The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and CDPHP announced that during its first month of operation, the CDPHP Cycle! has been used for more than 4,568 trips in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs. Officials said trips in Albany are primarily being used to commute, while in Saratoga Springs, users are renting the bikes...
Osteopathic Health Of Saratoga Offers Brand Of Care That Includes Individualized Attention
Courtesy Osteopathic Health of Saratoga
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Dr. Karissa Scarabino, DO, MPH, has opened an office for osteopathic health services in Saratoga Springs.
Osteopathic Health of Saratoga, 28 Clinton St., Suite 3, offers what she describes as osteopathic manipulative medicine with a diagnostic and therapeutic practice of medicine based on wellness.
“I say everyone deserves an osteopath. There’s always something that needs to be treated. The goal of osteopathic medicine is to optimize health by restoring the normal structure and function of the body,” said Scarabino.
Scarabino said osteopathic physicians treat patients by looking at the whole picture before prescribing medical treatment. They use a hands-on approach to identify structural problems and support the body’s natural tendency toward good health and healing.
Scarabino can treat patients with musculoskeletal injuries and sport injuries, in addition long term chronic problems.
“I knew it was my calling to become a doctor. When I learned about osteopathic medicine, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” she said.
“The goal of osteopathic medicine is to optimize health by restoring the normal structure and function of the body,” Scarbino said. “Osteopathic manipulative medicine is a diagnostic and therapeutic practice of medicine that focuses on wellness. Instead of just treating specific symptoms, Osteopathic physicians concentrate on treating you as a whole.
State To Expand Tick Surveillance To Safeguard Against Diseases, Some Found In Saratoga
The state Department of Health today announced plans to enhance and expand its tick surveillance and education efforts to safeguard New Yorkers from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.
The stepped-up efforts come as the state confronts a growing number of ticks, tick-borne diseases, and an increase in the geographic distribution of ticks.
“New York has long been a national leader in tick collection and testing and through our actions to inform the public on how to best protect themselves, their children, and their pets from tick bites,” said Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “The Department of Health’s expanded tick surveillance and education efforts will help ensure that New Yorkers have the information they need to better avoid tick borne disease.”
Earlier this summer, the department expanded tick collection efforts in Saratoga County after confirming three human cases of Powassan virus, a rare viral disease that can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to life threatening encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Officials said the disease remains extremely rare in New York state with only 26 confirmed cases since 2000. The three cases in Saratoga County are the only confirmed cases of Powassan this year.
As part of the expanded collection efforts in Saratoga County, the department visited 30 unique locations and collected approximately 2,700 ticks for testing at the Wadsworth Center, officials said. Five positive pools, comprised of 22 ticks, tested positive for Powassan.
Saratoga Hospital Adds Emergency Heart Attack Services In Area, Around The Clock
Saratoga Hospital now offers emergency cardiac interventions 24/7 for heart attack patients, officials said.
That means emergency medical services teams can save precious time by bringing heart attack patients straight to Saratoga Hospital for potentially lifesaving procedures such as coronary angioplasty and stenting.
Saratoga Hospital has provided these services since 2014, but not on an emergency basis. Instead, heart attack patients were rushed to hospitals outside Saratoga County—a trip that could delay treatment by 30 minutes or more, officials said.
Now, because of the new, emergency cardiac program, specialists are available at Saratoga Hospital around the clock to provide expert care as quickly as possible.
“Saratoga Hospital assembled the ideal combination of experience, talent and technology,” said Dr. Patrick H. McNulty, the hospital’s director of interventional cardiology. “As a result, the opportunities to be taken care of for heart attack at Saratoga Hospital are as good as anywhere in the Capital Region.”
Interventional cardiology is a branch of cardiology that deals specifically with minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures—including balloon angioplasty and stenting—to diagnose and treat heart conditions. Procedures are performed in high-tech cardiac catheterization laboratories by specially trained cardiologists.
Full Circle Fitness Has Personalized Programs, Family Atmosphere At Its Saratoga Location
©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Maureen Werther
Full Circle Fitness of Colonie recently opened a second location at 3257 Route 9 in Saratoga Springs.
Owners Laurie and Dan Romand have been attracting people, who might shy away from the traditional gym atmosphere, to their more intimate-style facility where everyone ends up knowing each other’s name and sharing their journeys toward a healthier lifestyle.
There are never more than 15 people per class, the owners said. The company’s claim to fame is personalized attention and a commitment to helping each person realize their fitness goals and develop healthy lifestyle habits.
Laurie Romand, CEO of Full Circle, said their program is geared toward people who may feel uncomfortable or intimidated in what she calls the “big box” type of gym.
“Perhaps the person has never worked out before and doesn’t know how to operate equipment. Or, they feel that, if they ask a question about a particular exercise machine, they’re going to be pressured to sign up for expensive personal training sessions,” said Romand.
At ‘Faces On Beekman,’ People Can Find A Holistic Approach To Healthy, Vibrant Skin
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Beekman Street is now home to a different kind of skin care spa.
At Faces on Beekman, Crystal Cobert-Giddens is bringing a holistic approach to skin care that many people have not experienced before. Her approach is based on health and wellness, and she is confident people will be receptive to the detailed and careful type of service she provides.
Her office is at 30 Beekman Street, Suite B, in Saratoga Springs.
Cobert-Giddens, a native of California, said having rosacea— a condition that causes redness and often small bumps on the face—gave her an understanding of the self esteem issues people can experience. It led her on a path to becoming a certified integrative nutrition health coach, as well as a licensed esthetician and certified oncology esthetician.
“My practice is always different than what people anticipate. I take the time to analyze each client because one treatment does not fit all,” she said.
She used to visit make-up counters seeking advice. Eventually those visits led to a job with a skin care and cosmetic company, which evolved into her business. Her approach to healthy skin goes beyond quick fixes. She approaches it from a medical standpoint, mixed with a holistic style.
Mold Problems In Homes And Businesses Can Be Alleviated By Qualified Professionals
Courtesy Bio Armor
By Jennifer Farnsworth
One thing homeowners don’t want to hear is, “you have mold.”
Area professionals can provide help with a series of steps to remove mold from a home.
“The most important thing for a homeowner or business owner to first understand is that there are steps to mold remediation,” said Mario Gonzalez, of Bio Armor in Ballston Spa.
He said before the mold can be removed, a “mold assessor” has to first meet with the homeowner to determine if there is mold and how it can be removed.
“The most important things to know is that once you find it, you have to determine the reason, fix it, remove the mold and cleanup and then monitor it,” said Bob Serafini of Quick Response Restoration in Round Lake. “Have proper ventilation, use dehumidifiers if necessary and work with a trusted professional.”
Serafini said many times people don’t realize they even have mold issues until they go to sell their home and an inspector discovers the problem.
Once this is determined, the property owner is given a report. They can then contact a mold remediation specialist to take care of the problem. Gonzalez said the assessor’s report protects the homeowner and the company removing the mold, ensuring there is no discrepancy regarding the severity of the problem.
Bold Colors Are Said To Be A Trend In Homes, Say Owners Of Local Interior Design Companies
Courtesy JMP Interiors
By Maureen Werther
Interior designers and home décor studios in Saratoga County are producing some of the hottest designs and furnishings in the Capital District.
Bold colors is one trend, said Jamie Davies, who, with her mother, Janet Longe, owns 23rd and Fourth design studio at 138 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, in the new Empire Run commercial and residential complex.
“Navy is the new black,” said Davies, adding that people will see bold pops of color cropping up in walls and accessories in rooms throughout the home. Unexpected places will include kitchen appliances, sinks, oven hoods and wall coverings.
Traditional oriental floor coverings are being paired with modern wall art, lighting fixtures and clean minimalist lines in furnishings, cabinetry and other architectural designs. Those trends will be big in 2018, according to Longe.
Textured wall coverings are also making a return, she said. The newer papers are textured and imprinted with designs reflective of the more contemporary stylized images that are more influenced by technology and digitalized graphic art.
Business Report: What Does Security Mean?
Courtesy Shepherd Communication and Security.
By Richard Ruzzo
When I hear that phrase from a new customer, I know from more than 13 years of experience in the communications and security business that it often means very different things to different people.
The term, “security,” has become a catchword encompassing a range of different issues and challenges being faced by the homeowner or business owner today.
As an expert in access control, surveillance, perimeter alarm systems, and “smart” home/office solutions, it’s my job to ask the right questions and drill down to what that potential customer really needs to make his/her home or business safe and secure.
For most people, “security” usually means cameras, which really means surveillance. Cameras are a great way to protect your business against costly things like shrinkage (employee or customer theft), low employee productivity, or unnecessary and sometimes nefarious insurance claims for trips and falls at your business or home.
Those issues usually occur inside the business or home. But, what about things that happen outside of your office building or home? For some customers, “security” may mean monitoring and protecting against what’s going on outside of the office or home. Has someone been spending too much time “aimlessly” wandering around your business perimeter or residence? Are they looking for patterns in your comings and goings? Are they, in fact, “casing” your home or business for future unlawful entry?
State Has Funds For Installation Of Heat Pump Systems For Homes And Businesses Statewide
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced the availability of $10 million for the installation of program-qualified air-source heat pump systems (ASHPs) in homes and businesses across New York state.
Part of a larger statewide strategy focused on renewable heating and cooling, the initiative is the first component of an ASHP sales and training program aimed at increasing the availability of these units in the marketplace.
Officials said while ASHPs have been used in warmer climates as an efficient cooling system, recent advances in technology have been incorporated into new models allowing them to meet both the heating and cooling needs for customers in colder climates like New York.
Air source heat pumps provide energy bills savings as well as environmental benefits. Increased use of this technology supports the state’s energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.
Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA, said the state “continues to drive broader adoption of clean technologies, including air- source heat pumps, to help lower energy bills, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This funding will help make energy more affordable for New Yorkers.”
ASHPs collect heat from the exterior air, concentrate it through an outdoor compressor, and distribute it inside through an indoor room unit. Heat pumps require electricity to run, but deliver more energy than they use. In the summer, a heat pump’s operation is reversed to air condition the home by moving heat from indoors to outdoors.
According to the Department of Energy, when properly installed, ASHPs can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electricity it consumes. High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling in summer months.