Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
ALBANY – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt today announced he will introduce a resolution to immediately end the “statewide disaster emergency” declared by Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this week.
Rob Ortt
“By unilaterally extending her emergency powers without any input from the Legislature, Governor Hochul is following the playbook of her disgraced predecessor – and not following her own administration’s science and data,” Ortt said. “Albany’s ruling class is clearly more worried about political science and holding onto power than letting New Yorkers decide what is best for themselves. My constituents and millions of our state’s residents are fed up. It’s time to stop governing by arbitrary mandates, restore checks and balances, and end the emergency today.”
On Monday, Governor Hochul declared another “statewide disaster emergency,” basing the Executive Order in part on false data points related to Covid transmission and hospitalization rates. The next day, Governor Hochul herself acknowledged that New York is at “pre-surge levels,” as cases and other data points continue to trend in a positive direction.
Ortt’s concurrent resolution would nullify the Governor’s unscientific Executive Order and immediately put an end to the statewide disaster emergency, if passed in both houses of the State Legislature.
Last year, the Senate Republican Conference led the charge to repeal former Governor Cuomo’s “emergency powers” almost 50 times. Senate Democrats rejected those efforts every single time. Just this week, Senate Democrats also blocked an amendment to unmask children in schools and daycares.
A majority of U.S. states lifted mask mandates for indoor settings, businesses, and/or schools months ago. New York only recently announced the end of the “vax or mask” mandate for businesses and indoor settings, but continues to mandate mask-wearing in schools, among other settings.
“We are trying to do everything we can to stop these mandates for New Yorkers who are tired of state government dictating their everyday lives,” Ortt said. “New York Democrats are out of control and it’s clear the public has had enough – this is our solution.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 17 February 2022 at 11:17 am
Photo by Tom Rivers: The snow-covered towpath is shown in Albion on Tuesday evening just west of the Butts Road canal bridge.
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a winter weather advisory from 5 p.m. today to 9 a.m. Friday for Orleans and Niagara counties with 4 to 7 inches of snow in the forecast.
There also will be ice accumulations of one tenth to two tenths of inch, with winds gusting as high as 40 miles per hour, the Weather Service said.
“Travel will be very difficult,” the Weather Service said. “The combination of ice, snow and rapidly falling temperatures will result in icy and snow covered roads. Snow will reduce visibility tonight. The snow will taper off early Friday morning, but roads may remain very slippery through the morning commute.”
A flood watch also remains in effect through 7 p.m. on Friday. With flooding caused by runoff from widespread rain and rapid snowmelt.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 17 February 2022 at 7:46 am
MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership has chosen its officers for 2022, four of whom are returning to their positions and three who are new to the board.
Keeping their seats are president Scott Robinson, treasurer Laura Gardner, secretary Ann Fisher-Bale and director Tim Elliott. They are joined by vice president Cindy Robinson and new directors Bill Bixler, Cindy Robinson and Gloria Brent.
The Medina Area Partnership was formed several years ago to replace the Medina Business Association, in a move designed to include businesses that were outside the village limits. Several of its members, including president Scott Robinson, were previously involved in the MBA. All have a vested interest in the local area.
Robinson is one of four owners of the Shirt Factory in Medina. He recently assumed the position as director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach for Orleans Community Health. He has served in other roles, including the Committee on Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, the Medina Sandstone Society board of directors and was marketing chair of the Medina Business Association.
Gardner is owner of a lily & a sparrow on Main Street in Medina, which she has operated since 2010. She is also an integral part of several MAP committees and helped guide them through their first two years.
Fisher-Bale represents her family’s fruit farm, Fisher’s Farm Market, which has been a part of the Medina community for more than a century. In addition, she also represents the Hometown Extra, a local, weekly direct-mailed newspaper which serves the Medina community, as well as five surrounding zip codes. She is also an active member of MAP’s Events Committee, which recently brought back a sold-out Wine About Winter event.
Elliott currently is manager of 810 Meadworks Axe Range and has been a Medina village trustee for the last six years. He is also a member of the Ridgeway planning board, county planning board and MAP’s Events Committee. He is the previous owner of Brushstrokes and Into the Enigma.
Bixler, a resident of Medina for 42 years, owns Seaway Insurance in Gasport, Albion Agencies in Albion and commercial rental property on Main Street in Medina. He was a previous board member and president of the former Medina Chamber and has served for more than 30 years as a member of the Medina Rotary Club.
Robinson is not only vice president of MAP, but owner of the English Rose Tea Shoppe for 10 years and a partner in the newly opened family venture, the Vintage Cigar. She is married to Dr. Jim Robinson of the Medina Veterinary Clinic. She previously served as president of the MBA for 14 years and is a member of the boards of Medina Historical Society and Orleans Renaissance Group.
Brent, an RN, is president/CEO of MDS Consultants, the largest minimum data set consulting firm in the country, known for their expertise in the long-term care industry. She is also owner of Modern Mercantile, which she recently opened on East Center Street in Medina, offering small retail space for local artisans and collectors to sell their goods. She volunteers in the Medina Rotary Club and holds a position on the Orleans Community Health Foundation board. She is also a member of 23 different state healthcare associations across the country.
In addition to Wine About Winter, MAP has a full schedule of events (some returning favorites and several new) planned throughout the year. These include an Easter Bunny and Golden Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on April 9; a new Murder Mystery to be announced; the Enchanted Faery Festival on June 25; annual sidewalk sales Aug. 4 through Aug. 6; Ale in Autumn on Sept. 24; Beggar’s Night on Oct. 28; Moonlight Madness on Nov. 17; Olde Tyme Christmas and Parade of Lights on Nov. 26; and holiday open houses Dec. 1 through Dec. 4.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2022 at 6:31 pm
Orleans and Genesee counties continue to see Covid-19 cases fall from the peak of the Omicron surge.
The two counties reported 216 new cases over seven days, Feb. 9-15, which is down 92 percent from the 2,703 cases in the two counties from the peak of the Omicron surge from Jan. 5-11.
Each of the counties reported a death from Covid in the past week. Orleans has now had 110 residents pass away from Covid while Genesee has had 182 deaths from Covid during the nearly two years if the Covid, according to the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
Statewide the daily new cases are at the lowest levels since Oct. 25, and hospitalizations are down 72 percent since Jan. 11, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Tuesday..
“We have very promising numbers on Covid,” Hochul said. “We are in a good place.”
In Orleans County, the Covid cases the past 8 weeks include:
159 – Dec. 22-28
379 – Dec. 29-Jan. 4
855 – Jan. 5-11
645 – Jan. 12-18
521 – Jan. 19-25
255 – Jan. 26-Feb. 1
157 – Feb. 2-8
84 – Feb. 9-15
In Genesee County, the Covid cases the past 8 weeks include:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) introduced the School Resource Officer Act of 2022 to provide additional funds to support School Resource Officers.
The legislation was originally cosponsored by Representatives Stefanik (NY-21), Newhouse (WA-04), Bacon (NE-02), and Bost (IL-12).
“School Resource Officers play an integral role in building strong relationships between our students and police, as well keeping kids safe,” Jacobs said. “I am proud to introduce this legislation to provide additional funds to support school Resource Officers, and I will always stand with the men and women of our law enforcement and work to keep our children safe.”
The School Resource Officer Act notably has the following provisions:
Authorization of Appropriations: Authorizes the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program in the Department of Justice at $500 million for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2026.
Reserves Funding Specifically for School Resource Officers: Not less than 30 percent of funding for hiring programs within the COPS program will be used to pay the salaries and benefits of school resource officers.
Awarded Grant Terms: Federal funds may provide up to 75 percent of salary and benefits of full-time officers with a 25 percent minimum local cash match requirement. Maximum federal share cap is increased to $125,000 per officer position.
“Our North Country families should always have peace of mind when dropping their children off at school,” Elise Stefanik said. “I am proud to support this legislation that supports our law enforcement officers that protect our children, teachers, and schools.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2022 at 1:23 pm
ALBION – An Albion man was sentenced today to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison for breaking into a home and then waving a knife towards a resident inside.
Joshua Biaselli, 38, allegedly broke into the home on May 3, 2021. He faced charges of second-degree burglary and criminal possession of a weapon.
Biaselli pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. He was sentenced today in Orleans County Court by Judge Sanford Church.
Biaselli is a second felony offender. He was sentenced in Febraury 2018 in County Court to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison after driving intoxicated and crashing into a garage with a stolen car.
In other cases in County Court today:
• Paul Gulczewski, 28, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. Gulczewski, formerly of Ridgeway but now an Albion resident, was charged on Sept. 1 after police were called with reports of gunshots from a Ridgeway residence.
He had a loaded 9 mm handgun, a large capacity ammunition feeding device which held 30 bullets, and was in possession of cocaine.
He faces up to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison when he is sentenced on May 4.
• Leo Woodrich Jr., 58, of Medina pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. He could spend up to 1 to 3 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 4.
He was driving in an erratic manner and under the influence on Oct. 22, 2021, said District Attorney Joe Cardone. Woodrich was going about 30 miles per hour when he rear-ended another vehicle that was stopped, causing extensive damage to that vehicle, Cardone said.
Woodrich acknowledged he was driving with a license that had been suspended the previous day after he pleaded guilty in Barre Town Court to driving while ability impaired.
• Luis Sanchez, 32, of Albion was arraigned on charges of criminal contempt in the first degree, assault in the second degree, tampering with a witness and robbery in the third degree.
Sanchez allegedly took a person’s phone, violated an order of protection and injured the person who was ordered to stay away from.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2022 at 9:56 am
MEDINA – Austin Mosher said it’s a dream come true to work as a career firefighter/EMT in his hometown.
Austin Mosher
Mosher, 18, was hired on Monday as a new member of the Medina Fire Department. He has been a volunteer firefighter for the past 18 months at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. His goal has been to work as firefighter.
He recently passed the test to be an emergency medical technician. Matt Jackson, Medina’s fire chief, said Mosher stood out among the applicants for the position.
“He has a passion for EMS,” Jackson told the Village Boar don Monday. “He will be beneficial to our community and the surrounding areas for years to come.”
Mosher turns 19 in April. He was the catcher on Medina’s Sectional champion baseball team in 2021.
He starts with the Medina FD next week. He is expected to attend the state’s fire academy in the summer.
“The fire service is my passion,” Mosher said. “It will be a great honor to work in Medina.”
In other action, the Village Board:
• Made permanent the appointment of Jason Watts as Medina Department of Public Works superintendent. Watts has been serving in the role on a probationary basis for at least the past 26 weeks.
“He’s been doing a bang-up job for us,” said Deputy Mayor Owen Toale.
Watts assumed the leadership of the DPW following the unexpected death of Joe Perry, the previous DPW superintendent, on Nov. 30, 2020.
• Agreed to accept sludge from Sun Environmental Corp. at 6 cents a gallon. The company will bring 2,800 gallons of sludge per truck load to Medina’s sewer plant. The agreement could last a few weeks or months, village officials said.
Sun Environmental also will pay to have the loads tested.
Village officials said the sewer plant can easily handle the material, and the agreement will be a money-maker for the village.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 February 2022 at 9:07 am
Ag advocates urge governor, DOL commissioner to keep overtime at 60 hours a week
Provided photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia speaks at a press conference with farmers, agricultural advocates and other Republican members of the Assembly in Albany on Tuesday.
It may be months before there is a decision from the Department of Labor and Gov. Kathy Hochul on whether the overtime threshold in agriculture will be reduced from the current 60 hours a week.
The New York Farm Bureau, an agricultural coalition called Grow NY Farms and many Republican state legislators on Tuesday again tried to rally support against lowering the OT threshold.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday said she met with Farm Bureau leaders and heard their concerns. The group has said lowering the OT threshold from 60 to 40 hours would dramatically increase farms’ operating costs. It would likely force them to cut hours for employees, which would upset workers and could push that workforce to other states where they could earn more by working more hours.
Many farms would likely be forced to move away from intensive hand labor – fruit, vegetables and dairy – and go with crops like corn and soybeans where machines do most of the work. Already many dairies are switching to robotic milkers. Ag advocates say an OT change will push many farms out of business.
“We are looking at it closely,” Hochul said in a news conference, responding to a question from a reporter. “Agriculture is an essential industry for us. We need to have industry be strong and viable.”
A three-person Farm Labor Wage Board voted on Jan. 28 to gradually reduce the overtime threshold in agriculture from 60 hours a week to 40 hours. The reduction in the OT threshold would be phased in from Jan. 1, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2032.
“It will be a long roll out,” Hochul said. “There will be plenty of time to adapt to it.”
The Wage Board called for a phase in with overtime threshold dropping to 56 hours a week beginning on Jan. 1, 2024, then down to 52 hours on Jan. 1, 2026; 48 hours on Jan. 1, 2028; 44 hours on Jan. 1, 2030, and then a 40-hour threshold to take effect Jan. 1, 2032.
If the threshold is reduced, Hochul said the state should consider offering tax relief to help farmers with the added labor costs.
The Wage Board hasn’t yet submitted an official report to Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. When the report is submitted, the commissioner has 45 days to review the recommendations and announce a decision.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia, a former farmer and Genesee County Farm Bureau president, spoke at a news conference in Albany at the state capitol. Hawley worries that the increases in labor costs will force many farmers out of business.
“The end of farming as we know it in New York would be one of the greatest tragedies our state has ever seen, but it is one that would be entirely preventable,” Hawley said. “Gov. Hochul and Commissioner Reardon have been made very aware of the consequences the decision to lower the overtime threshold would have, and the power now rests in their hands to decide whether they stand with our farmers and rural communities or the special interests who’ve worked to advance this proposal.”
ORCHARD PARK – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) submitted a comment to the New York State Department of Health in opposition to the proposed rule I.D. No. HLT-50-21-0002-EP, pertaining to Investigation, Isolation, and Quarantine for communicable diseases.
“As this proposed rule is written, it could give local health officials the power to remove individuals from their homes and place them in a government-controlled quarantine facility if they are simply exposed to Covid-19 or other communicable diseases,” Jacobs said. “Not only is this blatantly authoritarian, but it is an affront to the individual freedoms and liberties of each and every New Yorker. As other states move to end Covid-19 restrictions, New York State is actively working to assume more power over residents’ lives and implement policies that violate their constitutional rights – I strongly oppose any such measure.”
Jacobs submitted this full comment to the New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Program Counsel, Regulatory Affairs:
“Dear Ms. Ceroalo,
“I urge you to not to adopt the above-referenced proposed regulation relating to investigation, isolation and quarantine in response to an outbreak of communicable disease. This proposed regulation is both unnecessary and contrary to the established laws of New York State.
“The regulation as currently drafted gives state and local health officials the power to remove residents from their homes and place them in a government-controlled facility. It includes not only people who are confirmed infected with COVID-19, but also covers people simply exposed to COVID-19.
“We are almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and there are very few instances of New York State, or any state for that matter, forcibly quarantining people outside their homes. Circumstances have not changed so that they must do so now. There is no evidence that this policy if implemented would even have any effect on the spread of communicable diseases. The notice of rulemaking does not cite any scientific evidence to support this policy, and only refers generally to the spread of COVID-19 as justification for the regulation’s necessity.
“The regulation is also a plain violation of New Yorkers’ freedoms and New York State law. Because the rulemaking covers people who are even only potentially exposed, the regulation can affect almost every New Yorker. The notice of rulemaking cites Section 225 of the Public Health Law. This is an extremely broad reading of the law. Under the State’s interpretation, there is virtually no limit to what the Department of Health can do. Furthermore, it is simply wrong for the government to remove individuals from their homes based on a temporary medical condition. We are a country and a state that prizes individual freedom and respects due process. This regulation flouts both of those values.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2022 at 5:25 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers: Volunteers and staff at Community Action of Orleans County distribute food on Monday morning at the parking lot for the Main Street Store. A long line of people in cars and trunks showed up for the event in 10-degree weather.
The schedule is in place for pop-up food distributions through June in Orleans County.
The events tend to be three times a month in the Village of Albion, the west end of the Town of Albion at Fairgrounds and in Lyndonville.
The food is delivered by Foodlink and is available for free to residents.
The upcoming food distributions include:
Albion Main Street Store, 131 Main St.
March 21 (Monday) at 9 a.m.
April 18 (Monday) at 9 a.m.
May 16 (Monday) at 9 a.m.
June 13 (Monday) at 9 a.m.
Community partner: Community Action of Orleans & Genesee
Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 North Main St.
Feb. 25 (Friday) at 9 a.m.
March 11 (Friday) at 9 a.m.
April 1 (Friday) ay 9 a.m.
April 29 (Friday) at 9 a.m.
May 13 (Friday) at 9 a.m.
Community partner: Lyndonville Presbyterian Church
Orleans County Fairgrounds, 12690 Route 31, Albion address but close to Knowlesville
Feb. 28 (Monday) at noon
March 28 (Monday) at noon
April 25 (Monday) at noon
May 23 (Monday) at noon
June 27 (Monday) at noon
Community partner: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
Note from organizer: Upon arrival you may check in with staff who will be in the Trolley Building, or staff will greet you at your car in the parking lot to give you a pass for a specific time slot.
A variety of food was given away on Monday outside the Main Street Store in Albion.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2022 at 3:08 pm
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a flood watch for Orleans County and Western New York from 7 p.m. on Wednesday until 7 p.m. on Friday.
Warming temperatures that will melt snow plus a half inch to 1 ½ inches of rainfall is expected to cause flooding.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the Weather Service said. “The combination of the significant rainfall and extensive snow melt will result in at least major rises on area tributaries.”
The high temperatures are forecast for 51 on Wednesday and 56 on Thursday. A cold front then moves in with Friday’s high at 22.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2022 at 12:25 pm
Provided photos
ALBION – Mark Tillman, center, is pictured with Community Action employees Ernie Gursslin an Katrina Chaffee last week after Tillman’s Village Inn donated $1,500 of food to the agency.
The pasta, sauce, vegetables, crackers, ketchup and other food will go the Community Action’s center in Holley, where meals and lunches are served each weekday.
The Village Inn closed on Dec. 30 after the Tillman family operated the restaurant and bar for 70 years.
Some of the food items are shown that were donated last Thursday and Friday by Tillman’s Village Inn.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2022 at 10:51 am
File photo: The Barker village hall and public library was destroyed by a fire on Jan. 21, 2019.
BARKER – The Village Board in Barker has accepted the construction bid for phase one of a new village hall/library to replace the shared building that burned down about three years ago on Jan. 21, 2019.
The $1.2 million project is covered with insurance funding and also grants, said Seanna Bradley, the village’s deputy mayor.
Mulvey Construction Inc. of Lockport has been awarded the contract to construct phase one of the Barker Village Hall and Public Library.
Construction of the new building is in phases. Phase one consists of the slab foundation and shell of the building. As phase one concludes, open bidding will be announced for phase two which includes installing utilities, walls and finishes.
“The Village Board looks forward to working with Mulvey Construction and we are thrilled to be moving forward with a new Village Hall and Public Library for the Barker community,” Bradley said.
The project has been delayed due to rising construction costs. The project was rebid when construction proposals were higher than expected.
The project was modified to eliminate a concrete basement and the exterior design was altered to lower costs.
The Village Board has been determined to keep the cost from exceeding $1.2 million so the village wouldn’t have to finance any part of the project, Bradley said.
The new facility will be constructed on the site of the former village hall/library on Main Street.
“The building is designed to look as close to our original building as possible, but with ADA compliant entrances and a more user-friendly layout,” Bradley said. “It will also allow for some shared areas for village and library employees, which the previous building did not have.”
The project has been awarded $400,000 in a state Local Government Efficiency Grant with $200,000 for both the village and the library. The library also has been approved for $450,000 in grant funding and the insurance payment totaled $678,422, Bradley said.
There isn’t a set timetable for when the new site will open. Until it does, the Village Hall is operating out of Barker’s former police building on East Avenue. The library has a temporary location on Church Street.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 February 2022 at 9:28 am
Mike Norris’s Assembly district shifts out of Orleans County
The Orleans County Republican Committee has endorsed, from left: Congressman Chris Jacobs, State Sen. Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
ALBION – The Orleans County Republican Committee has endorsed the incumbent congressman and incumbent state legislators for new terms.
The Republican Committee met last week and backed Chris Jacobs for Congress in a newly drawn 24th Congressional District. The boundaries have shifted east and go from 8 counties to 13.
Jacobs was first elected in a special election in July 2020 and then won a full term in November 2020.
Skip Draper, Orleans County Republican chairman, said Jacobs has connected with local officials and community leaders in Orleans County since Jacobs was elected to Congress.
Draper said he hasn’t heard from potential challengers to Jacobs, including on the eastern side of the newly drawn district.
“No one else called me from there,” Draper said. “Chris Jacobs has worked well with us. We’re in wonderful shape. There would be no reason to make a change.”
The local Republicans also backed Rob Ortt for another term as state senator. Ortt, a former mayor of North Tonawanda, is leader of the Republican conference in the State Senate. Despite those demands, he is frequently in Orleans County and is very responsive to local officials, Draper said.
“He has done nothing but serve us well,” Draper said about Ortt, who has been a state senator for just over seven years. “He is great to work with. He serves his district, particularly Orleans County, very well. He is out in Orleans County all the time.”
The Republicans also endorsed Steve Hawley for another two -year term. Hawley, a Batavia resident, has been in the Assembly for 16 years. With redistricting, his 139th district would include all of Orleans County, as well parts of Genesee, western Monroe and Akron in Erie County. The Town of Shelby is currently in a district represented by Mike Norris of Lockport. But redistricting takes Shelby out of Norris’s 144th district.
Hawley is the deputy minority leader of the Assembly. Draper said Orleans if fortunate to be represented by two Republican leaders in the Legislature with Ortt and Hawley.
“We’ve been working with Steve for several years,” Draper said. “He is a great representative.”
Draper also commended Norris for being a strong advocate for the county, even with only one town from Orleans in his district, which is mostly in Niagara and Erie counties.
“Mike Norris has served part of Orleans County well and we’re sorry to see Mike lose part of Orleans County,” Draper said.
The local Republican chairman said he expects a big year for Republicans with the elections in 2022. The state-wide races include the governor, U.S. Senate seat held by Charles Schumer, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The Republicans in New York have a convention Feb. 28 through March 1 in Nassau County and will officially back their candidates.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 15 February 2022 at 7:59 am
Photo contributed: Staff at Medina Memorial Hospital pose for a photo on Wear Red Day to celebrate Heart Month to highlight the importance of heart health and preventing heart disease.
MEDINA – Orleans Community Health and Medina Memorial Hospital are continuing to celebrate February as Heart Month, with different events throughout the month.
According to information from Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach, February was declared as American Heart Month by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, nine years after his own heart attack. Orleans Community is taking the opportunity this month to highlight the importance of heart health and that heart disease is largely preventable.
In addition to focusing on heart health for the entire month, the topic is being highlighted in different ways throughout February.
Feb. 4 was recognized as Wear Red Day, bringing awareness to the fact that heart disease is the number one killer of women. In addition, the week of Feb. 13 to 19 is Cardiac Rehab Week, which highlights the role rehabilitation plays in reducing further the devastating effects of heart disease.
According to the Center for Disease Control, some important statistics on heart disease are:
Heart disease is the number one killer of women, men and many ethnic groups within the United States.
One in every four deaths is due to heart disease.
Every year approximately 805,000 people have a heart attack, 200,000 of which happen to people have already had one.
On a positive note, heart disease is largely preventable by following these basic tips:
Eat foods that promote heart health.
Avoid smoking tobacco products.
Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity for five days a week.
Talk with your doctor to make sure you’re keeping track of your blood pressure and other potential warning signs.
Orleans Community Health urges everyone in the community to take heart disease seriously.
Medina Memorial Health offers several services in the Cardiac Department that can help.
Electrocardiograms, or EKG, are an innovative diagnostic tool. An EKG records the electric signal from the heart and is useful in detecting arrhythmias, heart attack and heart failure.
An Echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that uses two-dimensional, three-dimensional and Doppler ultrasound waves to create a clear image of the heart. This image can then be used to diagnose conditions that affect the heart’s valves and chambers.
Vascular Ultrasounds use similar techniques as an echocardiogram to form images of blood vessels. At Medina Memorial Hospital, this tool is used to diagnose blood clots, blockages and other sources of congestion.
Cardiac Stress Tests are used to measure the heart’s ability to respond to stress, such as exercise or other stimulation. A stress test is an essential tool for identifying problems with blood flow, like blockages or arrhythmias aggravated by stress.
MEDINA – The Medina Area Partnership has chosen its officers for 2022, four of whom are returning to their positions and three who are new to the board.
