By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 July 2016 at 11:00 am
ALBION – The opioid epidemic has reached Orleans County with several recent deaths from heroin overdoses, according to the Genesee-Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.
The issue has been in the news throughout the region, state and country due to the increase in overdose deaths. In nearby Erie County, the community is on pace to have 500 people die from overdose deaths this year.
GCASA wants to educate Orleans County about the crisis and give insight and help to parents and friends of people struggling with addiction.
GCASA on July 13 will host an informational meeting and Narcan training for the community at GCASA’s Albion Clinic, 249 East Ave. The 7 to 9 p.m. meeting will be in the basement level of the clinic.
“People are struggling out here in our community,” said Kathy Hodgins, director of treatment services for GCASA in Orleans County. “It’s not just the other communities.”
The July 13 session will be include information about treatment options for people who suffer from opioid addiction. Topics will include detox, inpatient and outpatient treatment options, medication assisted therapy options, and community resources.
In addition, Narcan training will be provided and each participant will receive a kit to use in case of an opioid overdose. Narcan can bring someone out of an addicted state, Hodgins said.
This is the first time GCASA is leading a community meeting about the opioid epidemic. Hodgins said GCASA can help people wrestling with addictions, and also provide some support for their families and friends.
“We need to get the word out in our community about what GCASA offers,” Hodgins said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2016 at 12:00 am
Nearly 200 gift baskets will be raffled off Monday during Lyndonville’s Fourth of July celebration
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Brittany Button, one of the organizers of a basket raffle to benefit Ella Suhr and her family, is pictured with the baskets today inside the Lyndonville school. The raffle on Monday is the latest effort by the community to support a young couple and their baby daughter who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“I know as a community how well we can all come together,” Button said. “This is a small community that is very close knit.”
Joe and Meagan Suhr spent this week in Florida, where their daughter Ella had a tumor removed. An MRI showed no more signs of cancer, Meagan posted on Facebook.
Mrs. Suhr is a high school teacher in Batavia and her husband is a social studies teacher in Lyndonville.
They were on vacation in March in St. Petersburg when Ella became sick. They took her to the emergency room. She would be diagnosed with stage four of a rare form of brain cancer.
Joe’s colleagues at Lyndonville donated their sick days so he could take the rest of the school year off to care for his daughter.
Many in the community wore Lyndonville Tiger colors of orange and black with the message “Suhr Strong” to show support for the family and help raise money for medical costs.
The community is putting on a big basket raffle on Monday during Lyndonville’s Fourth of July Celebration. Nearly 200 baskets have donated. They will be on display on the school front lawn from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Jan Heideman wraps one of the gift baskets today. She is among several volunteers helping with the basket raffle on Monday.
“It’s an absolutely phenomenal cause,” she said. “In this small town, people really rally around each other.”
The volunteers said they were all encouraged by the good news shared by the Suhrs this week, that Ella’s tumor was gone.
Abby Button works on the ticket bags for the basket raffle. Her mother, Jen Button, has been one of the lead organizers for the raffle.
Jack Buckner, his wife Janice and the Buckner family also have worked hard on the event.
Abby said people and businesses from all Western New York have donated baskets for the auction. She said it has been emotionally moving to see the donations come in.
“All of Western New York is coming together for our little town,” she said.
There are several items donated by the Buffalo Bills, including this autographed hat by Rex Ryan, the team’s head coach.
Bills star wide receiver Sammy Watkins signed a pair of cleats that will be in the auction. There will also be a helmet signed by quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
KNOWLESVILLE – In 2013, the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors set a goal of transforming the 40-year old Trolley Building kitchen into a modern, commercial grade teaching kitchen.
Three years and $60,000 later, the kitchen is ready for food and nutrition education, small batch food processing, and large scale cooking for events that can be held in the adjacent 50′ by 70′ space.
The kitchen features stainless steel countertop table units with an ample 3-bay sink, hand wash sink, and two prep sinks – each in one of the large stainless steel work islands.
It includes a commercial dishwasher, 54″ two-door refrigerator and freezer units, a chest freezer, and four floor to ceiling stainless storage cabinets. Additional items include a 10-burner range with two 36″ ovens, a fire suppression hood, and the honorary butcher block table refinished by Albion dairy farmer, Jeremy Neal.
New flooring, RFP board along the south wall, and a stainless steel serving window were installed as well.
A majority of the upgrades were funded through grants from local foundations and a recent award of $25,675 from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority. Private donations, including support from the Fern Blackburn Memorial and Mrs. Ann Preston, along with funds raised by the Orleans County 4-H Fair Committee and Leaders’ Association helped as well.
As funds were raised, work was completed. The hardest part was closing the kitchen for new plumbing and electrical installed in the concrete floor to the island units.
Extension staff and volunteers were ready for the new kitchen and have already held food preservation workshops and pie-making workshops to prepare for the annual 4-H Fair to be held July 25-30 this year. They are also planning for 4-H Cooking Camp, July 18 & 19, along with using the kitchen to host concessions and dinners for 4-H activities. The nutrition program uses the kitchen as well to prepare foods for workshops held throughout Orleans County.
While the kitchen supports Extension work, it is intended to achieve a greater goal of increasing the consumption of local fruit and vegetable products. Growers or food entrepreneurs are encouraged to consider the kitchen for processing foods into ready-to-eat products or hosting workshops for consumers.
The kitchen rents at $125/day and meets all food and safety codes. Information about using the kitchen can be found on Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s website under Facility Use at cceorleans.org or requested at 585-798-4265.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 June 2016 at 10:00 am
Participants get discounted sneakers, healthy eating tips, lots of peer support
File photo by Tom Rivers– Fleet Feet personnel were in Albion in January 2015 doing fittings for running shoes as part of a “Fit in 50” program. This photo shows Shelia Lemcke of Albion getting fitted for shoes. A new program starts Sunday and gives 40 people a chance for discounted sneakers if they complete a 16-week program.
ALBION – A new fitness program will start on Sunday with a goal to help 40 people become healthier by losing weight and embracing healthier choices, including more nutritious meals.
The Orleans County Health Department received a $15,000 grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials. The organization (NACCHO) is looking to fund community-based initiatives that promote heathy activities, sustainability and resiliency, said Paul Pettit, health department director in both Orleans and Genesee counties.
The Health Department is partnering with the Albion Running Club in a 16-week fitness program. Pettit said he saw the success of the “Fit in 50” program by the Running Club last year. That program had a weekly walk or run, and also measured participants’ weight and BMI throughout 2015.
Those measurements over the course of the year showed drops in weight and BMI, Pettit said.
“We tracked biometrics and could show positive data,” Pettit said. “Overall BMIs were down, weight went down, and there were sustained healthy lifestyles.”
Fit in 50 also offered 100 pairs of sneakers for $20 each as part of a grant through the Greater Rochester Health Foundation. The shoes normally would cost about $100.
The new Healthy Orleans program will offer discounted shoes to 40 participants. The program schedule is also compressed to 16 weeks. It will culminate with participants completing a 5-kilometer walk/run on Oct. 8 at the Memory Walk and Cross Country Run at Brown’s Berry Patch.
If they complete the 16 weeks, they have their choice for another pair of discounted shoes or a Fitbit activity tracker.
The kickoff for the program will be this Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Albion Free Methodist Church, 25 South Platt St. The deadline to register for the program was June 10, but there are still several spots open. The Running Club will accept applications until all 40 spots are filled. (To see an application, visit albionrunningclub.com/healthy-orleans.html.)
Brian Krieger is executive director of the Running Club and helped manage the Fit in 50 last year. He said this year’s program welcomes people who want to improve their overall health by reducing their weight, eating healthier and also giving up smoking.
The program will have a nutrition expert meet with the group to discuss how to prepare meals for a healthy and balanced diet.
“One of our initiatives is improving health with focus on chronic disease and healthy living,” Pettit said. “This program will focus on participating in physical activity with classes on healthier eating. Another big component is the peer support.”
ALBION – The Village of Albion public water supply won the best-tasting water contest held during the Strawberry Festival.
The Orleans County Department of Health invited the public to taste water from Lyndonville (Sample A), Albion (Sample B) and Holley (Sample C).
Albion won the 25th annual competition and will advance to a regional contest. The winner of that event goes to the New York State Fair in Syracuse.
“We thank all the water suppliers for providing safe drinking water to our communities!” the Health Department announced on its Facebook page. “Great job everyone!”
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 9 June 2016 at 9:00 am
Longer-term goals include more drinking fountains at parks
Photo by Kristina Gabalski– Jena Buckwell of the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District is working through the recently launched UnBottle Orleans campaign to encourage residents, businesses, museums, government agencies, employers and event planners to give up bottled water and utilize tap water. This week, Orleans County Master Gardeners decided to work with Buckwell on an agreement to “UnBottle” at meetings and events.
ALBION – UnBottle Orleans is hoping to change the way you think about bottled water. The campaign, which is sponsored by the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District, was launched recently to bring attention to the negative environmental, economic and social impacts of bottled water.
Jena Buckwell has been working on the campaign through her AmeriCorps position at the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District. She says UnBottle Orleans wants to help residents, businesses, event planners, museums, tourist attractions, government agencies, clubs and organizations make the transition away from bottled water.
“While purchasing bulk water bottles and selling is convenient in some regards, it’s less convenient than simply increasing public access to municipal water,” Buckwell said. “With bottled water, there’s the task and expense of going to get the water, or having it delivered, and also of disposing the bottles properly – which often does not happen. Much of Orleans County is on municipal water, so while making the transition to encouraging event goers and customers to use tap water will absolutely require some re-thinking of our current strategy. In the long-run it requires less effort, money and generates far less waste.”
Buckwell explained that recycling plastic water bottles is not a sustainable or efficient means of dealing with waste generated from bottled water.
“Recycling in and of itself is a high-energy process, and with (the low quality of plastic water bottles), most bottled water plastic does not get recycled,” she said.
The carbon footprint for bottled water is much larger than municipal water, in regards to travel and storage. Buckwell said.
“Bottled water requires the energy intensive process of actually making the bottle, bottling the water, further packaging, transportation, storage, transportation to your home or event, storage in your home, and then (hopefully) transportation to a recycling facility where the energy intensive process of recycling the bottle takes place,” she said. “Tap water requires absolutely none of that.”
The transition phase away from the bottle is critical, she pointed out.
UnBottle Orleans recommends individuals and families try reusable water bottles, preferably stainless steel, but BPA-free plastic (such as Nalgene) is also an option.
“It’s good to keep ease of cleaning in mind when buying a new reusable bottle as people are less likely to use their water bottle if cleaning it is a hassle,” Buckwell said.
She said families can also use water jugs for transporting water when they will be out and about for long periods.
UnBottle Orleans is also working to increase access to public water. “It’ll be a longer term goal,” Buckwell explained. “But as citizens, we have the ability to make the request of our local government that refilling stations and water fountains become the norm throughout our towns, parks, etc. The early stages of our campaign have included discussion with local government and we’ve had really excellent reception. One of our goals is to increase drinking fountains in villages, as well as parks, including along the canal path.”
Buckwell adds that she feels Orleans County is well-suited to make the transition.
“We have excellent drinking water immediately and abundantly available to us,” she said. “Our Health Department is thorough and committed to providing safe drinking water. Additionally, Orleans County is filled with nature lovers and outdoorsmen and women who regularly connect with and see first-hand the environmental damage that is caused by our various habits of consumption, including bottled water, whether it be bottles floating about in a favorite fishing spot or as litter along a hiking path. Making the connection that our habits damage the natural places we love is an important first step.”
Buckwell says community member involvement for campaigning, letter-writing, tabling, etc. is invited and encouraged. Interested residents can contact UnBottle Orleans at unbottleorleans@gmail.com.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 26 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – The annual Grace Lang/Amber Liese Walk Thursday afternoon was well-attended.
KENDALL – Despite threatening skies and a heavy downpour about 45 minutes into the event, students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members came out in record numbers Thursday afternoon for the annual Grace Lang/Amber Liese Memorial Walk at the Kendall High School Track.
The event is sponsored by the Kendall Sr. National Honor Society and benefits the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, Teens Living with Cancer, Kendall Ambulance and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.
Members of Libby Jurs’ family pose together before hitting the track to walk.
This year’s walk was dedicated to Libby Jurs, a beloved former Kendall school nurse, who died of cancer in 2015. The Jurs Family participated in the Walk and said Libby had participated herself in past years.
“She is missed for sure buy a lot of people,” Libby’s husband, John said. “She touched a lot of people.”
“We appreciate all that has been done for our family by the Kendall Central School District,” Libby’s daughter, Jennifer said.
A sign alongside the track featured a photograph of Libby.
National Honor Society co-advisor Gretchen Rosales estimated participation this year at more than 100 people, which is more than usual.
“Libby had a huge impact on all of us,” Rosales said. “Today is a celebration of her life. We are excited to be able to honor her memory today.”
Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Principal Carol D’Agostino said this year’s school yearbook will be dedicated to Libby during the school’s formal awards ceremony next Friday.
The Walk is named for Grace Lang, the Kendall school nurse who preceded Libby, who died of cancer of 1990, and Amber Liese, a Kendall student who died of cancer in 2010 just months after graduation.
Members of the Kendall Central School faculty, staff and administration pose on the track with the photo of Libby.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 May 2016 at 12:00 am
File photo by Tom Rivers – Aleka Schmidt, pastor of First Baptist Church in Albion, is a 10-year survivor of breast cancer. She is keynote speaker during this evening’s For Women Only event to benefit the Community Partners outreach program of Orleans Community Health.
LYNDONVILLE – The 20th annual For Women Only this evening not only celebrates a milestone anniversary for the event, but also will mark 10 years of being cancer-free for the keynote speaker.
Aleka Schmidt was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer when she was 28, shortly after her daughter’s second birthday.
In the fog of bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, hospitalization, and strong medication, life as a cancer patient soon became the new norm in her household.
Schmidt will share her story during the For Women Only event today at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The event is already sold out with nearly 300 tickets sold.
Schmidt said everyone should get to know their body and be on the lookout for anything unusual that could be cancer.
“Speak up if you have a concern,” she said.
Cancer patients in Orleans County are fortunate to have quality healthcare options close to home, especially with cancer specialists in Rochester and Buffalo, she said.
She said people should maintain a positive outlook, even while fighting a potentially life-threatening disease.
“Choose to be better, not bitter,” she said.
Schmidt was working full-time as a music therapist when she was diagnosed. She has switched careers and now is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion. She is a semester away from earning her master of divinity at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. She continues to work part-time as a music therapist.
As part of the evening today, Jenifer Maynard, director of Imaging Services at Orleans Community Health, will present the new 4D ultrasound machine. The machine provides superior image quality for more accurate diagnoses. Orleans Community Health started using the new ultrasound on Jan. 1.
The new ultrasound machine has high frequency, wide field-of-view probes and improved software for advanced breast imaging, improved sensitivity and powerful enough to scan all body types, and portability to accommodate patients and staff.
This year’s event will include wine and chocolate tastings, appetizers and desserts, basket raffle, survivor recognition and a celebration of women. All funds raised from the event will benefit the Cancer Services program which provides free screenings to individuals with little to no health insurance.
The event raises about $5,000 that helps Community Partners, the outreach program Orleans Community Health, offer cancer screenings and also complete blood work.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 19 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Sixth graders from Holley Central School learn about water and boating safety from members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Dept. and the NYSDEC Environmental Conservation Police.
KNOWLESVILLE – Sixth graders from around Orleans County traveled to the 4-H Fairgrounds Tuesday and Wednesday for the 48th annual Conservation Field Days. The event provides students with hands-on learning about the environment, wildlife conservation, safety, healthy eating and more.
This year, educational stations included a habitat walk with exploration of a variety of animal habitats; composting with Orleans County Master Gardeners; the use of hunting and trapping in wildlife management with the Gregoire family of Murray; how pesticides, herbicides and other wastes affect local watersheds with the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District; green power with Scott Dean of the NYS Public Service Commission; Rabies with Nola Goodrich-Kresse of the Orleans County Health Department.
Other stations included Mammal ID with staff from the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge; the tree factory with staff from the NYSDEC’s Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center in Depew; Heritage Sheep with Orleans County 4-Her Andrew Dreschel of Holley; dog agility with members of the Orleans County 4-H dog program; water and boat safety with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department and the NYSDEC Environmental Conservation Police; and Natalie Heller, nutrition
educator, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, with information on healthy and fluid-replenishing drinks for the summer.
Students prepare for a “drag race” of tiny solar-powered cars with Scott Dean of the NYS Public Service Commission, who talked to them about green energy.
Products and items on the table overseen by staff from the NYSDEC’s Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center are all made from trees.
Students were able to explore varieties of local wildlife as well as hunting and trapping equipment with Mark Gregoire, who explained why wildlife management is necessary and how it helps the environment.
Orleans County Master Gardeners explain the process and benefits of composting yard and kitchen waste to students from Lyndonville Central School.
Kim Hazel of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, tells students about wildlife habitat, including habitat created by garbage cans like the ones stored under the trees in the background of the photo.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Vendors, speakers will cover range of topics
Photo courtesy of Photos by Bruce – Gwen St. John, center, is pictured with her daughters, Cheryl Chladek, left, and Karen Sawicz. St. John, former owner of the Lake Country Pennysaver and a registered nurse, died on Feb. 25 at age 88 after fighting cancer and other illnesses.
ALBION – A seminar on Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Hoag Library will explore end-of-life care issues that many people are reluctant to consider.
The Albion Rotary Club has organized the seminar that will include a vendor fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Many businesses and agencies will be available to discuss their services including representatives from nursing homes, Hospice, Brigden Memorials, assisted care facilities, funeral homes, Mount Albion Cemetery, Office for the Aging, a bank that provides long-term care insurance, Medina Memorial Hospital and other service providers.
After the vendor fair, several speakers will then share advice and their experiences from 8 to 9 p.m.
Local attorney Sanford Church will discuss advanced directives, John Zonitch will highlight Medicaid Law with nursing home admissions, Scott Schmidt will bring a coroner’s perspective to unattended deaths, Susie Miller from the Office for the Aging will talk about a PRI (Patient Review Instrument), and Karen Sawicz will offer advice from a caregiver’s perspective.
“People don’t want to think about that their parent or that they themselves will come into this situation,” said Grace Denniston, a retired Office for the Aging director and Rotary Club member who helped plan Tuesday’s seminar. “Taking care of some of the issues can make it so much easier for the survivors.”
Denniston suggests pre-paying for a funeral, buying a cemetery plot and gravestone.
There are many issues for the caregivers, and Sawicz will share advice learned from five years of managing her mother’s health care.
Sawicz is president of the Rotary Club. She pushed to have the seminar on Tuesday after realizing there was so much she didn’t know in caring for her mother, Gwen St. John, who had her first surgery for cancer in March 2011. She battled other illnesses until her death at age 88 on Feb. 25 at the Martin-Linsin Residence of Hospice of Orleans.
St. John was a dynamic woman who earned her degree as a registered nurse in 1948 from Rochester General Hospital. She worked many years at the former Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital in Albion. She maintained her license until she was 82.
In 1960, she and her husband Vince purchased the Albion-Holley Pennysaver, which they jointly operated until their retirement in 1989. Sawicz has been running the operation since, and serves as publisher of the Pennysaver and the Orleans Hub.
Sawicz was a caregiver for her mother, and organized schedules for home healthcare aides. Her mother was able to stay at her home on Route 279 before moving to Hospice for the final week of her life.
Sawicz had help in hiring home health aides, and planning their work schedules from a friend in the health care field. Sawicz fielded calls from the aides who would share her mother’s condition.
“You have to learn your patient,” she said. “You don’t call the ambulance or doctor every time.”
Sawicz and the aides learned St. Johns baseline temperature, about 97 degrees. If her temperature was 100, that was a worrisome sign. Her mother didn’t tolerate antibiotics well, and her sodium level would plummet.
Sawicz kept records and showed doctors the documentation about how her mother responded to medicine. She often would seek clarification from doctors, making sure they understood her mother’s patient history.
“You need to be assertive and ask questions,” Sawicz said. “Don’t be nasty but be assertive.”
Sawicz kept her mother’s medical history on her SmartPhone. She would suggest people do the same, or print it out on paper so it’s easily accessible when filling out numerous medical forms and meeting with doctors.
Sawicz said she was fortunate to have a supportive family and employees, who would step in at a moment’s notice when she had to care for her mother. St. John battled cancer, a stress fracture, dementia and other health issues. Dementia was the worst to endure because her mother was robbed of her sweet disposition and personality, Sawicz said.
“We just want to help people think about planning,” Sawicz said about the seminar. “It will make things a little easier because people don’t want to talk about death.”
By Nola Goodrich-Kresse and Kristine Voos, Genesee-Orleans Public Health Education Team
Ticks can spread disease. Not all ticks can cause disease and not all bites will make you sick, but as these diseases become more common it’s important to learn how to prevent a bite, how to remove a tick and what to do if you think you could have a tick-borne disease.
“The warm winter and recent temperature increase have set the stage for a flourishing tick population, providing an update on Lyme disease, the most common tick related illness in our area, seems prudent,” states Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Lyme disease is also the most common disease spread by ticks in New York but there are other serious diseases they spread including Anaplasmosis, Erhichioisis, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
There are many different species of ticks but locally the most common is the Deer Tick. The Deer Tick is a vector for several diseases (Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis) and received the name because of its habit of living and feeding on white-tailed deer, however ticks acquire Lyme disease by feeding on infected mice and other small rodents.
“Although Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties have had less than 5 reported cases of Lyme disease annually since 2013, ticks are here locally and you can’t tell which are infected by disease or not,” stated Paul Pettit, Genesee and Orleans Public Health Director.
Ticks may be found in many types of settings such as woodlands, tree stumps, lawns and gardens, around stone walls, nature trails, outdoor summer camps, and playing fields. Ticks do not jump or fly, they attach to their host when a human or animal makes contact with something that a tick is on, like tall grass, shrubs, or an animal. The risk of human infection with Lyme is greatest in late spring and summer, but ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing.
“The high concentration of ticks in NYS counties including Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, and Albany leads me to believe the threat of tick-borne diseases will continue and likely increase locally in the future, this is why it is important to become aware and prepare now,” said Pettit.
Lyme can only be transmitted after being bit by an infected tick- seeing an attached tick or a tick bite does not necessarily mean Lyme has been transmitted. It generally takes between three days to one month after a tick bite for Lyme disease symptoms to develop.
In 60-80 percent of Lyme cases a “bulls-eye” circular rash or solid red patch develops at or near the site of the tick bite first and steadily gets larger or spreads out. You can also get several patches of rash on your body. Early on in the disease (days to weeks post-tick bite) you may develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headaches, joint pain and/or swelling, fatigue, or facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy), sometimes these can be very mild.
As Lyme disease progresses more severe symptoms like arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling may develop months-to-years post tick bite in 60% of persons who are not given antibiotic treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that getting Lyme disease once does not provide protection against getting Lyme in the future, if you are bitten again at a different time you can get Lyme disease again. If you develop any of these symptoms you should call your doctor right away to inquire about getting tested and treated.
To prevent tick-borne illness exposure while outdoors you and your family can do the following:
Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently while outdoors.
Use insect repellent with 20-30% DEET.
Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Avoid dense woods and busy areas.
Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls.
Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
Bathe or shower as soon as possible after going indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you.
Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets), and remove ticks promptly.
Additional prevention tips for homeowners to create a tick-free zone in your backyard to keep you, your family and pets safe from tick exposure:
Keep grass mowed, along with clearing tall grasses and brush.
Remove brush and leave around stonewalls and wood piles.
Keep wood piles and bird feeders away from your home.
Keep family dogs and cats out of wooded areas to reduce ticks brought into your home.
Place swing sets, sand boxes, decks and patios in a sunny spot away from yard edges and trees.
Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment.
What you can do if you find a tick attached to you, a family member, or a pet:
You should use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the ticks by its mouth parts, as close to the surface of the skin as you can. Carefully pull the tick straight up without twisting. Do not touch the tick. Do not squeeze the body of the tick (may increase your risk of infection). Clean your hands and the areas on your skin where the tick was. Watch the site of the bite for rash (3-30 days after bite). Removing a tick within 36 hours of attachment to the skin can lower the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
To learn more about ticks, Lyme disease and other diseases ticks can spread visit the New York State Department of Health, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2016 at 12:00 am
Provided photo
MEDINA – Fast Fitness and the Orleans County YMCA joined forces for a 12-week “Boot Camp Challenge” that was completed by 50 people. The challenge also raised $350 for the Y’s “Strong Communities” scholarship program to make the Y affordable for families.
The photo shows Kim Lockwood, left, owner of Fast Fitness with Mike Eaton and Shauna Parkinson of the Y.
Eaton had the idea for the Y and Fast Fitness to partner on the Boot Camp Challenge.
“The turnout for this challenge was very impressive,” Eaton said. “Bringing two gyms together and watching the progress made by everyone shows how much this community is committed. It was truly a joy to work with everyone and I look forward to more challenges.”
The Y and Fast Fitness plan to offer the challenge again in late summer or early fall, said Parkinson, the Y executive director.
“Enhancing the health and wellness of our community is our mission,” Parkinson said. “It was incredible the we were able to collaborate with Fast Fitness to provide an exceptional program, developed by Mike Eaton, that improved the lives of over 50 people.”
The Boot Camp Challenge was open to members and nonmembers of both facilities, and classes were held at both sites. Utilizing the resources of both the Y and Fast Fitness, Eaton developed a comprehensive and challenging program that engaged over 50 people, Parkinson said.
“A testament to Mike’s leadership and success as a fitness instructor, hundreds of pounds were lost and the quality of participants lives were improved through their participation in the program,” she said. “Both organizations benefited from the collaboration, Fast Fitness had several people participating in a program and getting exposure to new programs and services in the women’s-only facility. The same was true for the Y and a donation was given to the Y to benefit our scholarship assistance program.”
Jocelyn Beach won the challenge by losing the most weight.
“It was great for two organizations to come together to support the health and wellness of our community,” Lockwood said.
Orleans County residents can dispose of unused prescription medication, sharps and pet medications on Saturday at three drop-off sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The goal of this event is to provide a safe disposal method that will prevent the contamination of the water supply and most importantly decrease the likelihood of theft and abuse of prescription medications. Upon completion of this event all collected medication will be destroyed in the presence of law enforcement officers at a designated incineration facility, said Sheriff Randy Bower.
“This is a great opportunity for the public to surrender unwanted and/or expired medications for safe and proper disposal,” Bower said. “Events such as these have dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, as well as increasing awareness of this critical public health issue.”
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative includes the following sites in Orleans County:
Orleans County Public Safety Building – 13925 State Route 31 – Albion
Holley Fire Department – 7 Thomas Street – Holley
Medina Fire Department – 600 Main Street – Medina
The Public Safety Building also has a collection box that is available five days a week during regular business hours.
Saturday’s collection is a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration, the Orleans County Health Department, and the Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.
This photo includes back row, from left: Teacher Nicole Homme, Kathryn Young, Jamie Boyce, Taylor Hurrell, Hannah Sones, Alexandria Sargent. Front Row: Hailee Ogden, Bryanna Sikorski, Mercedes Wilson, Megan Dunn and Morgan Roach.
Press Release, Medina Central School
MEDINA – Mercedes Wilson is 2000 graduate from Medina High School. Recently she found herself back on campus with a new mission.
She spent several days talking with the high school girls about feeling confident in expressing themselves and being their own advocate when it comes to their health.
“When I was 28 years old I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer,” says Mrs. Wilson. “I thought I had a pulled muscle and when I discussed it with my doctor they assured me that I was too young to be concerned about anything. I was fortunate enough when I started to go to a new doctor that they insisted that I get it checked out. It was devastating to think if I had pushed to be tested earlier, I would not have had to undergo what I did.”
Her journey inspired her to start the organization For Our Daughters (click here). Its focus is to empower young women to break down communication barriers and become advocates for their own health and wellness.
“Our youth are under an immense amount of pressure and while they are developing, it is our job to teach them valuables,” she says. “Not only do we address self-esteem issues, but encourage communication with parent/guardians.”
Mrs. Wilson was invited to talk to the students during their gym period by teacher Nicole Homme. The girls ran different scenarios on how to communicate with their mothers showing a productive way to do that and a negative way. Mrs. Homme says she thinks the students respond better to hear these important strategies from someone on the outside.
“Her story is very personal and she has experience of what happens if you don’t learn communication skills earlier on in life,” Homme says. “She tells the students if they feel something is not right, they need to advocate and communicate what it is that they are feeling. It is a very valuable lesson.”
This group participated in Zumba led by Ashley Ramsey, owner of FIT Method in North Tonawanda. She is in front of photo. Other participants include second row, from left: Abigail Neuman, Abbigail Lilly, Kali Worley, Lillian Alberi, Regan Dole, Brooke Bearss, Paige Dunn and Shelby Weese. Back row: Syiera Dow, Alexis Greco, Jessica Lawrence, Nicole Cooper, Jelia Howard, Nodia Osby, Hannah Heil, Divere Brown, Brianna Bearss and Jizzell Banks.
As part of the workshop, a Zumba instructor, Ashley Ramsey from FIT Method in North Tonawanda, came in to teach a class to the students.
“Being active is a key to promoting a healthy life,” says Mrs. Wilson. “Hopefully it will instill a desire to do some sort of activity for the rest of their lives. We can do better, if we know better.”
Mrs. Wilson talks regularly to many local high schools and hopes to reach her goal of reaching 1,500 young women in the Western New York area.
“These girls deserve a world where they feel confident, empowered, and their voices are heard,” she said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 April 2016 at 12:00 am
About 120 participate in event to honor Wayne Burlison
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Brian Krieger and Adam Burlison release balloons just after noon today during the second annual Run for Wayne, a 3.17-mile race in honor of Adam’s father Wayne Burlison.
He was 36 when he died from colon cancer on March 26, 2014. Krieger and Burlison were close friends and running partners. They helped start the Albion Running Club, which organized today’s race.
Wayne’s wife Lisa Burlison thanked the community for supporting the race. She also shared about her husband’s faith, and his commitment to his family, fitness and his students. Mr. Burlison taught music at Albion for 12 years.
The runners gather on Clarendon Road near the elementary school for the start of the race. The 3.17-mile course represents the 3 months and 17 days that Burlison lived his diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer.
The bright sunshine and temperatures in the 60s was a contrast from the first Run for Wayne on March 28, 2015, when there was lots of snow on the ground and frigid temperatures.
The Albion pep band played upbeat tunes to cheer on the runners.
Runners head east on Route 31 past Butts Road for the first mile.
Tess Pettit, right, and Trinity Allen hand out water.
Runners head into Mount Albion Cemetery, passing underneath the big stone arch. Burlison played in the Mark Time Marchers, a band that performs in many local parades.
A runner approaches a photo of Burlison attached to a tree along the course in the cemetery.
After a loop in the cemetery, runners head west on Route 31 to the finish at the elementary school.
Riley Seielstad, an Albion high schooler, ran her first race today. She was one of Burlison’s students.
Race results will be posted on the Albion Running Club website. Click here for more information.
