Medicare Provides Assistance to Help Low-Income Beneficiaries
Source: The Dispatch; Vol. 36, No. 3
7/29/2010

Washington DC, June 1, 2010 – More Medicare beneficiaries will qualify for "Extra Help" with their prescription drug costs, and be eligible to pay no more than $2.50 for generic drugs and $6.30 for each brand name drug thanks to changes to Medicare's Low-Income Subsidy Program (also known as LIS or "Extra Help") that take effect this year. These changes make it easier than ever for people on Medicare with limited incomes to save on their drug costs.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates that "Extra Help" can save eligible Medicare beneficiaries as much as $3,900 per year. It is estimated that more than 1.8 million people with Medicare may be eligible for "Extra Help," but are not currently enrolled to take advantage of these savings.

Changes in the law enacted in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 make it easier for Medicare beneficiaries to qualify for 'Extra Help" by changing the way income and assets are counted in 2010. When determining eligibility for "Extra Help," the Social Security Administration, who handles enrollment in the program, will no longer count life insurance policies as a resource. In addition, help received from family and friends to pay for household expenses like food, mortgage, rent and utilities will no longer count as income.

"These changes to the "Extra Help" program make it easier for more people to get help paying for their prescription drugs," said Marilyn Tavenner, CMS Principal Deputy Administrator. "Even if you were turned down for "Extra Help" before, you should reapply. If you qualify, you will receive help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums, copayments and deductibles."

To qualify, Medicare beneficiaries' incomes must be less than $16,245 a year (or $21,855 for married couples) and have resources limited to $12,510 (or $25,010 for married couples). Resources include bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but do not include houses, cars, or life insurance policies.

There is no cost to apply for "Extra Help." Medicare beneficiaries, family members, trusted counselors or caregivers can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs.

Medicare beneficiaries can also receive assistance in their local communities form their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local SHIP contact information can be found on the back of the Medicare & You 2010 handbook or online at www.medicare.gov/contacts/staticpages/ships.aspx. All the information you give is confidential.


AARP Announces Schedule for Driver Safety Courses for Delaware County
Source: The Dispatch; Vol. 36, No. 3
7/29/2010

AARP launched the latest version of its in-classroom driver safety program, edition 6. To ensure 50+ drivers stay safe behind the wheel, the course's curriculum was updated to reflect the most current driving information and safety tips available.

The driver safety course is designed to educate participants about how best to reduce traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injuries; update drivers' knowledge about relevant laws; and provide safe driving strategies to compensate for age-related changes that affect one's driving ability. The eight hour course also stresses the importance of periodically monitoring one's own and others' driving skill and capabilities.

The following are some local classroom courses for the 2010 season that might still be available.

Delhi

The following day classes and have the same time, location and contact information: September 29th & 30th; October 20th & 21st.
Time: 9 AM-1 PM; Must attend both sessions!
Location: Delaware County Public Safety Building, 280 Phoebe Ln., Delhi, NY
There will be no lunch break so bring a snack.
Contact Information: Office for the Aging, 607-746-6333

Grand Gorge

The following day classes and have the same time, location and contact information: July 22th & 23th; August 5th & 6st.
Time: 1 PM-5 PM; Must attend both sessions!
Location: United Methodist Church, Corner of Rts. 23 &30, Grand Gorge, NY
Contact Information: John Asperoy, 607-652-2878

Meridale

The following day classes and have the same time, location and contact information: July 20th & 21th; August 31th & September 1st.
Time: 8:30 AM-12:30 PM; Must attend both sessions!
Location: Meridale Community Church, Corner of State Hwy 28 & County Hwy 10, Meridale, NY
Contact Information: Karen Barkman, 607-746-2093

Walton

The following day classes and have the same time, location and contact information: September 4th, October 23rd.
Time: 8 AM-5 PM
Location: Walton Fire Department, West Street, Walton.
Contact Information: Joe Augustine, 607-865-4016


Are You D Deficient?
Source: Binghamton YourHealth Monthly; August 2010
7/29/2010

Ask people which supplement they have to have, and many will answer that it's a multivitamin.

Often considered "insurance" against lapses in good dietary decisions, multivitamins are not nearly so helpful as a vitamin D supplement.

"Even with a balanced, healthy diet, we're not getting enough vitamin D on a regular basis," says Rebecca Mohning of Expert Nutrition in Washington, D.C. It's not, in other words, possible to get all the vitamin you need from food alone, which might account for why one in five is vitamin D deficient.

Mostly necessary for calcium absorption, vitamin D also plays a role in the immune system. Deficiencies, Mohning notes, may correlate with higher rates of cancer, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

And while our bodies can make vitamin D with sunlight, factors such as sunscreen, pollution, decreased sun exposure and northern latitudes where sunlight is insufficient in the fall and winter all contribute to deficiency.

Additionally, the Institute of Medicine is currently reevaluating the recommended intake levels of vitamin D, thanks to the scientific community's insistence that adults need 800 to 1,000 IUs daily instead of 200 to 400 IUs. (Results are due out his month.)

"I don't take many vitamins," notes president of consumerlab.com Tod Cooperman, "but D is one."

When choosing a supplement, Cooperman adds, opt for D3 instead of D2 for better absorption.


Farmers Market Coupons Will Be Available Soon
Source: The Dispatch; Vol. 36 No. 3
7/27/2010

Farmers Markets are now open to provide farm fresh fruits and vegetables for good health and nutrition. Again this year, Delaware County senior citizens may take advantage of the Farmers Market Coupon Program to receive twenty dollars ($20) worth of free New York State grown produce. Delaware County Office for the Aging will coordinate the distribution of the booklets for households of eligible seniors.

Income Guidelines

As in previous years, seniors (age 60 or older) who are Delaware County residents and are currently receiving, or who are eligible for SSI, Food Stamps or Section 8 Housing Subsidy are eligible to receive the coupons. Only one coupon booklet is allowed per household.

The Office for the aging has not yet received the Farmers Market Coupons this year, nor has more exact details of the eligibility requirements been released by the state office, but this information is expected soon.

When coupons become available, eligible seniors may pick up coupons at the Office for the Aging at 6 Court street, Delhi; Monday-Friday, 8 am-12 pm and 1 pm-4 pm. Reminder: the Delhi market is open on Wednesdays from 9 am-2 pm. Staff members will again set up dates of distribution at the senior dining centers in Delaware County as well. Please contact the office after July 15 to check on status of coupon distribution and income guidelines.

Persons who received coupons in previous years will need to contact our office again; they will not automatically receive them this year. Only those persons who have access to the markets or have family and friends who may redeem them should request coupon booklets.

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program, now a permanent federal program, is sponsored by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York State Department of Health, New York State Office for the Aging, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Please contact Ella Ladlee at Delaware County Office for the Aging, (607)746-6333, for further information.


Excellus: e-prescribing could produce big savings
Source: Greater Binghamton Business Journal; Vol. V, No. 15; July 19-August1, 2010
7/27/2010

Upstate New Yorkers could potentially avoid more than two million adverse drug events" if all physicians started using e-prescribing systems. That's the finding in a new report Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) released July 13. Excellus BCBS is Central New York's largest health insurer.

E-prescribing is sending a prescription to a pharmacy electronically, instead of writing it out, or telephoning or faxing it to the pharmacy.

Based on numerous national studies, the Excellus analysis of upstate data shows that e-prescribing holds the potential to annually prevent 35 deaths, 160 permanent disabilities, 400 hospitalizations, and 3,000 physician office visits, Dr. Arthur Vercillo, regional president of Excellus BCBS, said in a news release.

"Handwritten prescriptions can lead to errors that can potentially put patients at risk and also waste time and precious health-care dollars," said Vercillo.

Instructions are clear with e-prescriptions, which reduce the number of callbacks from the pharmacy to doctors' offices, he added.

In Central New York, an estimated 22 percent of physicians e-prescribe and 17 percent of physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners e-prescribe, Excellus said.

The federal economic-stimulus package included $20 billion to encourage doctors and hospitals to invest in health-information technology infrastructure, according to Excellus BCBS.

The federal economic-stimulus package included $20 billion to encourage doctors and hospitals to invest in health-information technology infrastructure, according to Excellus BCBS.

In addition, New York's Medicaid program and the federal government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also offer financial incentives for providers to adopt health-information technology.


Tech Biz; Upstate launches Cancer Research Institute
Source: Greater Binghamton Business Journal; Vol. V, No. 15; July 19-August1, 2010
7/27/2010

Syracuse-The State University of New York Upstate Medical University (SUNY Upstate) has launched an institute to support cancer research.

The Upstate Cancer Research Institute is a major piece of a 10-year strategic plan for research the school adopted in 2008. The plan identified for key areas the institution would focus its research efforts around.

They included disorders of the nervous system; diabetes, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases; infectious diseases; and cancer.

Establishing a formal center to drive cancer research will help SUNY Upstate attract more funding for the work, says Steven Goodman, vice president for research at the school. That's partially due to the fact that potential funding sources will see that cancer research is a priority for the institution.

But the institute also aims to foster collaborations across departments and help researchers in different areas form connections. That will ultimately help them craft far more compelling grant proposals, Goodman says. "There are strong pockets of research going but they weren't talking to each other," he says. "The institute brings the researchers together to discuss interdisciplinary projects." Right now, SUNY Upstate spends about $39 million annually on research. The institution's goal is to increase that total by 10 percent each year, Goodman says.

Research spending in 2010 is up about 19 percent, he adds. In order to reach the 10 percent per year goal, cancer research will have to play a major role.


Bike Tioga 2010
Source: Tioga County Tourism
7/20/2010

Only 3 weeks left until Bike Tioga 2010! Hurry up and register before August 4th to save $5 and receive a free water bottle. For those who aren't familiar with Bike Tioga, it is an organized two day cycling event on August 7th and 8th in Owego, NY.

Bike Tioga is an event for people of all ages and experience levels. There are 7 different rides to choose from throughout the weekend, ranging from 26 to 100 miles on Saturday and 25 to 60 miles on Sunday. Since it is not a race, cyclists will have the opportunity to stop along the ride for rest and refreshments. Rides include a variety of terrain from flat to hilly and go through southern New York State, Northern Pennsylvania, Tioga County, and Tompkins County depending on the route selected. All riders will be given a map and there will be clear road markings along each route.
Each ride leaves as a group from Marvin Park pavilion #6 at a designated time and will return back there by 4:00pm later in the day. There will be food and beverages available after the ride as well as free 10 minute massages and on Saturday there will also be musical entertainment.

Registering for this event costs only $15 per day or $20 for both days if registered before August 4th. Registration also includes a Bike Tioga t-shirt for all participants. You can now register online with PayPal or credit card or mail/fax the registration form to the Tioga County Tourism office. The registration form can be found on our website.

For more information please call the Tioga County Tourism office at 607-687-7440 / 1-800-671-7772 or visit our website at www.BikeTioga.com. We hope to see you there!


Should Taxpayers Subsidize Soda?
Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest
7/15/2010

WASHINGTON—The soft drink industry receives a $4 billion subsidy from taxpayers each year, according to an editorial published today in the American Journal of Public Health.

According to the paper, that's about how much carbonated soda is purchased with money from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), the program formerly known as Food Stamps. And that total doesn't include non-carbonated soft drinks. Considering that the overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is helping fuel an epidemic of obesity that disproportionately affects low-income people, the authors raise the question of whether it is time to exclude soda or other junk foods from the SNAP program in the same way that alcohol, tobacco, dietary supplement pills, and hot prepared foods are already excluded.

To be sure, efforts to limit SNAP purchases to healthier foods would draw intense opposition, writes Jonathan D. Shenkin, clinical assistant professor of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. SNAP participants appear to purchase at least 40 percent more carbonated soft drinks than other consumers do. At one major supermarket chain, SNAP participants bought 4.3 percent of carbonated soft drinks even though they only represented 1.8 percent of transactions. At another large chain, carbonated soft drinks accounted for 6.19 percent of the grocery bills of SNAP participants.

"The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is intended to help low-income families buy the foods they need to promote good health. It's time to question whether the program should support the purchase of foods that promote disease," said Shenkin.

If disallowing the use of SNAP funds to buy sugar-sweetened beverages proved to be politically unfeasible, as the authors acknowledge it might, a less controversial option might be to provide SNAP participants with a financial incentive to purchase the healthiest foods. Recipients' Electronic Benefit Transfer cards could be credited with 30 additional cents for every dollar spent on fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, for example. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for every 10 percent decrease in the price of fruits or vegetables, SNAP recipients would increase their purchase by 6 or 7 percent.

The federal government's largest nutrition education program is also funded by SNAP. Called SNAP-Ed, the program gives almost $400 million in matching grants to states to encourage low-income consumers to adopt healthier diets. But Shenkin and Jacobson point out that the USDA actually prohibits the use of SNAP-Ed grants for campaigns that steer people away from junk foods. USDA stopped health officials in the city of San Francisco, and the states of Maine, California, and Wyoming from using federal money for programs aimed at reducing soda consumption. CSPI has called on the Obama administration to end what it calls a "gag rule" instituted during the Bush administration.

"The federal government should be doing everything it can to reduce the consumption of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages, which promote tooth decay, weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases," said Jacobson. "SNAP should be oriented toward increasing the consumption of good, healthy food. None of the $65 billion invested in nutrition assistance in 2010 should end up paying for Coke, Pepsi, or Mountain Dew."

Shenkin and Jacobson also say that Congress should fund an Institute of Medicine review of the goals, successes, and limitations of the SNAP and SNAP-ed programs. Such a report could identify ways that the programs could foster healthier diets and provide an authoritative basis for Congress to make changes.

The authors point out that another powerful means of discouraging soft drink consumption is taxation. A federal excise tax of 12 cents per 12 ounces could raise upward of $15 billion a year and decrease consumption by about 10 percent. Taxes on that order have been proposed in New York State, Philadelphia, and nationally, but have been beaten back by well-funded industry lobbying and advertising campaigns. At least 24 states and the city of Chicago have special sales or excise taxes on soda that raise substantial revenues, but aren't large enough to decrease consumption.

Though excluding sugar-sweetened beverages from the SNAP program is controversial, setting nutrition standards for government food programs is hardly new. The school lunch and breakfast programs administered by USDA comply with strict nutrition standards that exclude soda and junk food, as does the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which is geared to pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children.

"Soda is already one of the cheapest things in the supermarket, and it promotes expensive-to-treat diseases and stark health disparities," Jacobson said. "Short of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, it's hard to imagine a product less worthy of a government subsidy than soda. It's time to put the 'N' back in SNAP."


Buy Local and Eat Fresh By: Melanie Davis WIC Nutritionist
Source: County Connects: Community; Vol 1, Issue 6; July 2010
7/13/2010

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program
(FMNP) offers families a chance to get
fresh New York State grown produce.
Congress established the FMNP
in 1992 to provide locally grown fruits
and vegetables to participants in the
Women, Infant, and Children (WIC)
Program. WIC families, in addition to
their regular WIC checks, are eligible to
receive coupons worth twenty-four dollars
to use at authorized Farmers' Markets
throughout New York State. Participating
Famers' Markets will have a
sign saying "We gladly accept New
York State Famers' Market
Checks". Coupons are on a first come
first serve basis. Anyone can cash the
checks for the participants even if they
are not a proxy. Participants can also
use their Fruit and Vegetable checks
that total $6.00, $10.00, or $15.00 at
selected Farmers' Markets, just look for
the "We accept WIC checks" sign. For
more information call Tioga Opportunities.
INC., WIC program at 687-3147
There is also a Senior Farmers' Market
Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offering
coupons worth twenty dollars to people
60 years and over with a gross monthly
income of less than $1670 for a household
of one, $2246 for a household of
two, and $2823 for a household of
three. Also people receiving SSI, food
stamps, public assistance, or section 8
housing subsidy are automatically eligible
no matter the income. Coupon distribution
begins in mid-July. For more
information call Tioga Opportunities,
INC., Department of Aging at 687-4120
The use of Farmers' Market coupons
help both farmers and participating
families to make ends meet by reducing
transportation from distant locations.
Local Famers' Markets provide
food with less fossil fuel use, thus improving
the health of both our bodies
and the earth. Remember, Healthy
Begins at Home!


Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Source: County Connects: Community; Vol 1, Issue 6; July 2010
7/13/2010

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is the most common
name given to a little-known chronic illness
which is recognized by debilitating fatigue of at least
6 months duration. This fatigue results in significant
reduction in the person's activities and rest does not
cause reduce the fatigue. Some CFS patients state
that on their best days they feel like they have a
bad case of the flu.
According to the CDC, CFS affects more than 1 million
Americans and "these people may be more
severely impaired than those with cancer, endstage
renal disease, heart disease, or multiple
sclerosis." The CDC states that of the 1 million
Americans who have CFS, approximately 84% of
them have not been diagnosed. There is therefore
a need for increased awareness by the community
and health care professionals.
In spite of its severity, many sufferers struggle for
recognition of their illness. Many patients with
CFS do not appear physically ill. The cause of
CFS is currently unknown and there are no known
physical markers for CFS. This may cause the CFS
patient to feel stigmatized by family, friends, medical
practitioners, employers, co-workers, neighbors,
and others. Depression is common to CFS patients,
due both to the illness itself and to the perceived
lack of legitimacy.
Activity that would cause little trouble for most people
can result in worsening of symptoms that requires
several days of bed rest. Even simple hygiene
may be problematic. For example, one CFS
sufferer stated that she needed to rest for 1-2
hours after bathing or showering.
CFS may also cause impaired memory or concentration,
muscle pain, joint pain, un-refreshing sleep,
headaches of a new kind or greater severity, frequent
or recurring sore throat, and tender lymph
nodes. CFS patients may also experience unhealthful
low blood pressure accompanied by dizziness,
poor immune response, hypersensitivity, multiple
chemical sensitivities, and cardiac and respiratory
problems. CFS often has an intermittent pattern
of relapse and remission.
Some patients with CFS have also been diagnosed
with other unexplained illnesses---fibromyalgia, Gulf
War illness, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders,
irritable bowel syndrome, TMJD (chronic inflammation
of the jaw joint), and multiple chemical
sensitivities. Some authors propose that those illnesses
are part of the same continuum as CFS.
Although CFS has been studied for almost 20
years, very little is know about the cause or progression
of the disease. CFS is a life-long illness and
there is no "cure." However, symptoms may be reduced
with treatment.
You can learn more about CFS at these sites:
http://cdc.gov/cfs/ and http://www.cfids.org/


ADULT IMMUNIZATION!!
Source: County Connects: Community; Vol 1, Issue 6; July 2010
7/13/2010

Immunizations are not just for children.
Tioga County Health Department
has received a grant to provide
certain immunizations to Tioga
County's adult uninsured and underinsured
residents. The vaccines
are: Human Papillomavirus (HPV),
pneumococcal, and Tdap (Tetanus,
diphtheria, pertussis [whooping
cough]) vaccines.

Each vaccine has specific groups of
people that it is available for. HPV
vaccine is for women ages 19 to 26
years; pneumococcal vaccine is
available for adults under 65 with
asthma, diabetes or other chronic
diseases or they smoke; and Tdap
is for parents or caretakers
(including daycare) of children under
six months of age. We also
have H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines
available for anyone.

We will be making
arrangements to
set up clinics. If you
would like to know
more information or
have questions regarding any of
these vaccines, call 687-8600.
These vaccines will be at no cost to
the individual.

If you have any questions,
or you or your child need
vaccinations and your provider
does not have the
vaccine available, please
call Tioga County Health
Department at
687-8600 or toll free at
1-800-282-4884.


CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS
Source: County Connects: Community; Vol 1, Issue 6; July 2010
7/13/2010

Now is the time to make sure that
your children's immunizations are
up-to-date for when they return to
school in September. Below are
the recommended vaccinations
for school attendance:

Diphtheria Toxoid-
Containing Vaccine:
3 doses are given
for Pre-k and day
care, nursery,
Head Start and for
grades K-12.

Tetanus Toxoid-Containing Vaccine
and Pertussis Vaccine
(DTaP, DTP) :
3 doses if born on or after
1/1/2005 for Pre-k and day care,
nursery, Head Start and for
grades K-12.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
Booster (Tdap) :
For Pre-k and day care, nursery,
Head Start not applicable. For
grades K-12 Born on or after
1/1/1994 and enrolling in grades
6 thru 9 for the 2010 to 2011
school year 1 dose.

Polio (IPV or OPV) and
Hepatitis B :
3 doses are given for Pre-k and
day care, nursery, Head Start
and for grades K-12.

Haemophilus Influenzae type b
(Hib):
For Pre-k and day care, nursery,
Head Start 3 doses if less than 15
months of age or 1 dose administered
on or after 15 months of age.
For grades K-12 N/A.

Pneumococcal Conjugate
Vaccine (PCV):
For Pre-k and day care, nursery,
Head Start born on or after
1/1/08, 4 doses by 15 months
of age, given at ageappropriate
times and intervals.
There is a new pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine
(PCV-13). If your child is under
5 years of age, the series
should be completed with PCV-
13. If the series was completed,
booster of PCV-13
should be given. This gives
protection from 6 other pneumococcal
serotypes. Talk to
your child's primary care provider.
For Grades K-12 N/A.

Varicella (Chickenpox):
Born on or after 1/1/2000 for
Daycare, nursery, or Head Start-
Born on or after 1/1/98 OR born
on or after 1/1/94 and enrolling
in grades 6 thru 11 for the 2010-
2011 school year. 1 dose.

**** Please note that the New
York State requirements for
school entrance are less
than the recommended
doses of the vaccine by
school age. For instance,
the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices
(ACIP) recommends that by
the age of 6 years, children
should have 5 DTaP vaccinations
but the school only
requires 3.

If you have any questions,
or you or your child need
vaccinations and your provider
does not have the
vaccine available, please
call Tioga County Health
Department at
687-8600 or toll free at
1-800-282-4884.


How can you protect your child from lead?
Source: County Connects: Community; Vol 1, Issue 6; July 2010
7/13/2010

1. Get your child tested for lead.
All children must have a blood
lead test at ages 1 and 2 years.
Make sure your child is tested for
lead poisoning, and ask for your
child to be tested for lead poisoning
if they have had an increased lead
exposure risk (recent old home renovation,
have a brother or sister with a
high lead level, live near busy roads
or industry, live or spend a lot of time
in a home built before 1978).
2.Wash your child's hands and toys
frequently. Washing hands and items
that might have
lead dust on them
can help lower
lead risk.
3. Serve foods that are
rich in Vitamin C, iron and
calcium.
4. Be sure that your child doesn't
eat lead. Paint chips and old plaster
can have lots of lead in
them—also window sills,
stair rails, doors and door
frames, porches, fences,
and old painted furniture.
5. Keep your child away
from fix up projects. Paint
removal and remodeling can
raise lots of lead dust.
6. Damp mopping
helps. Damp mop the
floors and damp wipe
surfaces. This helps to
reduce lead dust.
Call Tioga County Health Department
if you have any questions.
Call 687-8600 or toll free at
1 800- 282-4884.


Parents: Unplug Your Kids This Summer
Source: Columbia County Rural Health Network
7/8/2010

The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, school's finally out…summer has officially arrived! With the kids home from school for the next few months, the Kids in Motion Program is urging families in our community to get off the couch and fight the familiar "MOM, I'M BORED!" summer doldrums by getting fit, and getting active.

Summer vacation used to mean that kids played outside with their friends all day long and stayed inside only for lunch and dinner breaks. Times have definitely changed. Technological advancements are a constant force, luring children indoors and away from physical activity with devices and attention-getters like video gaming consoles, DVD'S, computer games and the World Wide Web. Kids today can easily become summertime couch potatoes. And although some of these games may be educational in certain ways, they aren't exactly healthy.

"Screen time" is a phrase used to define the amount of time spent watching television, text messaging, playing video games, and using the computer. On average, kids ages 8-18 spend 7 hours and 38 minutes A DAY consuming media through these avenues, according to a 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation study. This has a detrimental effect on our children's health because each hour spent in front of the TV screen by school-aged children is associated with 167 additional calories, higher consumption of junk food, and a significant likelihood of weight gain. Believe it or not, research shows that kids have the tendency to actually gain BMI (Body Mass Index) twice as fast in the summer months than during the school year. This is largely due to physical inactivity.

Countless studies have been conducted proving the fact that there is a link between excessive screen time and:

Poor performance in school, especially in language and reading.
Less imaginative ability.
Problems focusing.
Sleep pattern disturbances.
Excessive weight.
Poor planning and judgment.
Tendency to resort to violence as a way of solving problems.
Bad habits later in life such as tobacco use, early sexual activity and alcohol abuse.
Parents play the biggest and most influential role in encouraging their children to participate more in active play and spend less time in front of a screen. First, you must look at yourselves, and lead by example! Parents need to back away from the remote control and get moving themselves! If your children see you turning into a permanent couch fixture, they will most likely emanate your behavior.

Get imaginative and plan stimulating activities with your children!

Walk the dog together twice each day, or take them to the park and throw the Frisbee for your pet.
Pack a picnic basket with healthy snacks like celery sticks with peanut butter, carrot sticks with hummus, grapes and cheese and take a hike somewhere beautiful to enjoy the view!
Make homemade puppets and put on a show for a family member.
Go swimming.
Walk to the library every day and read the books you chose together before bedtime.
Go bike riding.
Pick a different sport each day and play it together as a family after dinner.
Turn the TV off during meals.
Keep computers, TV's and video gaming consoles OUT of kid's bedrooms.
There are so many fun and interesting things you can do with your kids to fight an underactive, sedentary summer. The possibilities are endless! By turning off the electronics and becoming more active, in many ways, everyone in the family will benefit-even Fido! It's also a great opportunity to re-connect with your children and family by making memories, and enjoying the quality time you spend together in the process.

For more information on encouraging healthy lifestyles, contact the Kids in Motion Program, a Program of The Healthcare Consortium at (518) 822-8820 or by visiting www.kidsinmotiononline.org


COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS LAUNCH “TOBACCO FREE OUTDOORS” CAMPAIGN
Source: Tobacco Free Broome; Broome County Health Department
7/6/2010

ALBANY, N.Y. - Today, Community Partnerships for a Tobacco Free New York launched a campaign to educate New Yorkers about the benefits of tobacco free outdoor recreational areas. The campaign raises awareness of the environmental impact of tobacco litter, dangers of secondhand smoke and influence on children when tobacco use is not restricted.

Tobacco litter is poisonous to children and wildlife. Discarded cigarette butts are the most common form of litter. Studies show they are toxic, slow to decompose, and costly to remove. Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of fish, whales, birds and other marine animals and can cause digestive blockages. Children routinely pick them up and try to place them in their mouths.

"The Community Partnership has designed a paid media campaign to educate communities about why we need to adopt more tobacco free outdoor policies," said Sharon Fischer, Tobacco Free Broome Coordinator. "Family recreation for children should not mean having to play among cigarette butts or being exposed to secondhand smoke."

Secondhand smoke contributes to and causes dozens of diseases and illnesses including asthma, heart disease, respiratory tract infections and ear infections. "It is important to remove pollutants from environments where children enjoy recreational activities.


Because their lungs are so much smaller, children breathe in 50% more air than an adult making them more susceptible to the dangers of tobacco smoke even when outdoors," said Scott T. Santarella, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in New York.
Public support for outdoor tobacco use restrictions is growing. Currently outdoor tobacco use policies have been enacted in over 180 local municipalities throughout New York State. Community surveys indicate that at least 70% of Broome County residents support policies that restrict tobacco use at local parks, playgrounds and beaches.

For more information, visit www.TobaccoFreeNYS.org.


Technology Links Food Stamp Recipients and Farmers Markets
Source: NY Farmers Market Federation
6/29/2010

8/13/09 Syracuse, NY – Two technological advances are giving low-income individuals improved access to fresh, wholesome farmers market food. Wireless technology allows hundreds of New York farmers markets to accept EBT/Food Stamp/SNAP cards. To educate cardholders on using their benefits at market, a new Web site – www.snaptomarket.com – has just launched.

Each participating farmers market utilizes wireless, card-reading terminals set up at the market manager's booth to accept EBT/Food Stamp/Snap cards. At the terminal, cardholders exchange their benefits for wooden tokens that can be used as cash throughout the market.

The token program and process is outlined in detail at www.snaptomarket.com where benefit recipients can also acquire information for making the most of their market visit. The site features recipes, seasonality charts, produce storage and cleaning tips, and a virtual market locator tool allows cardholders to find the market closest to them.

"Now that wireless terminals are available at so many markets, we need to ensure cardholders are encouraged to experience the farmers market. To do this, many are in need of additional instructions and resources. That's why we created www.snaptomarket.com," said Diane Eggert, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Federation of NY.

Both cardholders and vendors are responding well to the token system. The NY Farmers Market Federation counts 132 involved markets, a 53% increase over the number of participating markets in 2008.

"The wireless terminal technology has allowed us to create a 'mini-economy' inside the market that benefits both vendors and cardholders. The tokens are easy on vendors, who do not need their own terminals. And cardholders appreciate access to the fresh food as well the friendly farmers and vendors ready to share recipes and advice," said Diane Eggert.

Both the wireless transaction program and the informative Web site are proof that technology is a powerful tool for connecting low-income individuals to healthful food and the community experience you can only get at an New York farmers market.


Learning About Some Mental Health Issues in Older Adults
Source: Delaware County Times; June 11, 2010
6/22/2010

Approximately 70 health care providers including mental health professionals, geriatric specialists, registered nurses, and care givers attended the second in a series of four Geriatric Mental Health Conferences on May 25 at the Delaware County Public Safety building in Delhi. The training programs were organized and sponsored by the Delaware County NY Connects and the Delaware County Rural Health Alliance.

The conference covered therapeutic techniques of validation led by Ann Thayer, certified in Alzheimer Disease Management and Jenny Kilpatrick, Supervising Community Health Nurse in the morning and followed after a healthy lunch catered by Crossroads Café with "Understanding the Depression/Pain Dyad in Later Life" led by Cary Reid, MD, PhD.

According to the material presented, validation therapy, which was initially conceived by Naomi Feil, is considered the fine line between bluntly explaining reality and simply allowing a person with dementia to believe what she/he wants. Based on the idea that a person with dementia may be sorting through past issues in the present, participants were taught the specific techniques of validation, it's eleven principles, and explored the benefits of this technique versus other techniques.

Using literature, clinical experiences, and case examples, Dr. Cary Reid reviewed the prevalence of pain among older people with depression among older people with depression and the prevalence of expression among older adults with pain. Outcomes of older adults with pain and how depression impacts its treatment outcomes were examined and screening measures for pain and depression most appropriate for use with older adults were reviewed.

Two additional conferences are being planned. In July 2010, the topics are "Elder Abuse and Mistreatment" and "Out of the Shadows: Documenting Elder Abuse: Prevalence and Implications for Policy Service." Scheduled for September 2010 are "Solution Based Treatment Therapy and Stigma" and "Ageism and Ignorance about Mental Illness and its Treatment."

For more information about future conferences, call Laura Stewart at (607) 746-6333.


Catch a Thief
Source: Binghamton Yourhealth Monthly; June 2010
6/21/2010

Don't be a victim to your diet. Know what foods rob you of crucial calcium. Most of us can picture a thief hurrying off with our handbag or dipping into our diamonds, but most of us would have a hard time visualizing such looting within our own bodies. But such "calcium thieves" do exist. The National Institutes of Health names these as the worst offenders:

-Carbonated soft Drinks (contain high levels of phosphorus, which prevent calcium adsorption)

-Caffeine (also prevents the body from adsorbing calcium)

-Alcohol (you guessed it-calcium blocker if there ever was one)

-High-fat foods (ditto)

-Diet deficient in vitamin D

By no means does this mean we need to decline all soft drinks, caffeine, alcohol and high-fat foods. Like most things, moderation is key. But, we should accept the facts and learn how to replenish our bones so they can effectively absorb calcium.


Fresh Produce
Source: Binghamton Yourhealth Monthly; June 2010
6/21/2010

One of the best things about summer is the produce, so fresh from the farm you can almost taste the sunshine. Soak up the nutrients and flavors of the season with these light, quick recipes.

Rhubarb Cooler:

Rhubarb is one of the first veggies to poke out of the ground, and Michelle Bernier of Full Quiver Farm knows just what to do with it. She suggests first cooking down the rhubarb and sprinkling in a bit of sugar. Next, add orange juice and lemon to taste, and strain. "Pop it in the fridge and take it to work," Bernier says. Hopefully you don't mink sharing with your co-workers!

Afternoon Bite:

Got rice? Brown rice, that is. Michele Moelder of Health Beat Natural Foods and Deli says the mid-afternoon munchies can be satisfied with this healthy snack. Grab a handful of fresh from-the-farmers'-market spinach and toss some brown rice on top. Add a few dried cranberries and dab of poppy seed dressing, and you'll be good to go until dinner.

Berry Blend:

Stacey Gould of Whole In The Wall restaurant on Binghamton's south side recommends what she considers one of the most refreshing, hot-weather drinks. Just blend together a half cup each of fresh and frozen strawberries, a dash of milk, 1 tablespoon of local honey and 6 ounces of organic yogurt. Then sit back and relax while you sip on this classic summer smoothie!


Report: More than 1 in 5 Kids in Poverty
Source: Press & Sun-Bulletin
6/8/2010

The rate of children living in poverty this year will climb to nearly 22 percent, the highest rate in two decades, according to an analysis by the non-profit Foundation for Child Development. Nearly 17 percent of children were living in poverty in 2006, before the recession began.

The foundation's Child and Youth Well-Being Index tracks 28 key statistics about children such as health insurance coverage, parents' employment, infant mortality and preschool enrollment.

The report projects that the percentage of children living in families with an "insecure" source of food has risen from about 17 percent in 2007 to nearly 18 percent in 2010, an increase of 750,000 children. Up to 500,000 children may be homeless this year, living either in shelters or places not meant for habitation.

Judith Palfrey, president of the America Academy of Pediatrics, says family poverty increases many risks for children, including low birth weight, premature delivery, learning problems, asthma and other health problems.

But the Heritage Foundation's Robert Rector says the index offers little new information. He says the report doesn't mention that poor children's family incomes are supplemented by programs such as food stamps and housing assistance. "Most of the report is an advertising tool for more government programs and spending, which are pretty ineffective in increasing child well-being," he says.

The recession could wipe out virtually all economic progress for children since the Foundation for Child Development began analyzing data in 1975, says foundation president Ruby Takanishi. The U.S. Census Bureau says nearly 19 percent of families with children had incomes below the federal poverty level of $22,025 for a family of four in 2008, the latest year available.

Researchers note that their projections have limitations. Completed statistics from government and other sources were available only through 2006. Duke University researcher Kenneth Land, who coordinated the report, had to estimate some measures for 2007 to 2009. Land projected results for 2010 through 2012.

Children could suffer long after the recession ends, Palfrey says. A pregnant woman with poor nutrition is more likely to deliver prematurely, for example, increasing the risks that her child will have medical problems. "The consequences of poverty build on themselves," Palfrey says, "so that the outcomes can be felt for years to come."


Lawmakers Cut $775 Million for Health Care
Source: Press & Sun-Bulletin
6/8/2010

Albany – The Assembly and Senate passed emergency budget legislation Monday that contains $775 million in permanent reductions to health care this fiscal year.

Gov. David Patterson included the reductions in weekly legislation he has been proposing to keep government operations going until he and legislators agree on a budget, which is now more than two months late. Negotiations have been complicated by disagreements over how to close several billion dollars of the state's $9.2 billion deficit.

Another element of this week's legislation gives the state Insurance Department the authority to review health-insurance premium hikes before they are implemented and prevent unnecessary increases.

The Senate and Assembly faced shutting down government functions if they didn't approve the three bills in the emergency package. This is the 10th emergency budget-extender legislation Paterson has proposed, but it is the first time lawmakers had to vote on making cuts for the entire fiscal year.

The spending in the legislation accounts for 40 percent of the state budget, which is expected to be more than $130 billion this year.


Farmers’ Market Access Program Begins 2nd Year
Source: Whitney Point Reporter; Vol. 156-NO.4
6/1/2010

Whitney Point – The Farmers' Market Access Program of Northern Broome County is ready to begin its second year. The Rural Health Network of South Central New York started this program in 2009 through a United Way Venture Grant. Partnering with the Whitney Point Farmer's Market, the Farmers' Market Access Program assists homebound elderly and disabled members of Northern Broome region with purchasing fresh, nutritious, local products from the farmers' market. The program serves residents in the areas of Castle Creek, Glen Aubrey, Lisle/Marathon/Killawog, Maine, Triangle, and Whitney Point.

Customers of this program are provided with several different options for purchasing farmers' market products, depending on their personal preferences and needs. For instance, customers can choose to be called on Wednesdays during the farmers market, at which time they can place a farmers' market order for home delivery. Customers can also request transportation to the farmers' market, where they can do their own shopping. For those customers who visit the Northern Broome Senior Center on Wednesday mornings, Farmers' Market Access Program volunteers are available to take orders, shop for customers, and then deliver orders to the senior center later in the day.

Volunteers of the Farmers' Market Access Program provide support in many ways. They call customers and help them place orders, provide customers with transportation to the farmers' market, and deliver customers' orders to their homes. At the same time, volunteers develop marketable and valuable skills, learn about local foods, and meet new people. They even have time to pick up a few things for themselves at the farmers' market.

This year, the W.P. Farmer's Market, opening on June 2, will be held Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Broome County Fair Grounds on Route 11 in Whitney Point and will continue through the end of October.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming either a customer or a volunteer of the Farmers' Market Access Program, contact the Rural Health Network at 607-692-7669 or healthpromotion@ruralhealthnetwork.org.


To Help Provide Young People With Service Opportunities, Gillibrand Announces Legislation To Expand Youth Corps Program
Source: gillibrand.senate.gov
6/1/2010

April 14, 2010


Washington, DC – To help provide young people with service opportunities, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced legislation that would expand Youth Corps programs throughout the nation. The Youth Corps Act of 2010 would amend the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to establish a competitive grant program to assist states and local communities in replicating and expanding Youth Corps Programs.

"During these tough economic times, we must prepare our students to become tomorrow's leaders," Senator Gillibrand said. "This program would strengthen our communities, while preparing our young people for the jobs of the 21st century. All New York students deserve the opportunity to get ahead."

The core components of the Youth Corps model include:

opportunities for educational advancement, including secondary school completion and preparation for postsecondary education;
work experience, skills training, and career counseling;
collaboration with other youth serving systems, such as child welfare and juvenile justice, to provide and coordinate supportive services for vulnerable youth;
partnerships with local workforce and education systems, including labor, employers, postsecondary institutions, and community-based organizations, to develop pathways to postsecondary and labor market success; and
post-program support.
The grants, awarded to states and municipalities, will be awarded for a period of 3 years with an option for renewal. In the Youth Corps model, adult leaders serve as mentors and guide crews of 8-12 Corps members as they gain paid work experience and learn the skills that are essential to the development of a strong work ethic and success in the workplace. Corps members also receive a living allowance, classroom instruction to improve basic academic competencies, complete high school, and prepare for postsecondary education, and a wide range of supportive services. Additionally, they participate in technical skills training and leadership development.

New York is currently home to several youth corps program including:

Avodah
Cayuga County Sold & Water Conservation District
City Year New York
Cristodora
Green City
New York City Justice Corps
New York Restoration Project
Onondaga Earth Corps
Rural Health Service Corps
The Chenango Community Corps
Western New York AmeriCorps
Modern Youth Corps, descended from the Roosevelt-era Civilian Conservation Corps, operate in 44 states and the District of Columbia. With an emphasis on environmental stewardship, Youth Corps across the country have delivered strong education, workforce readiness, civic engagement, and personal responsibility outcomes for 600,000 youth since 1976. Today, the 143 Corps enroll nearly 30,000 young people. More than half of the participants come from families with incomes below $20,000, are members of racial or ethnic minorities, and lack either a high school diploma or GED.

Nationally, there are an estimated 3.5 to 5 million youth, age 16 to 24, out of school and out of work, with an additional half million youth dropping out of school each year. Evidence demonstrates that these individuals are more likely to spend their lives periodically unemployed, on government assistance, and/or cycling in and out of the criminal justice system. Rather than contributing to the economy, these individuals are likely to put a strain on it. more



Rural Health Service Corps: Member Recognition Event
Source: Binghamton News Channel 34
6/1/2010

On Wednesday, May 12th, the Rural Health Service Corps will recognize current members, alumni, host organizations, and supporters of the program. The event will be held from 4:00-6:00 at Southern Tier Independence Center, 135 E Frederick Street in Binghamton.

Rural Health Service Corps (RHSC) was founded in 2005 by the Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Inc. and is an AmeriCorps National Service Program. RHSC is a diverse partnership of health and human service organizations, grass roots community projects, local foundations, business partners, the AmeriCorps National Service program, and young adults committed to community service.

RHSC's purpose is to provide meaningful service and learning opportunities for young people committed to improving the health and lives of those living in the area. In 2009, 55 RHSC members provided 35,364 hours of service working with 23 organizations across the local region. Currently, 30 members are actively serving with RHSC in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga Counties. Interested community members are welcome to attend the RHSC Member Recognition Event.

On Saturday May 8th, RHSC members completed an annual Signature Project, providing a day of service in community garden projects in Broome and Chenango Counties.

The following organizations have hosted RHSC members since 2008: American Cancer Society, Binghamton University Department of Social Work, Broome County Council of Churches, Broome County Health Department, Broome County Office for Aging, Central NY Resource Conservation and Development, Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County, Farm Catskills & Watershed Agricultural Council, Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network of South Central New York, Northern Tioga Center for Family Health (Lourdes), Northern Tioga Neighbors Network, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Regional Community Food Project, Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Southern Tier Independence Center, SUNY Upstate Medical/Free Clinic, United Health Services, Walton Community Garden, WSKG Public Broadcasting, Youth & Community Foundation of Spencer-Van Etten.

For more information on the Rural Health Service Corps or to apply for a full or part-time position with the local Rural Health Service Corps (AmeriCorps), please visit: www.ruralhealthnetwork.org/americorps or contact Danielle Berchtold: 607-692-7669.

Binghamton News Channel 34 Link more



Rural Health Service Corps: ‘Growing Community’ Event throughout Three Local Counties
Source: Binghamton News Channel 34
6/1/2010

On Saturday May 8th, residents in Broome, Chenango, and Tioga Counties will see hard-working crews in their community gardens. Current Rural Health Service Corps members will provide a day of local service through the Rural Health Service Corps: Growing Community project. The tasks will vary by site and will include prepping the ground, planting and constructing a greenhouse.

Rural Health Service Corps (RHSC) is an AmeriCorps National Service Program. RHSC's purpose is to provide meaningful service and learning opportunities for young people committed to improving the health and lives of those living in the area.

Members will be working in the following gardens: CHOW Farm; Binghamton Urban Farm Project; Liberty St Community Garden; Apalachin Elementary School Garden; Owego Community Garden; and Oxford Community Garden.

The following organizations will be represented by their RHSC members at the garden sites during the Growing Community Event: American Cancer Society, Broome County Council of Churches, Broome County Health Department, Broome County Office for Aging, Central NY Resource Conservation and Development, CHOW, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County, Faith in Action Volunteers, Lourdes Dispensary of Hope, Mothers & Babies Perinatal Network, Northern Tioga Center for Family Health (Lourdes), Northern Tioga Neighbors Network, The Place (Norwich), Regional Community Food Project, Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Southern Tier Independence Center, SUNY Upstate Medical/Free Clinic, UHS Stay Healthy Kids, WSKG Public Broadcasting.

For more information on the Rural Health Service Corps or to apply for a full or part-time position with the local Rural Health Service Corps (AmeriCorps), please visit: www.ruralhealthnetwork.org/americorps or contact Danielle Berchtold: 607-692-7669

Binghamton News Channel 34 link more



Parks & Trails New York Announces 2010 New York Greenway and Community Trail Award Winners
Source: Parks and Trails New York
5/28/2010

ALBANY, N.Y. – Parks & Trails New York, a statewide parks and trails advocacy organization, announces that Mark Bowers, Associate Capital Program Analyst and NYS Department of Transportation Region 9 Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, and Scott Reigle, Senior Transportation Planner for the Binghamton Metropolitan Transportation Study, have been selected to receive the Healthy Trails, Healthy People Award for their leadership, compassion, and dedication to engaging local governments, the health care sector, and many other community organizations in the creation of the 30-mile Greater Binghamton Greenway. The award will be presented at a public ceremony at the Legislative Office Building in Albany on June 8.

The Healthy Trails, Healthy People Award recognizes an individual, not for profit organization, governmental entity, business, or corporation that has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to improving universal access to trails, promoting trail use and increasing physical activity, or creating programs that encourage a heightened awareness of active community environments. Initiatives that involve partnerships with the health care community and/or encourage trail use by persons with disabilities are given special consideration.

In 1999, the need for better trails and bikeways was highlighted in the Binghamton Metropolitan Greenway Study. The resulting report examined the potential for trail development along the Susquehanna and Chenango river corridors and provided a set of recommendations that would engage seven local municipalities seeking creative ways to increase and promote access to the waterways and contribute to building a 30-mile trail network.

When Bowers and Reigle became involved in 2004, only eight percent of the study's proposed trails had been completed. Convinced that NYSDOT and the Binghamton Metropolitan Transportation Study should partner to be the implementer for this trails plan, they invited multiple stakeholders to a meeting at the State Office Building in Binghamton. "We had them look out the window and challenged them to make Binghamton the most walkable and bikeable community in New York State. Their reaction was – go to it - and we did," said Mark Bowers.

This dynamic duo partnered with each sector of the community to involve people where they lived, worked, learned, played and prayed. "The key was gaining the support of the people, local municipalities, and multi-disciplinary partners, especially the health care community, the ARC, and environmental groups. We did presentations for and offered to partner with anyone that would listen to us," said Scott Reigle.

Partnerships with Steps to a Healthier New York and the Healthy Heart Coalition involved United Health Services, Broome and Tioga County Health Departments, school districts, and municipal leaders. These partners helped validate the Greenway plan, fund trail enhancements, promote the efforts, and reach new audiences which increased public and local government support. In turn, Mark and Scott promoted the Greenway and introduced trails and active transportation concepts to new audiences by participating in the days of teaching offered by Diabetes and United Health Services.

The area's nationally acclaimed BC Walks program and public events that Mark and Scott initiated like Third Friday River Crawls and Canine Crawls served to engage new trail users. "We've looked at getting murals painted and also are considering a sculpture competition to incorporate the arts," said Mark. "This year on Arbor Day we planted 40 trees. Last year it was 13 trees and a number of rose bushes. We involve the city, the county, the community college, and garden clubs."

Beyond their official duties, Mark and Scott have volunteered endless hours of their personal time providing tours to showcase the greenway project to national, state and local leaders. According to Joy Stalker of the Rural Health Network of South Central New York and Mary McFadden of the Broome County Health Department who nominated Mark and Scott for the award, the pair impressed officials from the Centers for Disease Control and the New York State Department of Health, including Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines, with their compassion and knowledge of the Greenway's health benefits.

In a little over five years, these efforts have paid off. With Mark and Scott's dedication, leadership, and ability to excite and engage the entire Binghamton-area community, almost 60 percent of the proposed Greater Binghamton Greenway trail network is now either built, currently in design or recently funded.

Other awards to be presented
Parks & Trails New York's Greenway and Community Trail Awards recognize the leadership, creativity, and donation of time, talent, and materials behind many of New York's trails. Other award winners include:
• Volunteer Service Award - Joe Kozlowski and Elisa Zazzera of the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct for their efforts to organize and energize community stewardship and pride in the Yonkers section of trail within Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park.
• Corporate Partnership Award - Eastern Mountain Sports, Mohawk Commons Store in Niskayuna for its multiple years of financial and employee support of clean up and beautification of the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail in Schenectady.
• Public Leadership Award - Dorothy Lewandowski and Velma Segars, New York City Parks and Recreation, for their efforts to create, map, and promote the New York City Water Trail,

a collection of 38 waterfront sites that provide access to 160 square miles of rivers, bays, creeks, inlet and ocean in the City's five boroughs.

• Outside the Box Award – Fred Schaeffer, Chairman, Walkway Over the Hudson, for his vision that foresaw the possibility of using the Poughkeepsie Railroad bridge as a trail connecting Ulster and Dutchess Counties and his tenacity and leadership that inspired public and private sources to contribute more than $32 million to turn the bridge into the Walkway over the Hudson State Park.
• Special Recognition Award – Senator David Valesky and Assemblyman William Magee for their generous support for the creation and expansion of the Chittenango Creek Walk, Chenango Towpath Trail, and Susquehanna Greenway.

"Volunteers, local businesses, governments, and not for profits all across New York are the driving forces behind our state's extensive trails network. These significant efforts rarely receive the recognition they so richly deserve. We are pleased to celebrate these contributions with our 2010 New York Greenway and Community Trail Awards," commented Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin.

Founded in 1985, Parks & Trails New York is the only statewide nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to protecting – and fighting for – our state park system and to building and defending a statewide network of parks and trails.

For more information on Parks & Trails New York, call 518-434-1583 or visit the website at www.ptny.org.


Proper Disposal of Prescriptions and Over-The-Counter Drugs
Source: The Dispatch; Vol. 36, # 2
5/25/2010

Do not flush or pour any drugs down the drain or into the garbage disposal. This includes expired and unused prescriptions, and over-the-counter drugs.

Where available, take your medications to a local collection event. Contact your local pharmacy, recycling coordinator, or municipality to find out if there is a household hazardous waste collection event that accepts these materials near you. While waiting for a collection event, keep all medications in a safe, secure place in your home, out of reach of children.

Important information regarding controlled substances: To protect public health from unauthorized use of controlled substance medication, the Department of Health must approve events that collect these substances. Before you take controlled substances to a collection event, check with the event organizers to see if they are authorized to accept them.

Medications self-administered by injection with a needle or "sharp" may be disposed of in the trash. If such medications include an attached needle, they should be placed in a puncture-proof container, sealed with tape and labeled as "sharps." However, the state strongly recommends that medications with attached needles be disposed of at hospital-based household sharps collection programs. All hospitals in New York State (except for federal facilities) are required to collect sharps from households. Medications without attached needles may be disposed of in household trash as described herein.

If there is no collection event in your area, dispose of drugs in your household trash. Before placing drugs in the trash, treat medications (liquids and pills) by adding water and then salt, ashes, dirt, cat litter, coffee grounds, or another undesirable substance. Hide all the medications in an outer container, such as a sealable bag, box, or plastic tub to prevent discovery and removal from the trash. Dispose of drugs as close to your trash collection day as possible to avoid misuse and/ or misdirection. Do not conceal discarded drugs in food, because they might be eaten by scavenging wildlife or people.

CAUTION: Be careful in handling medications since some drugs can cause harm if handled by people other than those to whom they were prescribed. Also, avoid crushing pills as some medications can be harmful in powder form.


Fact Sheet: Depression in Older Adults
Source: The Dispatch; Vol. 36, # 2
5/25/2010

Depression affects more than 19 million Americans every year, regardless of age, race or gender. While depression is not a normal part of the aging process, there is a strong likelihood of it occurring when other physical health conditions are present. For example, nearly a quarter of the 600,000 people who experience a stroke in a giver year will experience clinical depression. Unfortunately, symptoms of depression are often overlooked and untreated when they coincide with other medical illnesses or life events that commonly occur as people age (e.g., loss of loved ones). However, clinical depression is never a "normal" response. It is a serious medical illness that should be treated at any age.

More than 2 million of the 34 million Americans age 65 and older suffer from some form of depression. Symptoms of clinical depression can be triggered by other chronic illnesses common in later life such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

One third of widow/widowers meet criteria for depression in the first month after the death of their spouse and half of these individuals remain clinically depressed after one year.

Older patients with symptoms of depression have roughly 50% higher healthcare costs than non-depressed seniors.

Depression is a significant predictor of suicide in elderly Americans. Comprising 13% of the United States population, individuals age 65 and older account for 20% of all suicide deaths with white males being particularly vulnerable. Suicide among white males aged 85 and older is nearly six times the suicide rate in the United States.

More than 55% of older Americans treated for mental health issues received care from primary care physicians. Less than 3% aged 65 and older received treatment form mental health professionals.

Primary care physicians accurately recognized less that one half of patients with depression resulting in potentially decreased function and increased length of hospitalization.

Fortunately clinical depression is a very treatable illness. More than 80% of all people with depression can be successfully treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. For help finding mental health related services, call the Delaware County Mental Health Clinic at 607-865-6522.


Choices for Long Term Care Update
Source: The Dispatch; Vol. 36, # 2
5/25/2010

The challenges families face seeking services that will help keep a loved one at home and can help connect families to those services are recognized. It is understand that the long term care system can be confusing and complicated. Long term care can include many services that assist people of all ages to remain independent in their daily lives. Some of these services include home delivered meal, home care, residential housing options, and health insurance counseling to name a few. Delaware County can assist in finding compassionate and knowledgeable staff that can guide you through the system. If you are having difficulty preparing meals, doing housework or taking a shower and don't know where to go to get help, give us a call. Our toll free number is 866-660-2451. We can give you the unbiased information on where to go to get those services. We also have long term care services and information on our website, along with our Resource Directory. To access this information, you can go to the Delaware County website (www.co.delaware.ny.us and click on NY Connects)


Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Assistance Available
Source: The Dispatch; Vol. 36, # 2
5/25/2010

Do you have a medical appointment you need a ride for and have no means of getting there? Maybe you need a ride to the drug store to pick up a prescription? …or to the eye doctor to have your eyeglasses fixed? Delaware County Office for the aging may be able to provide transportation through our Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program (NEMT). NEMT is a donation-based program open to seniors (age 60 or older) who do not have Medicaid and have no other means of transportation. We use volunteer drivers located throughout the country who are willing to provide transportation to those in need.

If you have tried family, friends or neighbors and no one is able to assist you then call Office for the aging at 607-746-6333; we will see what we can do to help.

If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer driver please call the office to find out more details; we are always looking for more drivers, in all areas of the county, to help out.


Medicare Consumers to Save Under Health Law
Source: The Dispatch; Vol. 36, # 2
5/25/2010

New projections show the Medicare savings in the health reform law will lower premiums and coinsurance for Medicare consumers.

The savings in the law, including reductions in overpayments to Medicare private health plans, will trim $4.40 off the monthly Part B premium projected for 2012, and will continue to generate savings for consumers each year. In 2018, the Part B premium will be $16 less than what is currently projected, according to Medicare's independent actuaries.

The average amount consumers will pay in deductibles and co-insurance for medical services under Medicare will also rise more slowly because of the law. In 2018, the slower growth in payments to hospitals and other providers will shave over $200 – about 9 percent – off the average consumer's cost-sharing. For consumers who have supplemental coverage that covers deductibles and coinsurance, this should translate into more modest premium increases in the coming years. The actuaries, however, reiterated their views that Congress might have to revisit the Medicare provisions if hospitals and other providers cannot adjust to the smaller annual pay hikes.


Drug Abuse and Obesity Share Brain Mechanism
Source: Youth Today; May 2010 Vol.19 No. 5
5/13/2010

A study by the Scripps Research Institute has confirmed the notion that the brain's reward system and dopamine are tied to both drug addiction and compulsive eating.

Three groups of rats were observed for 40 days, with each having full access to standard chow. Two of the groups also had access to a cafeteria diet, or foods high in fat, such as pound cake and bacon, for short or long periods of time. After 40 days, the rats were not given any more of the high-fat foods.

Researchers measured caloric intake, weight gain and brain reward circuits for reward thresholds − or the amount of food needed to satisfy desires to eat − of the rats.

While all the rats gained weight, those with extended access to high-fat foodes gained more weight compared to others. The researchers found that for two weeks after access to the cafeteria foods was denied, the brain reward thresholds in the rats continued to rise, resulting in compulsive eating habits.

This was explained by the decrease n the rates of type 2 dopamine receptors (D2R), which are related to drug addiction. The less d2R in the rats, that stronger their eating habits became.

The researchers expressed hope that the information ultimately will lead to drugs to combat both addiction and obesity.

For more information, visit www.nih.gov/researchmatters/april2010/04122010compulsive.htm.


May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Source: Caregiver Assistance News; May 2010
5/13/2010

Of the nearly 35 million Americans age 65 and older, an estimated 2 million have a depressive illness and another 5 million may have depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms are not a normal part of aging.

Depression often occurs with other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and Parkinson's disease. Because many older adults face these illnesses, as will as various other difficulties, health care professionals may mistakenly conclude that depression is a normal consequence of these problems. These factors contribute to the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of depressive disorders in older people. Depression can and should be treated when it occurs with other illnesses, since untreated depression can delay recovery from or worsen the outcome of these other illnesses.

Older Americans are disproportionately likely to die by suicide. Among those with the highest rates were white men age 85 and older.

Older adults need opportunities to express feelings such as anxiety, frustration or grief, and receive recognition that these feelings are normal and valid.

In previous generations, mental illness was often seen as a sign of weakness, failure or shame. It was viewed as something to be hidden and not discussed. This negative attitude can stop an older person from realizing he or she has a mental illness, and not seeking help or treatment for it.

For more information, visit http://www.nmha.org/go/may.


Essential Oils and Aroma Therapy – Health Benefits
Source: The Mustard Seed May/June 2010 Publication
5/13/2010

Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It is an art and science, which seeks to explore the physiological, psychological and spiritual realm of the individual's response to aromatic extracts as well as to observe and enhance the individual's innate healing process. Aromatherapy is both a preventative approach as well as an active treatment during acute and chronic stages of illness or disease.

It is a natural, non-invasive treatment system designed to affect the whole person, and to assist the body's natural ability to regulate, heal and maintain itself by the correct use of essential oils.

Rene Maurice Gattefosse in 1928 coined the word to imply the therapeutic use of aromatic substances called essential oils. As aromatherapy developed into a practice it adopted a holistic approach encompassing body, the mind and the spirit.

Throughout recorded history, Aromatic plants have been used for their healing, preservative, and pleasurable qualities, in both the East and West. As early as 1500 B.C. the ancient Egyptians used waters, oils, incense, resins, and ointments scented with botanicals for their religious ceremonies. The Chinese may have recognized the benefits of herbal and aromatic remedies as early as 2700-3000 B.C. Traditional Indian medicine, dating back over 2,500 years, used aromatic herbs for treatment. The Romans, Greeks and Arabs bathed with botanicals; and integrated them into their state and religious rituals. In aromatherapy, essential oils are carefully selected for their medicinal properties. As essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream through application to the skin or inhalation, their active components trigger certain pharmalogical effects such as pain relief. For more information email info@naha.org.


Whitney Point Walks Around the World!
Source: Rural Health Network
4/23/2010

Register and help Whitney Point get Around the World in 80 days! Registration begins April 19 and the event runs for eleven weeks. Participants who turn in their miles will be eligible for weekly prize drawings. The first 100 people to register receive a free pedometer. For more information go to www.ruralhealthnetwork.org/WPWALKS.asp or contact Joy Stalker at 607-692-7669.


Simply Health: Heart Truth
Source: Rural Health Network
4/23/2010

Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women in America? Simply Health: Heart Truth is an exciting and educational 9-week wellness program that will motivate you to take action and lower or control your risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions. Area professionals will provide information on a variety of interesting topics, including physical activity, good nutrition, yoga and stress reduction. Participants are eligible to win weekly prizes and also receive free recipes, water bottles, pedometers, resistance bands, and more! The first class will be held on Thursday, May 13, from 6:00 – 7:15 PM at the Northern Broome Senior Center. There is a $50.00 registration fee that is refundable upon graduation and sharing program material with 12 other people. (To graduate, you must attend 7 of the 9 classes.) For more information, or to register, contact Joy Stalker, Director of Health Promotion at (607) 692-7669 or jstalker@ruralhealthnetwork.org.


Volunteer Opportunity – Farmers’ Market Access Program
Source: Rural Health Network
2/12/2010

The Rural Health Network is seeking volunteers to participate in the Farmers' Market Access Program, which provides fresh, nutritious food from the farmers' market to elderly and disabled adults in Northern Broome County. The program is currently looking for friendly and motivated volunteers to:

Process Customer Orders
Shop at the Farmers' Market
Deliver Customer Orders

The farmers' market will be held on Wednesdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM from June to October. If you want to help make a difference in your community, contact the Rural Health Network at (607) 692-7669 or healthpromotion@ruralhealthnetwork.org.


CCE Presents Permaculture Workshop
Source: Whitney Point Reporter; Vol. 155-NO.52
4/29/2010

On Friday and Saturday, May 7 and 8, Dave Jacke will be returning to Norwich to give a day-and-a-half workshop in Permaculture. Jacke, the co-author of "Edible Forest Garden," gave a well received lecture in Norwich on Feb. 1.

"People were really excited by his presentation," said Stacie Edick, Community Gardens coordinator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County. "After his lecture, several people went out of their way to call or email and thank us for bringing him to Norwich, so we decided to bring him back for a full workshop."

The workshop, "Gardening Like the Forest," will include an introductory lecture, "Ecosystem Social Structures and Garden Design," on Friday evening and a full-day workshop, "Plant Guilds and Perennial Polycultures," on Saturday. Registration for the full workshop (Friday evening, May 7, and Saturday, May 8) is $75. Those who are unable to attend the full workshop can attend just the Friday evening lecture for $5.

The full workshop is limited to 20. The workshop is hosted by CCE Chenango and is co-sponsored by the Chenango County Agriculture development Council and the Three Rivers Project of the Heartland bioregion. Refreshments will be provided Saturday morning and afternoon. Local foods from Central New York Bounty (www.cnybounty.com) will be generously donated by Central New York Resource Conservation and development Project, Inc.

For registration forms, call Stacie Edick at 607-334-5841, ext. 20, or email her at spe26@cornell.edu to receive the registration form by email.


Richford Summer Youth Program
Source: Richford Quarterly
4/23/2010

A chicken barbeque and bake sale will be held Saturday, June 12 at the Fire Station, Bowery Lane. Hosted by Richford Fire Department, the dinners will be $7.00. All proceeds will go to the Summer Youth Program for supplies and equipment.

Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. Also planned for this event is a vendor board. If you have a local business in or around the Richford area, please consider posting a business card or flyer so that people can see what services are available locally. For more information or to make a donation, please call John or Barbara Keener at (607) 972-1336.

The Youth Program will begin Monday, July 5 and end Wednesday, August 11. Games, crafts, and reading are all part of the many events that the youth participate in during the meeting times on Monday and Wednesday from 1 to 3 PM. "Also continues" will be the 5 times a week free lunch program, from noon to 1 PM. This program is available for youth from 18 months through 18 years of age. The lunches again will be provided by the School Lunch Program, Owego Apalachin School System. For more information about the Summer Youth Program, please contact Director Becky Randall at (607) 657-8254.


CHOW Chili Cook-Off Seeks Chef Contestants
Source: Whitney Point Reporter
4/23/2010

The Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) of the Broome County Council of Churches is looking for chefs to participate in their annual New York State chili Championship competition on May 1 at Binghamton University.

In 2009, 19 cooks participated in the event sponsored by CHOW. Celebrity judges vote to send three chefs to the international competition in Texas later this year under the auspices of the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI).

The ninth annual cook-off will also include entertainment, music, and chili tasting from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the university. For more information about the competition and how to become a contestant, call the Council of Churches at (607) 724-9130 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, or register online at www.nyschili.com.


Margaretville Hospital PT Department Expands Services
Source: Delaware County Times
4/20/2010

Margaretville Hospital continues expanding the services of its Physical Therapy Department and recently welcomed a second doctor of physical therapy to its staff. Dr. Carly Finch, PT, DPT, a Roxbury native, became a member of the hospital's Physical Therapy Department in December. She joins Department Manager Dr. Sasha Cyrelson, PT, DPT; Joe Sullivan, PT assistant; and Mindy Small, OTR-L. They also receive assistance from inpatient staff.

The hospital's PT department offers a wide range of services. "We treat anything," commented Dr. Cyrelson. She said that typical cases involve back and limb pain or injury trauma. People who have suffered strokes, head injuries or who are recovering from surgery are often patients, as well. "Our job is to help patients achieve their highest level of function," Dr. Cyrelson explained. When it comes to Physical Therapy in general, Dr. Cyrelson said it's important to realize one essential point.

"We treat pain to help patients get out of pain. We also teach patients methods of self-treating pain. We show patients what they can do at home. In the long run, that's what they take with them," she explained. Dr. Cyrelson said that one of the keys to successful Physical Therapy is starting treatment early. "I wish people would come to us sooner, rather than later," she remarked. "The important thing is to prevent a smaller problem from becoming a chronic, unfixable problem." She noted that when people have sprains, strains or other injuries, they can ask their doctors to prescribe Physical Therapy. "Patients can be an advocate for themselves," Dr. Cyrelson stated.


New Changes to Programs that May Help with Medicare Costs
Source: Mature Messenger Newsletter, a publication of Action for Older Persons
4/20/2010

Medicare Part D Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS)

People with limited income and resources may be eligible for Extra Help to pay for premiums, deductibles, and prescription co-pays related to their Medicare Part D plan. Under a new law, more Medicare beneficiaries will now qualify for this Extra Help because some things no longer count as income resources. Beginning January 1, 2010:

Any life insurance policy will no longer count as a resource
Help you receive regularly from someone else to pay your household expenses (food, mortgage, rent, heating fuel/gas, electricity, water, property taxes) will no longer count as income.

To apply for Extra Help, you must complete Social Security's Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Also beginning January 1, 2010, when you apply for Extra Help, you can also start the application process for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). If you have Medicare and your income and resources are limited, an MSP may help pay for your Medicare Part B premium and possibly your Medicare deductibles and co-payments if you qualify. In New York, MSPs are administered by local Departments of Social Services. If you're a Broome County resident, you may call DSS directly at 607-778-2731 to determine your eligibility.

For more information and/or help completing the applications for Extra Help and/or the MSP, Broome County residents may call AOP at 607-772-1251 to set up a free appointment with a senior health insurance counselor.


The Importance of Advanced Care Planning
Source: Delaware County Times
4/20/2010

Five years ago on March 31, national attention was riveted as the husband and parents of Terri Schiavo waged a very public legal battle regarding who had authority to determine if she would have wanted artificial means to prolong her life. While many Americans learned about the importance of planning for critical healthcare decisions before a crisis, two-thirds of the public have not completed an advance directive.

Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care is reminding family members and friends of the ultimate magnitude of benefits by having conversations about advance care planning. "Everyone has their wishes," said Lola Rathbone, CEO/President of Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care. "Wishes are very simple to document, in fact we have the perfect forms for people to use. We encourage them to share with their physician and other family members."

"Ideally these discussions begin around the kitchen table and are perhaps the most difficult conversations of our lifetimes. The emotionality associate with talking about these issues is very real and as a result, makes it easy to put off or avoid altogether. It takes a certain amount of bravery and compassion to even broach the subject with loved ones."

"Our goal is to help make these conversations easier for families ahead of time, which brings them great comfort on every level."

Advance Care Planning materials are free and are available at Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 542 Main St. in Oneonta. For more information, contact (607) 432-5525.


Do You Qualify for Extra Help with Medicare’s Prescription Drug Coverage?
Source: Senior News, a publication of Broome County Office for Aging
4/15/2010

A low income subsidy that provides extra help with Medicare's prescription drug (Part D) coverage is available for people who meet a few basic qualifications.

To qualify for extra help, an individual must have an annual income below $16, 245 and resources less than $12,510. A married couple living together must have an annual income below $21,855 and resources less than $25,010. You may still qualify for this extra help even if your income is higher than these limits when you and/or your spouse support other family members who live with you or you have earnings from work.

Resources include the value of the things you own such as your bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRAs and any real estate other than your primary residence. Your home, your car, your life insurance policy and $1,500 in burial expenses (per person) do not count as resources.

If you qualify for extra help and have a Medicare prescription drug plan, the full low income subsidy will pay all of your annual premium and deductible, and limit co-payments from your Part D plan. You will have no gap in coverage, no late enrollment penalty, and you will be allowed to switch Part D plans at any time. In 2010, your drug costs will be no more than $2.50 for each generic drug and $6.30 for each brand name drug.

You may automatically qualify for this extra help if: (1) you are a Medicare beneficiary who is currently enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI-1) that pays your Part B premium; (2) you have full Medicaid coverage; or (3) you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

If you didn't automatically qualify, you can apply by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by visiting www.medicare.gov.

To learn more about extra help and to determine your eligibility you can call Action for Older Persons at 607-722-1251 to set up a free one-on-one appointment with an insurance counselor.


Exercise Equipment Demos
Source: Senior News, a publication of Broome County Office for Aging
4/15/2010

Have you peeked at the exercise equipment but haven't tried it yet? All of those machines can be intimidating until you know how they work. Join Jocelyn during any of these time blocks to learn how to use the equipment.

Eastern Broome Senior Center
Monday, April 19, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Northern Broome Senior Center
Thursday, April 22, 2010, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Broome West Senior Center
All Tuesdays in April 2010, 10:00 – 11:30 AM

The exercise rooms are open the same hours that the centers are open and are available at no charge to you. So stop in and give it a try!


Living Healthy Workshops Offered This Spring
Source: Senior News, a publication of Broome County Office for Aging
4/15/2010

Ideal Senior Living Center
Tuesdays April 6, 2010 – May 11, 2010
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

West Windsor Baptist Church
Thursdays April 22, 2010 – May 27, 2010
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Living Healthy is a FREE workshop for people aged 60+ who have a chronic condition like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, emphysema, asthma or other conditions. It is also for people caring for someone with a chronic condition.

Living Healthy workshops meet once a week, for 2 ½ hours, for six consecutive weeks. Healthy snacks are served during the break. A free workbook and relaxation CD are provided (a $50 value). This Chronic Disease Self Management Program developed by Stanford Patient Education Research Center helps participants to maintain independence and well being. During workshops participants will learn techniques to help them better manage health conditions. Strategies include developing problem solving and action planning skills. Learning relaxation and pain management techniques is also covered. Establishing exercise and nutrition goals and improving communication skills are important parts of the program. People who take this workshop report feeling better and having more energy.

Living Healthy is offered by RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) and is administered in partnership with the Broome County Office for Aging. To register for a workshop call RSVP at 607-231-0726 or e-mail dkerins@ccbc.net


Dental Office to Offer Day of Free Care
Source: Press Connects
4/15/2010

Lalor Creekside Dental will join with non-profit Dentistry from the Heart May 8 to provide a day of free dental care for those in need. The doctors and staff will offer one cleaning, filling or extraction free of charge to a minimum of 200 people.

The event will take place at Lalor Creekside Dental at 2521 Vestal Parkway West in Vestal. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis.
For more information, visit www.dentistryfromtheheart.org or e-mail DFTH@lalorcreeksidedental.com. If you are not in need of dental care but still want to get involved with Dentistry From the Heart, contact Lalor Creekside Dental to see how you can volunteer or donate.


2010 Nursing Scholarship Program
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration
4/12/2010

U.S. citizens who are enrolled or accepted as a full-time or part-time student in an accredited school of nursing or in a professional registered nurse program (baccalaureate, graduate, associate degree, or diploma) are eligible for the 2010 Nursing Scholarship Program. Applicants must be free from any Federal judgment liens, existing service commitments and not delinquent on a Federal debt.

The scholarship award pays for tuition, fees, other reasonable educational costs (i.e. books, clinical supplies, etc.) and includes a $1,269 monthly stipend. In return, the student agrees to provide a minimum of 2 years of full or part time clinical service at a healthcare facility with a shortage of nurses upon graduation. These types of facilities may include a federal hospital, home health agency, ambulatory surgical center and or similar critical shortage facilities.

Preference is given to qualified applicants with the greatest financial need who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate nursing program. Applicants must begin classes for the Fall term on or after July 1, 2010 and no later than September 30, 2010. It is expected that 500 awards will be made for the 2010-2011 school year.

Applications will be accepted April 1, 2010 through May 6, 2010. Interested applicants can apply for the Nursing Scholarship Program online at: https://nis.hrsa.gov. Complete electronic applications must be submitted online by the closing deadline. All required supplemental forms and appropriate supporting documentation must be faxed or postmarked by April 29, 2010. The fax number is 301-998-7377.

If interested applicants have questions about the application, they should call the Human Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) Call Center at 1-800-221-9393. To learn more about HRSA's programs visit www.hrsa.gov.


Tobacco Free Broome Recognizes West Family YMCA as a Smoke-Free Campus
Source: Tobacco Free Broome and Tioga
4/5/2010

West Family YMCA Branch Director, Garreth Sansom signed a policy declaring the campus to be smoke-free.
West Family YMCA strives to incorporate healthy habits that will make a difference for entire families. The new smoke-free policy is a great addition to the mission of the YMCA. Their mission statement is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
In 2006, the Surgeon General stated, "The scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to second hand smoke." Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 carcinogens and can cause "…premature death and disease in children and in adults who do not smoke."
Enforcing a smoke-free zone will help protect the members of the West Family YMCA from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke, inadvertently, protecting them from harm.
For more information on establishing smoke-free policies or on quitting, visit www.tobaccofreebt.org. You may also call the Broome County Health Department at 607-778-2878.


Food Allergies and Celiac Disease to be Featured at Food and Fitness Conference
Source: Delaware County Times
3/31/2010

"Nutrition In A Nutshell: Understanding Food Allergies" is the topic for the Annual Food & Fitness Conference, planned for Wednesday, April 28th at the Foxcare Center, Conference Room, Route 7, Oneonta, New York. The conference will be held 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon with the program repeated from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the evening with registrations at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The conference will present an overview of the prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of common food allergies with information on what healthcare professionals, dieticians and people should know about food allergies to obtain a safe and healthy diet. Therese M. Gadomski, RD, CDN, CDE, keynote speaker for the conference, will provide current research on food allergies and an update on diagnosis, treatment and recommendations to follow a gluten free diet. Ms. Gadomski will also provide insights from living with Celiac Disease herself and share gluten free products that conference participants can sample at the conference and purchase locally.
Register for the conference by sending $15 conference registration fee for professionals/general public and $5 fee for full-time college students to Cornell Cooperative Extension, PO Box 184, Hamden, NY 13782. Please make checks payable to CCE of Delaware County for the conference registration, which covers the costs of the conference including beverages and a resource packet. Professional development units from the Commission on Dietetic Registration will be given for participation in the conference. This year's Annual Food and Fitness Conference is being sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Otsego and Delaware counties.


Delaware Academy Students Dine Locally
Source: Delaware County Times
3/23/2010

On March 10, the dining facility at Delaware Academy was offered additional helping hands as a purely local menu was offered to all the students and staff. Delhi Schools Food Service Coordinator Chris Miller welcomed members of Farm Catskill, a Delaware County grass-roots organization, into the high school kitchen after several weeks of cooperative planning.
The lunch menu was described as delicious, really good, super, excellent, surprisingly great, and very tasty. When asked what their favorite food was that they tried, student choices spanned every item that was offered from the meatloaf to mashed potatoes and of course the apple crisp. Most had never tasted tilsit cheese or celery root before so it was a lunch of new experiences. One diner stated that they couldn't believe how many choices there were of things that were from nearby farms. The furthest traveled food was yogurt from Evans Farm House Creamery just 52 miles away.
Trying new foods especially when they are healthy and local is a great way to really taste foods and offers an opportunity for comparison, to pay attention to what is being eaten. This is a basic introduction to food ethics that can inspire questions and create interest in where our food comes from. Obesity, animal rights, food safety, health issues and social skills all become part of issues that Americans have with food.
With support of the Delaware Academy and its food service professionals this day of local foods dining was made possible by Farm Catskills and the local farmers whose talents made it to the mouths of adventurous and appreciative high school students. Find out more about Farm Catskills, who they are and what they do by visiting their website at www.farmcatskills.org, email info@farmcatskills.org or write to 87 Sal Bren Road, Suite 1, Delhi, NY 13753. Become a part of the future of sustainable farming, educated consumers and available healthy, local foods.


HEAP News
Source: The Dispatch - A publication of the Delaware County Office for the Aging
3/22/2010

The 2009-2010 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) began on November 2, 2009. This program is available for lower income Delaware County households to assist with their home heating costs. If you are receiving Food Stamps or Public Assistance you should contact the Delaware County Department of Social Services at 607-832-5300 for your HEAP assistance. Any individual, age 60 and over, that did not receive an early mail-out from the State Department of Social Services, and meets the income guidelines for HEAP, should contact the Delaware County Office for the Aging at 607-746-6333 or send inquiries to Office for the Aging, 6 Court Street, Delhi, NY 13753. Refer to the chart for current monthly income guide lines.
Individuals requesting assistance in completing an application should call the Office for the Aging at 607-746-6333 to schedule an appointment in order to ensure individual attention and avoid unnecessary waiting time. Applicants are advised not to wait for an emergency to apply for HEAP. Many fuel companies charge up to $150 for an emergency delivery which is deducted from a household's HEAP benefit. If you are 60 and over and need to apply for an emergency HEAP benefit, call the Office for the Aging at 607-746-6333 between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and you will be advised of what information is needed. (Some documentation may be required.) If necessary, you can reach someone for assistance with an emergency benefit between 4:00pm and 5:00pm Monday thru Friday by calling the Department of Social Services at 607-832-5300. After 5:00pm, and on weekends, call the Delaware County Sheriff's Office at 607-746-2336 for assistance.

Household Size – Maximum Monthly Income
1 – $2,030
2 - $2,654
3 - $3,279
4 – $3,903
5 – $4,528
6 – $5,152
7 – $5,269
8 – $5,386
9 – $5,503
10 – $5,620
11 – $6,029
For households over 11, add $468 to the maximum monthly income.


Restricting Sugary Food May Backfire
Source: The Dispatch - A publication of the Delaware County Office for the Aging
3/22/2010

Do you try to lose weight by putting certain foods off-limits? Depriving yourself of the foods you love, new research in rats suggests, might drive you to eat more of those foods later.
NIH-funded researchers recently found that rats given occasional access to sugary food ate less of their normal food when sweet food wasn't available. When the sweet food became available again, they overate it. In other words, the rats were holding out for the good stuff.
The researchers suspect the brain's stress system might be behind this behavior. Withdrawal problems for drugs of abuse are driven by the brain's fear, anxiety, and stress response. Could something similar happen when you deprive yourself of certain foods?
The scientists tested a drug that blocks the action of CRF, a molecule involved in the brain's response to stress. CRF has been tied to withdrawal for every major drug of abuse.
The team divided rats into 2 groups. One received cycles of 5 days of regular chow and 2 days of sweet chow. The other was given only regular food. All the rats could eat as much as they wanted. After 7 weeks, the rats were given the CRF-blocker.
The blocker blunted the rats' bingeing. The diet-cycled rats ate more regular chow and then, when it was available, less of the sweet. The drug also blocked the rats' anxious behavior when the sweet food was withdrawn. It has no effect on the rats eating only normal chow.
When eating regular chow, the diet-cycled rats had much higher CRF levels in a brain region involved in fear, anxiety, and stress. CRF levels were normal, however, when they were fed the sweet food.
Human eating behavior is more complicated than rats, of course. But these findings suggest that cutting out certain foods may cause you to feel stressed until you eat those foods again. Research shows that the best way to lose weight is to change your lifestyle to eat healthier and get more physical activity.


Small Steps Ballroom Dancing Classes
Source: The Dispatch - A publication of the Delaware County Office for the Aging
3/22/2010

Small Steps spring classes are a great way to get active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In March, Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering free Ballroom Dancing classes with funding from the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation.
Dates: Tuesday evenings from March 23 – May 11, 2010 (8 classes)
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: Churchill Gym, 117 Main Street, Stamford
Instructors: Rod & Kathleen Jones
Did you know that dancing is one of the very best activities to stimulate the brain? So come as a couple or if you are single…put on your dancing shoes and come give this a try! Dress comfortably and join us at 7:00pm on Tuesdays from March 23 through May 11 for a fun hour-and-a-half ballroom dancing class. These free classes are open to teens and adults who like a little exercise and enjoy music.
Registration is required. Class size is limited so register to attend Ballroom Dancing classes by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-865-6531 or email nc225@cornell.edu.
To learn more about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County's community programs and events call 607-865-6531.


Balance Clinic at Northern Broome Senior Center
Source: Whitney Point Reporter
3/22/2010

Have you fallen in the past? Are you concerned about falling? The Broome County Office for the Aging will present information that will help you assess your risk for falls. Stations included vision and blood pressure screening, medications check, home safety information and much more.
The clinic will take about an hour and a half; some stations will be interactive and others will be educational.
Call the Northern Broome Senior Center at 607-692-3405. The deadline is April 7. There is no charge for this clinic, but call soon because the clinic will fill up quickly.


Amanda’s Law
Source: The Dispatch – A publication of the Delaware County Office for the Aging
3/22/2010

On February 22, 2010, new legislation took effect in New York State requiring the installation of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Under "Amanda's Law," all new and existing one and two-family homes, multifamily homes and rentals with a fuel-burning appliance, system, or attached garage must have CO alarms. This legislation expands upon the previous law which only required CO alarms in new homes or when a home was sold and is intended to help save lives from a silent, odorless, and colorless killer.
This revised law requires homes built prior to 2008 to have a CO alarm installed on the lowest story having a sleeping area, while those built after 2008 must have a CO alarm on each story with a sleeping area or where a source of CO is located. Homes built prior to 2008 will be permitted to have battery-powered alarms, but home constructed after January 1, 2008 will need to have the alarms hard-wired with battery-backup.
CO is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the U.S. Each year more than 400 people die from accidental, non-fire-related CO poisoning and more than 20,000 people visit emergency departments for CO-related health effects. In New York State between 2000 and 2006, 870 residents were hospitalized for unintentional non-fire-related CO poisoning.
A recent NYSDOH survey estimates that more than 70% of NYS residents already have at least one CO alarm. However, a separate survey of NYS residents conducted for Kidde, a manufacturer of CO alarms, suggests households may not have enough alarms for the size of their home and some people may not he aware of the need to periodically replace a CO alarm.
CO alarms should be properly installed and operated on each floor and near sleeping areas and should be replaced every five years unless the manufacturer specifies a different time period.
The NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) website also offers a variety of CO safety information and resources, including the latest CO building code text, on their website. more



Working on Wellness (WOW) Song Writing Context
Source: WSKG Public Broadcasting
3/17/2010

The Johnny Only Songwriting competition is in its second year and is open to students in grades K-12. Students will create songs that depict the importance of health and exercise. We are looking forward to hearing this year's entries. The deadline for the Songwriting contest is April 16. Here is a link to entry forms and last year's winning entries, which had an opportunity to record their songs in the WSKG Television studio. more



After School Fuel Recipe Contest
Source: WSKG Public Broadcasting
3/17/2010

WOW partner Lourdes is kicking off their After School Fuel Recipe Contest. Students in grades 1-8 are encouraged to submit a healthy recipe. Students can choose to work in teams of 2 students and one adult to create a healthy after school snack. Six teams will be chosen for a cook off on WSKG Television. Entries must be received by May 10. For more information and to download an entry form, click here. more



Volunteer Opportunity: CHOW Farm
Source: Broome County Council of Churches, Inc.
3/2/2010

This spring CHOW is embarking on a new project to bring fresh produce into our pantries and soup kitchens. Over ten acres of corn is being planted, as well as various vegetables, on land loaned to CHOW in the Town of Maine.

The initial vegetable garden crops will be planted and plans are to rotate in others as these are harvested. A water pump has been acquired to pump water from a nearby pond to irrigate the garden. These crops will need care all summer. Then, as the crops mature, many hands will be needed to harvest what is expected to be a bountiful crop. All these fresh vegetables will be available for food panties as well as the area soup kitchens through Broome Bounty.

CHOW is also preparing land this winter and spring in Conklin for planting this year. Land that was rendered useless for building homes by the flood of 2006 will be turned into farm land for the CHOW Farm. CHOW hopes to plant at least 4 acres this spring and continue to increase its production each year.

These two projects are additional opportunities for those in the community who believe in helping eliminate hunger in Broome County. If you or your group would like to take an active role in providing fresh produce to the food pantries and soup kitchens that help feed those in need, contact Ed Blaine at 607-724-9130, ext. 331 or eblaine@broomecouncil.net.


Group Cycling
Source: Your Health, March 2010
3/2/2010

The West Family Branch YMCA located at 740 Main Street in Johnson City, NY will hold group cycling classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM. Use different techniques to improve cardiovascular fitness. The cost of the class is $54 per month for nonmembers. For more information, contact 607-770-9622or visit bcymca.com.


CNY Bounty Web Site Launch Event Draws Crowd
Source: Whitney Point Reporter
2/16/2010

Over 150 people squeezed together like a close-knit family at the Web site launch event at the Colgate Inn in Hamilton on January 14. The event was offered as an opportunity for producers, customers and CNY Bounty team members to connect while celebrating the establishment of the new Web site, which was funded by the New York Farm Viability Institute. Those in attendance were treated to foods produced locally, purveyed through Bounty, and prepared by Chef Kris Angle of the Colgate Inn.

Professor Richard Marcoux of SUNY Morrisville and students enrolled in his multimedia computing course presented a commercial created to help promote the new CNY Bounty Website. Bounty volunteer Jeff Palmer guided the audience through the basics of placing an order on the new site.

CNY Bounty is a local food delivery program which provides a "Farmers' Market at Your Door" service, literally bringing home the bacon for you, as well as figuratively for local producers. The main goal of Bounty is to bring foods to consumers from their nearest source. Since its inception in 2007, Bounty has expanded from Chenango to Madison County, and is now exploring the eastern edge of Onondaga County. CNY Bounty has involved approximately 90 producers and offered more than 1,000 products.

Orders can be placed from Friday afternoon until noon on Monday, for delivery on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on location. Orders totaling less than $35 can be picked up at several drop-off locations, including Solstice Whole Foods and Evan's Farmhouse Creamery in Norwich. To learn more about CNY Bounty, visit www.cnybounty.com or call 1-888-252-6106.


Broome County Resident Prescription Program Now Provides Vision and Hearing Benefits
Source: Whitney Point Reporter
2/16/2010

Fourth District Broome County Legislator Joe Sanfilippo, chair of the Broome County Legislature's Human Services Committee, has announced that the Broome County Resident Prescription Drug Discount Card Program, offered through a partnership with ProAct Inc., has recently been expanded to include vision and hearing benefits. "Uninsured and underinsured Broome County residents have saved around $300,000 for prescriptions in just four months. Now, with the expanded program, they will be able to save on hearing aids, contacts, glasses, and even Lasik eye surgery," said Sanfilippo.

The National Discount Vision Program offers significant savings on eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, eye care prescriptions, Lasik procedures and hearing products and services. EyeBenefits Provider Network is comprised of over 12,000 optical and Lasik locations nationwide, which include independent regional and national chains, including Pearl Vision, LensCrafters, Sears, Sterling Optical and other vision centers across the country. The discount hearing benefits are provided through EPIC, Hearing Health Care. EPIC has a national network of local ear physicians and audiologists. Cardholders will receive discounts on testing, evaluations and hearing aid fittings by licensed audiologists and brand-name hearing aids and products.

The card offers residents a hassle-free way to save money. There are no enrollment forms to fill out, no membership fees, and no income requirements. The discount card can be used at any pharmacy in the area and at over 55,000 pharmacies nationwide. Cards are available at local pharmacies and at certain Broome County departments including the County Clerk, the Binghamton and Endicott DMVs, the County Public Library, Health Department, Social Services and Workforce New York. Residents can also print their own card by visiting the county's home page www.gobroomecounty.com and clicking on the ProAct card. All questions regarding the program should be directed to the ProAct's toll-free customer service line at 1-877-776-2285. ProAct Inc. is a pharmacy benefit management company based in Central New York and a division of Kinney Drug.


A Matter of Balance
Source: Senior News, a publication of the Broome County Office for Aging
2/12/2010

Have you turned down a chance to go out with family of friends because you were concerned about falling? Has the fear of falling led you to cut down on a favorite activity?
Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself. People who develop this fear often limit their activities; this can result in severe physical weakness and increase the risk of falling. When they limit their interactions with family and friends, they may become isolated and depressed. If concerns about falling have started to impact your life, "A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls" is a program for you.
"A Matter of Balance" will be held at various locations in Broome County. The start date for each site will vary; classes may start at any time from January through July. "A Matter of Balance" is an eight session program that can meet once or twice per week for 2 hours at a time. There is no charge for this program, participants receive a handbook and refreshments are provided.
"A Matter of Balance" helps people improve their quality of life and remain independent. The program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. You will learn to set realistic goals to increase your activity, change your environment to reduce fall risk factors with the "no fall-ty habits" section, and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance.
You may be surprised to learn how simple it can be to reduce the risk of falling. For example, some people with blood pressure problems experience dizziness when changing positions. They may find the precautionary measure of sitting or standing still for one or two minutes after changing positions allows blood to get to the brain – decreasing the chance of dizziness. And you'll even learn how to get up safely if you do fall.
After completing "A Matter of Balance," participants have reported that they plan to continue exercising and they feel comfortable increasing their activities. They also recommend the program to their family and friends. Here's what participants are actually saying about the class: "I am already noticing a difference in my physical being. I plan to continue these exercises. Hopefully I'll be jumping over the moon soon." And "I seem to be more aware of every situation for my safety. I now 'stop, look and listen' to my surroundings."
Take this step to stop your fear of falling and restart your life, call the Brome County Office for Aging at 607-778-2411 and ask for Rita.


Small Steps Aqua Aerobics Classes
Source: Delaware County Times
2/12/2010

Small Steps spring classes are a great way to get active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Classes are promoted by the Small Steps leadership team in Stamford/Hobart and sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension with funding from the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation.
There are many benefits of aerobic exercise done in the water. Water-related exercise increases your cardiovascular fitness, as well as improving overall strength. The water provides support for the body, the risk of muscle or joint injury in aquatic sports is greatly reduced if not completely eliminated, and the exercises are usually performed in chest-deep water. Bring your suit, towel, footwear and showering toiletries and get ready to join us at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10 and March 17 for a fun half-hour of aqua aerobics. A second class will be added at 6:00 p.m. if necessary.
Registration is required. Class size is limited so register to attend water aerobics classes by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-865-6531 or e-mail nc225@cornell.edu.


Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance
Source: Senior News, a publication of the Broome County Office for Aging
2/12/2010

Tai Chi is a graceful form of martial arts that uses slow precise movements that can help you stay fit and fight off common ailments. Research done in several countries has shown that Tai Chi can help deal with many ailments including arthritis, high blood pressure, poor balance and stress to name a few.
So how do you do Tai Chi? Tai Chi is a combination of non-impact, controlled motions that focus on balance, breathing and body awareness with the emphasis on focus. The moves have relaxing names like "wave hands like clouds" or "part the wild horse's mane." So essentially, you move through different positions and hold a variety of poses. The nicest part about this martial art form is that it is gentle on the body and that virtually anyone can do it with proper instruction.
"Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance" is a form of Tai Chi that focuses on improving functional ability (balance, physical function) and, consequently, reduces fall-related risks and falls frequently.
"Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance" has come to Broome County. Classes are open to people age 65 and over. Classes will be 12 consecutive weeks and will meet 2 times per week with an additional 45 minutes of home practice. Classes will fill up quickly so call Rita at the Broome County Office for Aging at 607-778-2411 for the class nearest you.
This program is brought to you by the Broome County Health Department, the Broome County Office for Aging and the CDC (Center for Disease Control).


Oneonta Farmers Market Accepting Vendor Applications
Source: Delaware County Times
2/12/2010

The 2010 Oneonta Farmers' Market is currently accepting applications from new vendors selling farm products, hand-made crafts or other local specialty items. Prospective vendors must be located within 50 miles of Oneonta and carry liability insurance. The Oneonta Farmers' Market is located at the Main Street Plaza in Oneonta in front of the Clarion Hotel. Saturday markets will operate from 9 am – 2 pm, from late May through December. Tuesday markets will operate from 10 am – 2 pm from June through September. Interested vendors should contact Baltazar Management at 607-437-0158 or baltazar_am@hotmail.com for an application form. For more information visit www.OneontaFarmersMarket.com.


First Lady Targets Obesity
Source: Youth Today
2/9/2010

First lady Michelle Obama has found her issue of choice during her husband's presidency: Just say no – to dessert. Obama told a gathering of mayors in Washington last month that she will launch an initiative this month to fight youth obesity. "I'll be launching a major initiative on childhood obesity that mobilizes the combined resources of the federal government to work with partners across the country, including mayors like all of you, and others in the foundation, business and non-profit sectors," she told the U.S. Conference of Mayors. "Ultimately, it's going to take all of us – businesses and nonprofits, community centers and health centers, teachers and faith leaders, coaches and parents, and particularly all of you, our nation's mayors – all working together to help families make common-sense changes so our kids can get, and stay, healthy," Obama said. Details were expected to be released at an upcoming news conference.
Last March, Obama emphasized the importance of healthy eating habits when she broke ground on a new White House garden, featuring 55 different vegetables. Her new effort is timed to be close to the anticipated reauthorization of the federal school lunch program on Capitol Hill this year.
First ladies have historically latched onto one overarching issue during their time in office, and they often choose youth issues. Among former ladies, Laura Bush promoted literacy and Nancy Regan was famously devoted to combating drug use.


Volunteer Opportunity: Social Connections Important for Health
2/3/2010

Social Connections for Senior Women, a program coordinated by the Broome County Council of Churches, is in search of volunteer group leaders in the Whitney Point area. SCSW provides an opportunity for senior women to make social connections with each other during weekly meetings. The goal of the program is to provide older women with opportunities to make new friends, partake in lively discussions and/or activities, share ideas and memories, and form support networks with one another. Each group is unique and approaches the process its own way; there is a high degree of flexibility in how the groups function. A potential leader will be trained, should be comfortable with or willing to learn how to best lead a small group in discussion, and be enthusiastic about working through group processes.

The program is planning to expand to new areas throughout Broome County including Whitney Point. There is currently a wait list of women interested in participating, but group leaders are needed. The SCSW Committee will assist with arrangements to initiate groups.

If interested in becoming a group leader or a group participant, please contact Teresa Teeple at (607) 724-9130 ext. 334; or Joanne Kays at ext. 304.


Medical Helicopter to Be Based in Sidney
Source: The Walton Reporter
2/3/2010

Response times for medical helicopter service will be greatly reduced in Delaware County when a helicopter and crew are based at the Sidney Municipal Airport this spring.
Delaware County Emergency Services Director Richard Bell said that Air Methods Corp. of Englewood, Colo., which does business in New York as LifeNet of New York, will keep a chopper and crew in Sidney by the end of March. He said the company, which also operates helicopters from the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, the Albany Medical Center and Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., did a study to evaluate flight requests and existing service. "They determined that there was a large hole there," he said. In addition to the base in Sidney, LifeNet will also place a helicopter and crew in Hornell.
Bell said LifeNet has met with county officials and local emergency squads to talk about the expanded service, and that the response has been positive. "It really reduces the flight time for getting to a critical patient," he said. "I think the squads are pretty receptive to the idea."
He and Deputy Director Steve Hood and 911 Coordinator Steve Finch worked with LifeNet to coordinate plans for the county. LifeNet will lease space for the village of Sidney, which owns the airport.


Loan Repayment Awards Available through NHSC
Source: National Health Service Corps
1/26/2010

As a result of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, the National Health Service Corps will be placing as many as 4,000 new clinicians in underserved communities by September 2010. Qualifying clinicians who commit to a five year service term can earn a loan repayment award of up to $145,000. Those who commit to a shorter two year term could earn a loan repayment award of up to $50,000. Applications are being accepted through July 29, 2010. Interested clinicians can find more information by visiting more



Volunteer Opportunity: A Matter of Balance
Source: Broome County Office for Aging
1/22/2010

The Broome County Office for Aging is seeking to train volunteers for an evidence-based program called "A Matter of Balance," which is designed to teach older people how to fall safely if they feel unstable. A timed script is provided that will help encourage discussion, socialization, and exercise. The Office for Aging hopes to begin training volunteers in time to offer this class in the spring. Individuals interested in this great opportunity should contact Rita Fluharty (rfluharty@co.broome.ny.us) or Joan Sprague (jsprague@co.broome.ny.us or 607-778-2134).


Help for People Struggling in the Southern Tier
Source: Whitney Point Reporter
1/22/2010

Although the economy may be making a slow recovery, many individuals, particularly in the Southern Tier, are still in need of financial assistance. To find out if you qualify to receive financial assistance, consider completing a prescreening at www.mybenefits.ny.gov . This website will assess your eligibility to receive state financial assistance, such as food stamps or health insurance coverage, without having to take time off work or visit local social service departments.


Children’s Dental Health Programs Announced
Source: Whitney Point Reporter
1/19/2010

ALBANY – Children's dental health will be the focus of events and programs being sponsored by the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) during Children's Dental Health Month in February.
The association's popular Keeping Smiles Brighter creative contest is open to children in preschool through 12th grade. Participants are being asked to create a design for a T-shirt with a positive dental health message. Entries are due March 6.
Sugarless Wednesday, a day devoted to helping children become more aware of non-essential sugars in their diet, will be celebrated Feb. 24. Free teaching materials, posters, stickers, and Sugarless Wednesday "survivor" certificates for children are available from NYSDA.
Educators, parents and children can obtain details about Children's Dental Health Month programs in New York State at www.nysdental.org or by calling NYSDA at 518-465-0044.


WRAP
Source: The Dispatch
11/23/2009

Delaware Opportunities has assumed responsibility of managing the Weatherization Referral and Packaging (WRAP) program for Delaware County residents over the age of 60. The WRAP program helps eligible households apply for 1) weatherization of their homes; 2) furnace repairs or replacements for homeowners with furnaces that are not working properly; 3) last resort funds for energy-related or energy conserving projects or repairs that cannot be taken care of through another program.

For more information, contact Joyce Tompkins at Delaware Opportunities, (607) 746-1615. Income guidelines for the WRAP program 2009-2010 are as follows:

Household Size: Maximum Gross Monthly Income:
1---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$2,030
2---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$2,654
3---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$3,279
4---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$3,903
5---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$4,528
6---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$5,152
7---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$5,269
8---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$5,386
9---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$5,503
10--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$5,620
11--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------$6,029
11+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------add $468


Community Supported Agriculture
Source: Delaware County Times
11/23/2009

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). The basic idea is that a group of folks who want local farms to survive put their money where their mouths are and make a contract with local farmers, paying a fee in advance so those farmers can afford to grow crops the folks want to eat. Thus CSA members support production costs in return for part of the harvest. I know that going to the supermarket is easy and maybe cheaper, BUT wouldn't you like to know how your food is grown and by whom? And don't you want our farmers to survive? And wouldn't you like to eat foods that have traveled across a few miles rather than the average of 1500 miles before they reach your market? Fresh, healthy food, full of nutrition and right from the neighborhood! Yum. You'd be saving gasoline, too, both from trucking and airplanes that bring us so much of our food from other countries.

I know there is enough interest out there as more and more people want to eat clean, organically grown food. That's why every supermarket now has an organic section. Remember, it wasn't so long ago that not one market had any organic food.

Most villages now have a farmer's market day but you still don't know how that food was grown. It isn't any more of a hassle to pick up a bad of veggies at a central point one day a week than it is to make sure you show up in your village on the day of the farmer's market. I am a supporter of farmer's markets. They are terrific. I love talking with the farmer over his or her counter about where the food came from and to know that it is fresher than anything I will buy in the supermarket. I think there is room for them and CSA's and that they support each other.

So, how does one go about forming a CSA? There are many ways to begin, but here are some essentials:
Farmer(s) who are willing to grow and harvest;
Group of folks who can decide what they want to eat;
Money to pay the farmer to grow;
Contracts on growing (such as organically, how much of each crop and expected harvest amounts that match Group needs);
A distribution system and people to prepare food for pickup;
Possible harvesting under farmer(s) direction,
Feedback loop between growers and eaters.

The system takes some work so it will run smoothly so some or all of the participants will need to put in some time. Finding a central distribution point is also important unless you only have one farmer growing all the food. I know of one group that is working on a system that includes vegetables, fruit in season and meat so they will have to think about refrigeration or rapid pickup for the system to work. But I keep thinking about how neighborly the entire business is with people making new friends and having direct contact with the farmers who grow their food. That certainly appeals to me, the community building aspect. And then I think about older neighbors who may not be able to do much work and who may need to have their food brought to them and how that builds community, too. People used to know their neighbors, share labor, tools, ideas and ideals. We can get back to that again with some thought, care and caring.

How many of us have more food than we need that we can share, as well? I have wild apples. They may not be picture perfect but they sure taste good about could provide extra nutrition to people in need, and for free if I bring them to a distribution point. And remember all the jokes about locking your car so someone doesn't put zucchinis in your back seat or about how they could be used as baseball bats?

Maybe it could grow into group harvest and preservation parties with knowledgeable people teaching and helping others put up batches of food for the winter, teaching them how to do it and having fun while we are all at it.

This may sound sort of Pollyannaish to you, but in these hard times when so many of us are hurting financially, I think that going back to the old and good rules of being neighborly is timely and timeless. When things are tough, there's nothing like community to boost the spirit and help us all through.


Silversneakers®- Fitness Program To Benefit Active Older Adults
Source: The Dispatch
11/23/2009

Silversneakers is proud to welcome Cardio Club, located at 76 Main Street in Delhi, as our newest partnering location. Like many fitness centers and YMCAs throughout the country, Cardio Club recognizes the unique needs of the older adults in the community. By partnering with the nationally recognized Healthways Silversneakers® Fitness Program, they are able to offer older adults a way to increase their levels of physical activity while motivating them to remain active. SilverSneakers® is the nation's leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults and is available at no additional cost beyond the monthly premium to Medicare eligible members of Humana and other participating health plans.

"Millions of older adults suffer from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and high blood pressure that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity," says Healthways Senior Vice President Steve Lindstrom. "In addition to helping older adults stay physically healthy, Silversneakers® also offers a great way for them to socialize, meet new friends and have fun."

SilverSneakers® is an innovative exercise program specifically designed for Medicare beneficiaries' unique health and physical needs. Eligible members can enjoy specialized Silversneakers® fitness classes focusing on improving strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Certified SilverSneakers® fitness instructors teach the classes, SilverSneakers® participants can also enjoy other membership benefits, including:
1. Use of exercise equipment (e.g., treadmills, exercise bikes, pool, etc.)
2. Weight Training
3. Circuit Training
4. Other Offerings (e.g. aerobics, hot tub, social events)

In addition, SilverSneakers® members can visit any participating location across the nation when they travel.

About the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program:

The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is offered by Healthways, an industry leader providing specialized, comprehensive Health and Care Support solutions to help people maintain or improve their health. Founded in 1992, SilverSneakers® is the nation's leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults and offers an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially-oriented programming that allows older adults to take greater control of their health. The unique program is available at no additional cost to eligible Medicare members and is currently offered in 49 states over 2,900 participating locations. For more information on SilverSneakers®, call 480-783-9555 or visit www.silversneakers.com

Class Schedule for Delhi

Classes will be held 9:00-10:00 am, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at the Cardio Club, 76 Main St, Delhi. Call 607-746-7050 for more information.


Indoor Holiday/ Winter Farmer’s Market
11/16/2009

Binghamton- Come to the Greater Binghamton Sports Center starting on Saturday, Nov. 7, and experience the first indoor winter/holiday farmers' market of the season.

Each Saturday, vendors will gather inside of the sports complex and offer their products for sale to parents attending their children's games and the general public. Products available include baked goods; honey and beeswax products; maple syrup; alpaca fiber products such as sweaters, scarves, gloves, and hats; herbal and spa products; and Pampered Chef products.

For more information, contact Rosie Kashou at 760-7522 or e-mail rkashou@stny.rr.com.


Food Pantry Remains Open For Winter
11/16/2009

The Mobile Food Pantry in Waverly will continue throughout the winter months.

Catholic Charities, Tioga Outreach Center and The Bridge will collaborate throughout the winter months to offer the Mobile Food Pantry, which is sponsored by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. The MFP is held from 1 for 2:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Waverly Presbyterian Church, 459 Park Ave., Waverly.

The site allows people to stay warm while waiting to receive their free food.

Anyone in need of food is invited to come.

For more information, call Catholic Charities at (607) 565-7580 or The Bridge at (570) 888-8826.


Blizzard Box Program
Source: Help Needed for Blizzard Box Project
11/16/2009

The Tioga Opportunities Inc., Department of Aging is seeking help funding its Blizzard Box project, which ensures that county home-delivered meal participants have an emergency food supply if emergencies or bad weather prevent drivers from delivering meals.

Blizzard Boxes contain easy-to-prepare emergency meals. A $14.50 donation will provide a senior with a box of five nutritiously balanced meals. The agency anticipates 200 Blizzard Boxes will be needed.

To donate, send checks made out to "Project Blizzard Box" to the Department of Aging, 9 Sheldon Guile Boulevard, Owego, NY 13827. For more information, call nutrition coordinator Jill Teeter at (607) 687-4120, ext. 324.

The department also is seeking volunteer drivers for the home-delivered meal program, since some of the current drivers will be heading south for the winter. Drivers are especially needed in Nichols, Newark Valley and Candor.


Winter Indoor Walking for Senior Citizens
Source: Broome County Office for Aging's Senior News
10/2/2009

The Broome County Office for Aging and the local school districts have teamed up to offer senior citizens indoor walking during the winter months.

Sites are open October 1, 2009, through April 30, 2010. Seniors can walk at the designated sites only during the schedule times, Monday through Friday. When the schools are closed for holidays and snow days, etc., there will be no walking program.

Get your walking registration forms and incentive sheets from the school office or call the Office for Aging at 607-778-2411.

Walking Sites and Times
- Caryl Adams Elementary (Whitney Point) - 3:30-5:00pm
- CR Weeks Elementary (Windsor) - 7:00-8:40am & 3:45-7:30pm
- Floyd Bell Elementary (Windsor) - 7:00-8:40am & 3:45-7:30pm
- Palmer Elementary School Gym (Windsor) - 7:00-8:40am
- Palmer Middle School Corridor (Windsor) - 7:00-8:40am & 3:45-6:30pm

(Additional walking sites will be published in the November issue of the Senior News.)
News Archive
Date Title
4/20/2010 Advance Planning: The Medical Perspective
3/22/2010 March is National Nutrition Month
3/17/2010 Chenango Canal Heritage Trail Conference
3/12/2010 Lasagna Bar to Benefit Farmers' Market Access Program
3/2/2010 Zumba
3/2/2010 Yoga for Fitness
2/25/2010 Broome County Health Department to Hold Two H1N1 Flu Clinics
2/16/2010 Positive Aging Workshop Begins February 16 in Harpursville
2/12/2010 Exercise Equipment Demos Announced
2/12/2010 Living Healthy Class - Now Registering
2/5/2010 Heart Disease in Women is the Topic of February Wellness Lecture
2/3/2010 Big Tent Offers New Tai Chi Demonstration and Classes
1/27/2010 Marketing Pastured Poultry
1/27/2010 Geriatric Mental Health Series
1/27/2010 Farmers Market Vendor Interest Meeting
1/27/2010 Small Ruminant Nutrition
1/27/2010 Broome & Tioga Farm Days at the Mall
1/27/2010 What Do I Need To Do To Start A Farm Business?
1/27/2010 7th Annual Weight Management/Diabetes Teaching Day
1/27/2010 Adaptive Chair Yoga Class
1/19/2010 Living Healthy Workshop in Whitney Point
1/19/2010 “Save Energy, Save Dollars” Workshop
11/30/2009 Arthritis Exercise Class
11/23/2009 When Pain Management Turns to Addiction
11/23/2009 Connecting Health Care Info To County Seniors (Excerpt)
11/16/2009 “The Butt Stops Here”: Smoking Cessation Program
11/16/2009 Official to probe record-low payments to N.Y. farmers- Price for Milk has Fallen by Almost Half
11/16/2009 Know Your Farmer Supports Eat3 Campaign
11/2/2009 Mission Meltaway
11/2/2009 What is Guided Imagery?
11/2/2009 Avoid Mindless Eating
11/2/2009 Hats Off: Rewarding Kids With Helmets On
10/27/2009 County Supply of H1N1 Flu Vaccine is Small
10/13/2009 Annual Open Enrollment Period Approaches for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans
10/13/2009 Hepatitis C or B Support Group
10/13/2009 Flu Shots
10/13/2009 Bassett and Fox Receive State Grant to Support Affiliation
10/13/2009 The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 2009-2010 opens November 2nd
10/2/2009 Broome County Health Department Announces Seasonal Flu Clinics for Fall 2009
9/29/2009 Drug Discount Card Available to Broome County Residents
9/29/2009 Broome County Health Department Launches New H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Website
9/11/2009 TLC Whole Foods Co-op Produce Club
9/11/2009 Waterman 100-Mile Hiking Club
8/1/2009 Whitney Point Ecumenical Food Pantry
7/31/2009 All about Issues of Medicare
7/30/2009 Rural Health Network Position Announcement
7/30/2009 Seeking Candidates for Community Food Project Coordinator
7/17/2009 WIC Outreach Schedule
7/14/2009 Broome-Tioga Greenride Rideshare Website
6/17/2009 Rural Health Service Corps Receives Stimulus Funding
6/16/2009 Finger Lakes Hiking and Biking Resource
6/10/2009 Free Drug Discount Card Offered by New York State
6/1/2009 Pfizer Provides Free Medications to Unemployed
5/21/2009 Walton Farm to School Project Receives Funding
5/15/2009 Farmers’ Market Senior Shopping Program
5/15/2009 No-Fee Crisis Counseling in Tioga County
5/4/2009 Trails for Active Living: A Conference on How to Create and Sustain Trails for Healthy Communities
4/22/2009 Get Your Trails of Tioga Map
4/14/2009 CATCH Kids Club Program
4/7/2009 Looking for Locally Grown Food?
4/3/2009 Expanded Availability of HIV Testing
10/30/2008 Help Others Keep Warm - HEAP
10/28/2008 Wheels for Work
8/3/2008 Schools consider local veggie options
10/10/2007 Cornell Cooperative Extension Launches Farm Friendly Broome County Website, www.FarmBroome.com
2/8/2007 CancerCare Connect Presents Telephone Education Workshops
11/27/2006 Activ8Kids! Fights Childhood Obesity
11/16/2006 Human Services Eligibility Guide Made Available
11/8/2005 Rural Health Network's Annual Community Forum
8/15/2005 PHIN Initiative
4/20/2005 The Rural Health Network SCNY Provides Emergency Equipment...
1/24/2005 New Dietary Guidelines
1/5/2005 It Does the Body Good