grew up just down the road and returned to her home town to serve the community.

ALBION – Becoming a nurse practitioner is a dream job for Elizabeth “Liz” Gurnsey, but being able to practice in her home town is icing on the cake.

Gurnsey has been added to the staff of Orleans Community Health’s Albion Healthcare Center, the clinic located just a short distance from where she grew up on Butts Road.

She was born in Rochester, and when she was 10 her parents moved to Albion to be in a rural setting. After graduating from Albion High School in 2006, she enrolled in Oswego State College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it, so I worked at Tim Hortons and CRFS for a while,” Gurnsey said. “When a friend told me about an accelerated nursing program at the University of Rochester, I applied.”

She finished the one-year program with another bachelor’s degree in 2013 and landed a job at Strong Memorial Hospital. She spent eight years there as a registered nurse, when she decided she wanted to do more.

“I really wanted a primary care position serving a small community,” Gurnsey said. “I saw a position posted online but it was filled. I had reached out to the hospital and introduced myself as a nurse practitioner looking to work back into the area. A month later I saw this job posted and set up an interview with Nicole.”

Nichole Helson is administrator of the Albion Healthcare Center and couldn’t be happier to have Gurnsey on staff.

Gurnsey said she is thrilled to be serving her home town community.

“These are my people,” she said.

Gurnsey is married to Brandon Gurnsey, a friend from high school who she started dating after they graduated. They were married and moved to Barre in 2015.

Gurnsey is passionate about her profession and encourages people not to hesitate to come to a nurse practitioner if they are looking for a primary care doctor.  She said her goal is to promote health maintenance and encourage patients to get early detection.

“I’m open minded and a good listener,” she said. “I allow my patients to be part of their health care. If a patient doesn’t want to do what I recommend, I respect that.”

She explained a nurse practitioner can treat and manage chronic disease.

“If someone comes in with something more complicated, we have a provider on site, Dr. Syed Raza,” Gurnsey said. “We work together and collaborate.”

“If anyone is looking for a primary care provider in general, they are not going to lose anything by seeing a nurse practitioner,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing, communication and outreach at Orleans Community Health’s Community Partners.

Gurnsey added she is very down to earth and doesn’t use a lot of medical jargon.

“These are my family, my friends and my neighbors, and I’m so happy I landed here,” she said.

The Albion Healthcare Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Gurnsey is on site Monday through Thursday. The facility originally started as a walk-in clinic, then expanded to primary care, including walk-ins, Robinson said.

The site offers lab work, X-ray, physical therapy and primary care, as a walk-in or by appointment. The number for appointments is (585) 589-2273.

Provided photo: Medina Memorial Hospital welcomes the public to free Covid-19 tests.

MEDINA – Medina Memorial Hospital is handing out “I Health” Covid-19 test kits, free to the community.

The hospital is inviting residents to take up to three boxes. There are two tests per box.

The tests are located behind the screener at the receptionist’s desk in the lobby.

“We want to make sure people get the tests if they need them,” said Scott Robinson, director of Communication, Marketing and Education at Community Partners.

The hospital currently has about 500 kits, and is expecting to have more shortly.

Tests going to nursing homes, adult care facilities, schools, senior centers, food banks and other sites in communities

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

ALBANY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than 20 million Covid-19 over-the-counter tests will be distributed across the state through the spring to bolster New York State’s ongoing preparedness efforts.

“As we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, test kits are a critical tool in the fight to stop the spread of Covid-19 and prevent exposure to others,” Hochul said. “While our numbers remain low, now is the time to ramp up the distribution of tests and build up our stockpile so we can bolster our preparedness for the future to protect our communities, and safely move forward through this pandemic.”

The state will continue to provide over-the-counter test kits to nursing homes, adult care facilities, and schools, and will partner with elected officials for continued distribution to the public, during the next few months to identify new Covid-19 cases and keep New Yorkers safe.

This includes one million tests to schools outside of New York City every other week until the end of the school year. New York City no longer receives state distributions because they have sufficient test kits to get them through the year. At home tests have proven to be an invaluable tool for identifying cases and protecting our communities; they were responsible for finding at least 15,000 positive cases among students and staff the week after the winter break alone.

In addition to these continued distributions, the state is increasing distribution points for test kits. The State will partner with Mayors, County Executives, Members of Congress, Borough Presidents and State Legislators across New York to increase access to tests for the general public.

And the State will coordinate distribution of 1.74 million tests to the NYC Housing Authority tenants, enough for each household to receive four tests. An additional 500,000 tests will be made available to various food banks and senior centers throughout the state, based on request.

More than 54 million tests have already been distributed throughout New York since the beginning of the year, including nearly 30 million tests to schools, 12.5 million tests to nursing homes and adult-care facilities, and more than 10 million tests to local officials for public distribution in their respective communities. The distribution efforts follow the procurement of more than 90 million rapid tests in recent months.

NYS Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “Expanding access to over-the-counter test kits is a key part of our strategy to return to normalcy during the Covid-19 era. While getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect against Covid-19, testing is another important tool to prevent the spread of infection so we can safely return to work, school, and social activities. We commend Governor Hochul for continuing to lead New York State through this new phase of the pandemic and providing our residents with the tools they need to keep themselves and their communities safe.”

Chart from Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments

The number of new confirmed Covid cases continues to go down in Genesee and Orleans counties, even as mask mandates are lifted in schools and most other indoor public places.

There were 40 new cases reported in the past week, March 2-8, which was down from 74 the previous week in the two counties. That was down from 112 from Feb. 16-22, and 216 from Feb. 9-15.

The recent caseloads are a steep drop from the Covid peak in early January when there 2,703 cases in the two counties from Jan. 5-11.

The 40 new cases the past week include 15 in Orleans and 25 in Genesee. In the past six weeks in Orleans the cases have dropped from 255 from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1, 157 from Feb. 2-8, 84 from Feb. 9-15, 41 from Feb. 16-22, 29 on Feb. 23 to March 1, and 15 from March 2-8.

The local health department is reporting a Genesee County resident passed away from Covid in the past week. That brings the total Covid-related deaths during the two years of the pandemic to 184 in Genesee and 112 in Orleans.

Statewide, Gov. Kathy Hochul reported today there were 1,060 new Covid cases out of 67,714 tests, for a positivity of 1.57 percent. That is the 12^th straight day the state is under 2 percent for positive tests.The 7-day average of positive tests is at 1.51 percent.

“Thanks to New Yorkers stepping up, we continue to see numbers trending in the right direction,” Hochul said. “But we must remain vigilant in order to continue the progress we have made against Covid-19. Parents and guardians, please talk to your pediatrician or health care provider about getting your children vaccinated and boosted. The vaccine is safe, effective and the best way to keep our communities safe from this virus.”

Map from CDC

Orleans County and the other Western New York counties have dropped from medium to low levels of community spread for Covid, according to the latest data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The number of new Covid cases has taken a big drop, and hospitalizations also are down.

The CDC determines the community Covid levels by these data points:

• New Covid cases per 100,000 population (7-day total) are calculated using data from February 24-March 2, 2022
• New Covid admissions per 100,000 population (7-day total) are calculated using data from February 23-March 1, 2022
• Percent of inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients (7-day average) is calculated using data from February 23-March 1, 2022

The Covid cases in Genesee and Orleans counties fell to 74 from Feb. 23 to March 1, with 29 new cases in Orleans and 45 in Genesee. That continues the sharp downward trajectory from the Covid peak in early January when there 2,703 cases in the two counties from Jan. 5-11.

The 74 in the recent week are down from the 112 new cases in the two counties the previous week and the 216 during Feb. 9-15, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

In the most recent update from the state, Orleans didn’t have any new cases on Thursday and Genesee only had 4.

The CDC issued guidance for indoor mask-wearing in opublic places based on the three Covid levels of community spread:

• Low: Masks are not needed
• Medium: People who are at high risk of severe Covid should consult with their doctor about prevention measures, including masks
• High: Indoor mask use is recommended