Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State is now offering a free text message program to help kids quit e-cigarettes as the state moves to reverse the alarming rise in youth vaping.

Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker unveiled this initiative yesterday at a #NoVapeNY rally along with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, New York State PTA and Parents Against Vaping E-cigarettes at the Wheatley School, a public high school in Old Westbury, Long Island. It is the latest action in the Governor’s statewide campaign to end vaping among high school students.

“The alarming increase in the number of young people using e-cigarettes is proof we need to curb this deadly epidemic before another generation develops lifelong nicotine addictions,” Governor Cuomo said. “That’s why we’re taking bold and aggressive actions to ban all flavored nicotine vaping products, end these unscrupulous vaping advertisements aimed at our kids, and offer teens a simple way to get help quitting vaping.”

The State Department of Health partnered with Truth Initiative, a nonprofit national public health organization committed to making tobacco use a thing of the past, to create a NYS-specific version of their text-based intervention, “This is Quitting.” To access this program, users simply need to text “DropTheVape” to 88709.

This innovative and free text message program was created with input from teenagers, college students and young adults who have attempted to, or successfully, quit vaping. It is tailored to specific age groups (13-17 and 18-24) to give appropriate quitting recommendations.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “The disturbingly high level of e-cigarette usage by young people is nothing short of a public health crisis, and we must do everything in our power to turn the tide. This new program is a valuable resource and we urge everyone to Drop the Vape, starting with a simple text that could ultimately save their lives.”

Upon enrolling in the text message program, users receive interactive daily text messages tailored to their sign-up date or their target quit date, should the user choose to set one. Messages include encouragement, motivation, skill and self-efficacy building exercises and coping strategies.

Messages are available for at least one month if a user does not have a quit date set. If a user sets a quit date, they receive messages for at least one-week prior to the quit date and at least two months following the quit date, which they may change at any time. The program also directs users to the New York State Quitline, which recently added free quit-coaching and nicotine replacement therapy for eligible users of e-cigarettes to address the growing need to help them break their dependence on vaping.

Last week, Governor Cuomo launched a new campaign in support of his FY 2020-21 Executive Budget proposal to ban all flavored nicotine vaping products, including menthol flavors, and to restrict vaping advertisements aimed at youth. The Governor’s proposed legislation would also authorize the Department of Health to regulate the sale of vaping product carrier oils deemed to be a public health risk.

The legislation would also prohibit the online, phone and mail order sale of e-cigarettes; only registered retailers would be allowed to purchase e-cigarettes using those methods. The campaign includes a new hashtag – #NoVapeNY – as well as a petition where New Yorkers can show their support for the legislation and a new website – ny.gov/endvaping – with more information about the proposals.

According to Department of Health data, nearly 40 percent of 12th grade students and 27 percent of all high school students in New York State are now using e-cigarettes, and this increase is largely driven by flavored e-liquids. High school use in 2018 (27.4%) is 160 percent higher than it was in 2014 (10.5%). While New York’s high school student cigarette smoking rate dropped from 27.1% in 2000 to a record low of 4.3% in 2016, aggressive marketing strategies promoting flavored e-cigarettes is primed to reverse that trend.

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Press Release, New York State Association of Counties

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is calling on the federal government to provide $3.1 billion in emergency supplemental funding for the public health response to the novel coronavirus. Of the $3.1 billion, at least $500 million should be directed to local and state health departments.

“Our county health officials are on the front lines of preparing communities to respond to disaster, including global outbreaks of infectious disease,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “Local county health departments are already stretched thin addressing existing public health issues, without additional funding they won’t be able to adequately prepare for the potential spread of this virus. We need to properly arm these local health leaders for their ongoing and tireless efforts to prevent a serious outbreak.”

Emergency supplemental funding is needed to support current response activities, as well as future work as additional cases are identified. This includes:

• Isolation/quarantine-related activities, including transportation, lodging, and wrap-around services like behavioral health support, counseling, or even necessities like food and toiletries;

• Finding and monitoring patients that are currently under investigation (PUIs);

• Outreach to the general public, including translation of public health materials and work with healthcare facilities to facilitate additional coordination and education; and

• Purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, face shields, and fit testing by third party vendors.

Additionally, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that he was seeking a $40 million emergency appropriation for the New York State Department of Health to hire additional staff, procure equipment and other resources necessary to respond to the potential novel coronavirus.

NYSAC strongly supports this action and will work with the Governor to ensure that local health departments have the resources they need to work hand-in-glove with their state partners in managing this outbreak.

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Photos by Ginny Kropf: Lisa Albanese, right, of Brockport is program director of the new Wound Center at Medina Memorial Hospital. Alicia Grandy of Albion is the Wound Care Center nurse. They stand in the stretcher/bed room at the center which recently opened.

MEDINA – An unused space in Medina Memorial Hospital is seeing new life as the location of a new Wound Care Center.

Lisa Albanese of Brockport, formerly of Medina, is program director for the Wound Care Center, which has offices in both Medina and United Memorial Health Care Center in Batavia. Medina’s center is located on the first floor of the hospital, in what used to be the Intensive Care Unit.

The centers are each served by a nurse, podiatrist Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, who is medical director at both centers, and panel physicians Dr. Christine Cameron and Dr. Zerah Ali.

The Wound Care Centers are affiliated with Healogics, a national organization which specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds. The Medina and Batavia centers adhere strictly to guidelines set forth by Healogics which have proven to be successful in healing patients with chronic wounds, Albanese said.

The decision to open a Wound Care Center in Medina was prompted by the tremendous success of the one in Batavia, Albanese said.

Batavia’s Wound Care Center opened in 2011, and for the past three years has received recognition from Healogics Institute Center of Excellence for performing above the national standards. Last year they healed 96 percent of patients. The average days to heal was 24, Albanese said.

Dr. Cameron sees patients from 1 to 5 p.m. in Tuesdays, while Dr. Canzoneri and Dr. Ali see patients from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The Medina center features one stretcher room for patients who need to lie down, two rooms with large treatment chairs and one room with a regular chair. They also have a Hoyer lift for patients who are wheelchair bound or can’t stand alone.

Types of wounds which could be treated include surgical wounds which have opened up or diabetic wounds that won’t heal.

The majority of wounds are diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers (such as bed sores), burns, failed skin flaps from surgical procedures, wounds caused by radiation, arterial ulcers (caused by poor circulation) and venous ulcers on the leg.

Wound Care Center nurse Alicia Grandy of Albion demonstrates how a treatment chair can be adjusted to fit any patient.

“It’s the best feeling ever when we can work with a patient and actually heal them,” Grandy said.

“We’ve seen patients who had wounds for years which wouldn’t heal,” Albanese said. “They came to us and we’ve been able to heal them. Living with a wound really affects their quality of life.”

They are able to do debridements of tissue, which helps to stimulate new tissue development, and also do negative pressure wound therapy to stimulate granulation tissue. They also use compression therapy and do total contact casting.

Patients attend the Wound Center weekly, where their progress is continually evaluated.

“If a wound is too wet, we dry it. If it is too dry, we wet it,” Grandy said. “What sets us apart is our ability to utilize special healing guidelines.”

All of the Center’s providers and clinical staff, including Dr. Canzoneri, Dr. Cameron and Dr. Ali, have specialized training in wound care.

“We are very excited to be here,” she said.

When needed, diabetes educator Marion Miano can be available to counsel diabetic patients.

According to information provided by Albanese, 6.7 million people in the United States are affected by chronic wounds, and that number is growing, fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy. If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb.

Medina’s Wound Care Center has a front office coordinator, Ellie Pratt, on duty Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to answer calls. Patients may call (585) 798-8176. On other days, callers may leave a message.

No referral is needed to make an appointment at the Wound Center.

The Wound Care Center will host a meet and greet from 4 to 6 p.m. March 25.

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ALBION – Oak Orchard Health recently presented staff awards to employees who have worked at the healthcare organization on milestone anniversaries of five years or more.

Oak Orchard Health has healthcare sites in Albion, Brockport, Lyndonville, Hornell and Warsaw.

Mary Ann Pettibon, Oak Orchard Health chief executive officer, thanked all employees for their dedicated service. In 2019, Oak Orchard Health served over 23,000 patients.

• The following were recognized for five years of service: Barb Marshall, Cassie Schultz, Cortney Bower, Diana Cook, Dr. Kenya McIntosh, Faith Robinson, Jolie Powers, Marco Rivas and Stacie Bridge.

• The following were recognized for 10 years of service: Amberley Merritt, Ashley Young, Mary Rich, Paula Corser, Shauna Ketchum and Wendy Nupp.

• Alicia Rich and Jenn Proia-Cessna were honored for 15 years of service.

• Pauline Murphy was recognized for 20 years of service.

• The following were recognized for 30 years of service: Lori Starkweather, Natalie Pettine and Veronica Rangel-Paz.

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The late Nancy Albanese was dedicated nurse for more than 40 years at Medina Memorial

Provided photo: The late Nancy Albanese of Medina will be honored by family and friends with a renovation in of recovery room at Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Nancy Albanese loved every minute of her job in the post-anesthesia care unit at Medina Memorial Hospital, where she was recovery room nurse for more than 40 years.

After her death August 21, 2019 at the age of 89, her family approached hospital personnel and announced they would like to create a memorial in Albanese’s name.

“She lived and breathed this hospital her entire life,” said operating room nurse Kim Gray.

Soon after the word got out, people in the community started asking if they could also contribute.

“Although the family had planned on funding most of the project, when they were made aware of the interest in the community, they realized more could be done for the unit and they didn’t want to turn down this opportunity,” said Heather Smith, director of the Orleans Community Health Foundation.

The hospital plans to renovate the recovery room unit where Albanese worked, and create a more aesthetically appealing atmosphere for patients, Smith said. Medina Memorial plans to paint and install lockers so patients have a place to lock up their belongings. They are also going to purchase a new nurse’s desk and chair, new privacy curtains and storage cabinets. Additionally, they would like to install new lighting and flooring.

To date, more than $12,000 has been raised of the $30,000 goal.

Smith said the family is really touched by the community’s response to news of the memorial.

The idea for the project was suggested to the hospital by Albanese’s brother, David Shanely of Orchard Park. The hospital has met with him and Albanese’s daughter, Mary Thomas, who lives with her husband Michael in New Hampshire.

Gray was 10 years old when she first met Albanese.

“My mom was a secretary and worked at the hospital,” Gray said. “When I was in nursing school and had to have my test for TB read, the college said if I knew a nurse who would read it, I wouldn’t have to drive all the way in to Buffalo, and Nancy did it.”

Albanese became a mentor to Gray, who was feeling overwhelming in nursing school.

“Nancy asked me how nursing school was, and I started bawling,” Gray said. “I told her I didn’t know if I could do this. She encouraged me and told me I could do it. She would touch base with me on a regular basis. She said if I ever needed anything, she was there for me, or I could come over any time and just vent. After my grandparents died, Nancy became like a grandmother to me. We remained close, even after she retired and moved into the Willows. Because her only daughter lived out of state, the hospital became her second family. After she retired at the age of 84, there wasn’t a day when patients didn’t ask about her. She wanted to care for the community, and I want to be like her.”

“My mother’s siblings and I knew how much she loved the hospital,” said her daughter Mary Thomas. “She lived for the hospital. In a sense, it was part of her. All those years growing up, I knew what a good nurse she was and how much she loved it. When people came out of anesthesia, she created a sense of calmness. She was the nurse you wanted there after you’d had surgery.”

Thomas said the hospital filled a large void in her mother’s life after her father died in 1986.

“She had a lot of friends and belonged to a lot of organizations, but the hospital was the biggest part of her life,” Thomas said.

Albanese was a member of the Association of Twigs, Tuesday Club, Beta Sigma Phi and Catholic Daughters at St. Mary’s. She served on the board of Hospice of Orleans County and the Medina Memorial Hospital Foundation. She was a 1948 graduate of DeSales High School in Lockport and Johns Hopkins University with a degree in nursing. She worked for many years for Dr. Angelo Leone until his retirement, then earned a registered nurse degree at Genesee Community College. She enjoyed playing bridge, knitting and baking.

The memorial to Albanese will feature a plaque outside the recovery room on the third floor of the hospital. All donors will be recognized for their contribution on the plaque. Special donor naming opportunities include four lockers at $1,000 each (donor’s name will be engraved on a plate on the door); and two storage cabinets at $3,500 each (donor’s name will be engraved on a plate secured to the outer frame of the cabinet).

Anyone interested in donating to the Nancy Albanese Memorial Renovation Project may go to www.supportOCh.org/programs and make their pledge. They may also mail a check to Orleans Community Health Foundation or drop them off at 200 Ohio St.

Work will begin as soon as the fund drive ends.

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Launches petition for ban, also wants to prohibit vaping ads targeting youths

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, surrounded by national leaders in the fight to combat vaping, today launched a new campaign to ban all flavored nicotine vaping products, including menthol flavors, and to restrict vaping advertisements aimed at youth in the Enacted Budget this year.

The Governor’s proposed legislation would authorize the State Department of Health to regulate the sale of vaping product carrier oils deemed to be a public health risk. The legislation would also prohibit the online, phone and mail order sale of e-cigarettes; only registered retailers would be allowed to purchase e-cigarettes using those methods. The campaign includes a new hashtag – #NoVapeNY – as well as a petition where New Yorkers can show their support for the legislation and a new website – ny.gov/endvaping – with more information about the proposals.

“The dangers of vaping and flavored e-cigarette products are becoming more apparent by the day, and it would be a tragedy if our successful efforts to combat the tobacco industry were reversed by allowing the vaping industry to get a whole new generation hooked on their products,” Governor Cuomo said. “This is a scourge on our state and our nation: if these chemicals don’t kill you, you wind up addicted to nicotine.”

From 2014 to 2018 youth use of nicotine e-cigarettes has increased by 160 percent. Nearly 40 percent of 12th grade students and 27 percent of all high school students are now using e-cigarettes. Flavored nicotine e-liquids are the principal marketing strategy of the vaping industry. One in five youth believe that nicotine e-cigarettes are both harmless and not addictive.

Ban the Sale of Flavored Nicotine Vaping Products

The Governor introduced legislation banning the sale of all flavored nicotine vaping products, including menthol — an extension of the State’s ongoing efforts to reduce youth use of both tobacco and vaping products. With this ban New York continues to lead the charge on limiting the use of flavorings in all vaping products and provide critical support to local communities who are fighting this growing epidemic.

Restrict Vaping Ads Targeted to Youth

The Governor’s legislation will restrict vaping-related ads targeted to youth, including those in more traditional forms of advertising such as newspapers and magazines, as well as in digital formats in periodicals, social media and on websites with significant youth viewership. Advertisers will also not be allowed to make vaping product safety claims or pitch vaping products as smoking cessation options without FDA-approval.

Ban Harmful Unregulated Carrier Oils

Following the alarming number of hospitalizations and deaths involving patients who had reported a history of using e-cigarettes or vaping products, Vitamin E acetate — which is sometimes used as an e-liquid diluent — has been identified as a chemical of concern. In order to quickly respond to the proliferation of these dangerous, untested and unregulated chemicals used in vaping related products, the Governor will also advance legislation to empower the Department of Health to ban the sale of vaping carrier oils that include chemicals or ingredients that when inhaled through a vaping device are deemed to be dangerous and a significant public health risk.

Limit Online Sale of Vaping Products

The current sale of e-liquids and e-cigarettes through online, phone and mail order allows underage youth to purchase products unlawfully and circumvent sales taxes. Therefore, the Governor will advance legislation restricting the online, phone and mail order sale of e-liquids and e-cigarettes only to licensed vaping product retailers. Only registered retailers would be allowed to purchase e-cigarettes using those methods. This restriction, which already applies to the sale of conventional tobacco products, will help stop the illegal sale of dangerous vaping products to underage purchasers.

End the Sale of Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products in Pharmacies

Healthcare-related entities should not be in the business of selling tobacco, the leading cause of preventable death in New York State. Ending the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products in pharmacies will help reduce the availability, visibility and social acceptability of tobacco use, especially to youth.

Prohibit the Use of Coupons for Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Research indicates that the price of tobacco products is closely tied to prevalence, especially among youth who are almost twice as “price sensitive” as adults. As a result, New York has the highest state excise tax on cigarettes and one of the lowest youth smoking rates in the nation. But the tobacco industry is also fully aware of the effect of price on smoking rates and invests nearly 85% of its over $9 billion a year marketing budget on price-reducing promotions including direct to consumer coupons and in-store discounts. These discounts undermine the public health impact of New York’s tax and prohibiting coupons and discounts would eliminate an important source of industry price manipulation.

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31 cases were reported in Orleans last week

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today reminded all New Yorkers to take recommended precautions to protect themselves from the flu as new numbers released today show flu activity still has not reached its peak this season.

Flu cases in New York this season are expected to set record-high levels since the New York State Department of Health began tracking flu cases during the 1998-99 season.

“As flu season has not yet peaked across New York, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families,” Governor Cuomo said. “I encourage all New Yorkers older than six months to get their flu shot – it’s not too late.”

The latest influenza surveillance report for the week ending February 8th shows seasonal flu activity continues to be widespread across New York State for the 11th consecutive week.

As indicated in the report, there were 17,233 laboratory-confirmed flu cases reported to the State Department of Health, the second highest weekly total since the 1998-1999 flu season. That includes 31 cases in Orleans County, 77 in Genesee and 87 in Wyoming County.

The most lab-confirmed influenza cases reported during a single week in a flu season was 18,252 in 2017-18. There have been a total of 106,824 lab-confirmed cases reported in New York State this season, with three flu-associated pediatric deaths. Last week, 1,993 New Yorkers were hospitalized with lab-confirmed influenza. So far this season, there have been 15,541 flu-related hospitalizations.

“While flu activity is higher than usual this season and it has not yet peaked, taking basic preventive steps such as washing hands often, covering a cough or sneeze with your arm, and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms, will help prevent the spread of the flu,” said Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.

On January 3, the State Department of Health issued a statewide health advisory alerting healthcare providers to the dramatic increase in flu activity across New York State.

The State Health Department recommends and urges that everyone six months of age or older receive an influenza vaccination. In addition, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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Photo courtesy of Orleans Community Health Foundation: Members of the Surgical Department at Medina Memorial Hospital display the new Olympus Holmium Laser recently purchased by the Orleans Community Health Foundation. Pictured from left include Donny Maskell, Vanessa King, Cindy Denniston, Dr. Anees Fazili, April Schultz, Michaelene Prest, Donna Montesanti, Sheri Walling, Kelly Swanson and Kim Gray.

Press Release, Orleans Community Health

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health recently added a new Olympus Holmium laser to its Surgical Department at Medina Memorial Hospital to help treat patients with kidney, bladder and ureteral stones.

Dr. Anees Fazili is the urologist on staff at the hospital that performs this latest procedure. He agrees that the Holmium laser lithotripsy provides many benefits to patients, including immediate relief of symptoms and a quick recovery in which most patients go home the same day following surgery.

It is typically performed when a patient is unable to pass a stone on their own and experiences pain or discomfort.  When activated, the laser beam breaks up the stone into smaller sizes making them capable of being passed. The procedure requires general anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable and there is no need for incisions.

The purchase was made possible due to the generosity of donors to the Orleans Community Health Foundation. Kimberly Gray, director of Surgical Services at Orleans Community Health, stated, “On behalf of Dr. Fazili, myself, and the entire Surgical Department, we are truly thankful for the support of our Foundation and the entire community. By adding the availability of Holmium laser treatments to our services, we’re able to save most patients a long commute to Buffalo or Rochester while using the same technology right in our community hospital.”

If you are interested in donating to Orleans Community Health and supporting one of our many programs, please contact Heather Smith at (585) 798-8426 or visit www.supportOCH.org and click donate button. To schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Fazili, please contact (585) 201-7793. Please note that your insurance may require a referral from your primary physician.

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No confirmed cases in New York State in rapidly evolving outbreak

Press Release, Orleans and Genesee County Health Departments

While there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in New York State, the Public Health Departments in Orleans and Genesee counties urge local residents to take precautions and be vigilant with the virus.

“There are currently zero confirmed cases of 2019 Novel CoronaVirus (2019-nCoV) in New York,” stated Paul Pettit, director of Genesee & Orleans Counties Departments of Health. “While the risk for Orleans and Genesee County is currently low, things are rapidly evolving with this outbreak. In response, our departments have been proactively taking actions to safeguard our communities.”

The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause symptoms including cough, fever, trouble breathing and pneumonia.

The coronavirus is spread from someone who is sick through the air by coughing or sneezing, close personal contact, or touching surfaces where the virus is present (after someone who has the virus touched, coughed or sneezed on a surface).

Common signs of infection or coronavirus are similar to a cold or influenza (flu). Therefore the health department encourages everyone to take the same prevention steps as recommended for the seasonal flu, as flu is still a greater risk to our residents.

Get the flu vaccination if you have not done so already; wash hands with soap and water for at 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home if you are sick; regularly clean and disinfect surfaces.

If symptoms worsen or you have reason to believe you may have 2019-nCoV, contact your primary care provider and/or dispatch for an ambulance (for worsening symptoms) and advise them of your travel history.

As of February 1, 2020 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided the following guidance for anyone who has returned from China:

• Any U.S. citizen returning to the U.S. who traveled to the Hubei Province in the previous 14 days will be subject to up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine (separation / confinement), to safeguard they are provided proper medical care and health screening.

• Any U.S. citizen returning to the U.S. who has been in the rest of mainland China within the 14 previous days will undergo proactive entry health screening at a select number of ports of entry and up to 14 days of monitored self-quarantine to ensure they have not contracted the virus and do not pose a public health risk.

• Foreign nationals, other than immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who have traveled to China within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the U.S. for this time.

“We are in contact with the New York State Department of Health and other partners and are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event a suspected and/or confirmed case is detected in our counties,” Pettit said.

The state health department has an information call center for questions and answers about travel and symptoms regarding 2019-nCoV. The number is 1-888-364-3065.

The Health Departments will provide updates as appropriate.

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Press Release, Public Health Departments in Orleans and Genesee counties

The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus).

Most cervical cancers are related to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that infects teens and adults. It is so common that about 14 million males and females become infected with HPV each year.

In addition to cervical cancer, HPV infection can cause vaginal and vulvar cancers in women and penile cancer in men. HPV can also cause anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx), and genital warts in both men and women.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. It is most commonly spread by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. You also can develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected. This makes it hard to know when you first became infected.

The HPV vaccine provides safe, effective, and long-lasting protection against cancers caused by the HPV infection.

“Children who are 11 or 12 years old should get two shots of the HPV vaccine six to twelve months apart,” explains Brenden Bedard, Director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans Counties. “Getting vaccinated on time protects preteens long before ever being exposed to the virus.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some children may need three doses of the HPV vaccine. Adolescents who receive their two shots less than five months apart will need a third dose for best protection. Also, children who start the vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday need three shots given over 6 months.1

HPV vaccination provides the most benefit when given before a person is exposed to any HPV. That’s why the CDC recommends HPV vaccination at ages 11-12. The HPV vaccine is also recommended through age 26 for everyone who did not get vaccinated when they were younger. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, to include women and men 27-45 years of age. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated today.

In addition to receiving the HPV vaccine, the American Cancer Society recommends that women should also get screened regularly. Beginning at age 21, women should receive a Pap test every 3 years. Starting at age 30, women have three options available for screening3:

• A Pap test alone every three years

• An HPV test alone, every five years

• Co-testing with a Pap and HPV test, every five years

Depending on the results of the Pap and/or HPV tests, healthcare providers may recommend additional screening or procedures. Talk to your healthcare provider about screening options that are right for you.

If you are over the age of 40 and do not have health insurance, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) can help men and women receive preventative cancer screenings. The CSP provides breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic services at no cost. For more information, please contact your local CSP at 716-278-4898.

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Press Release, NYS Association of Counties and the NYS Association of County Health Officials

As conventional cigarette use has declined in New York State, electronic cigarette use has risen, especially among adolescents and young adults. Tobacco companies use flavored e-liquid to lure young people into becoming regular users of their products.

In surveys, youth cite flavoring as one of their biggest draws to electronic cigarettes, and a majority of young people who have tried e-cigarettes first used a flavored product.

Vaping poses serious yet avoidable health risks for youth. Companies that produce vaping products take advantage of that fact that youth are attracted to the marketable technology and flavorings seen in these devices.

The rise in life-threatening vaping related illnesses, particularly among young people, highlights the need for swift action. We appreciate the Governor’s leadership in addressing this serious public health threat, particularly the inclusion of menthol flavoring in his proposed ban. The tobacco industry has traditionally marketed menthol products in communities of color and to women, and we believe it is important to include all flavorings in any ban.

We commend Governor Cuomo for proposing to ban flavored nicotine vaping products and vaping ads aimed at young people. This proposal will help to prevent tobacco companies from using flavored e-liquid to lure young people into becoming regular users of tobacco products. Counties are proud to partner with New York State in its efforts to the end the growing epidemic of youth vaping.

This news release was sent by NYSAC President John F. Marren, Chairman of Ontario County; NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario; NYSACHO President Daniel J. Stapleton, the Public Health Director in Niagara County; and NYSACHO Executive Director Sarah Ravenhall.

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By Mike Pettinella, GCASA Publicist

Today’s society invites people to gamble.

Casinos are at every turn.

Lotteries are run by state governments.

Sports betting is a click of the mouse away.

Getting in on the horse racing action is as easy as turning on the TV.

Bombarded by messages such as “a dollar and a dream,” it’s no wonder that, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling, an estimated 2 million Americans are pathological gamblers and another 4 to 6 million people would be considered problem gamblers – those whose gambling affects their everyday lives.

In New York State, an Office of Addiction Services and Supports’ survey revealed that more than 700,000 adults struggle with a gambling problem. That’s 5 percent of the adult population.

“Just like an addiction to drugs or alcohol, they (problem gamblers) can’t stop,” said Tony Alisankus, BS, CASAC II SAP, who oversees a problem gambling treatment at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. “It’s a disease that changes the neurochemistry of the brain, similar to cocaine, amphetamines or opioids.”

Also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, gambling addiction is an impulse-control illness. A compulsive gambler can’t control the impulse to gamble, despite the negative consequences for that person or his or her family.

Alisankus called it “the hidden disease” because people don’t want to address it.

“And it’s not just slot machines, horses or card games,” he said. “The compulsion can show up in stock trading, lottery tickets and online gambling.”

Gambling disorder (the current terminology per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is defined as persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

Some of the signs of gambling disorder are as follows:

• Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement;

• Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling;

• Often gambles when feeling distressed or anxious;

• Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling;

• Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

Gambling disorder can seriously affect a person’s personal well-being, employment situation and family life, Alisankus said. Fortunately, however, there is hope and help for the problem gambler.

“Like all addictions, gambling is a treatable disease,” said Alisankus, who has provided substance abuse counseling for more than 30 years and has recently attained certification in gambling disorders. “With treatment and follow-through, people can remain in remission.”

The program at GCASA offers various methods of evidence-based treatment, including Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (skills-based therapies for patients to find a better way to think and cope) and Motivational Interviewing.

It also offers treatment for family members affected by the loved one’s disorder, referrals to Gambler’s Anonymous, GAMANON and not-for-profit credit/financial counseling.

Alisankus said the initial step for the problem gambler in either Genesee or Orleans County – or for someone who may be at risk of escalating his or her gambling activities – is to call GCASA at 585-343-1124 to set up an assessment appointment (those take place on Mondays at 4 p.m. in Batavia).

Should a potential patient have transportation issues or can’t meet at that time, procedures are in place for a special appointment to be made – either in Batavia or at the Albion clinic.

From there, Alisankus will use standardized criteria to assess the patient’s level of gambling disorder, which could vary from mild to moderate to severe to persistent to episodic.

The program at GCASA is free to all those seeking help.

Additional support is available through the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center in Buffalo, which has a working relationship with GCASA.

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Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming Public Health Column

Provided photo: Tammi Bale of Clarendon has collected socks the past four years in memory of her son, Robert Bale. She donates them to the Open Door Mission in Rochester.

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis C, but early diagnosis of Hepatitis C is important as it can prevent serious liver problems.

Approximately 3.2 million people in the U.S. have chronic Hepatitis C, but most do not know that they are infected. This is exactly why testing is so important!

Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with blood from an infected person, even in amounts too small to see.  People with Hepatitis C often have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can be a sign of advanced liver disease (such as cirrhosis or scarring of the liver).

“Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the leading cause of liver transplants,” stated Brenden Bedard, deputy director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.

New treatments for Hepatitis C are available and more are in development. Today, chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is usually curable with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, “The homeless population is disproportionately impacted by HCV infection, with an estimated prevalence of 22% to 53% percent.” (Dan, 2018).

Hepatitis C testing is recommended if you,

• Were born from 1945 through 1965

• Injected drugs

• Received donated blood or organs before 1992

• Have been exposed to blood on the job through a needle stick injury with a sharp object

• Have medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease or HIV/AIDS

To increase awareness about Hepatitis C, the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are donating socks to Tammi Bale who operates the “Just Socks, Ma” Campaign, collecting socks to donate to those in need in memory of her son Robert Bale who passed away of a drug overdose in 2016.

“These socks read #NYCuresHepC and is a reminder to get tested and that a cure is available to those who need it,” Bedard said. “It’s a small way to give back to the community this holiday season and increase a valuable message.”

Bale has done an annual sock drive the past four years. Last year she donated 1,583 pairs to the Open Door Mission in Rochester. She does the sock drive in memory of her son, who was 28 when he died.

“I wasn’t able to help him because I didn’t know anything was wrong (substance use disorder),” she said. “He had a good job, was working 50 hours a week and had just gotten a raise. No one knew his secret, not even his roommate. It’s good to try to find out what is happening in your child’s life so this doesn’t happen. This campaign makes me happy and will hopefully make Robert proud.”

Tammi is also giving back by operating a Facebook group named “Angel Mothers Unite” providing uplifting messages to those who need it.

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