By Aurora O’Geen
The New York Times recently focused their book review on author Colin Beavan’s new book entitled “No Impact Man”. A quick description of the book reads, “The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process.” Beaven and his family attempted to live “no impact” for most of 2007. The article presented the idea to research what is being taught about “going green” and conservation in Plattsburgh.
James Munger, 6th grade teacher at Stafford Middle School in Plattsburgh, points out that although going green and information on global warming are not “formally taught”, teachers do try to incorporate the topics as often as possible. Stafford Middle School includes grades 6th through 8th and offers students the opportunity to be a part of their after school recycling club. Efforts of the club are directed toward recycling paper within the school.
Amy Sholtis, biology teacher at Plattsburgh High School is an avid believer in going green. This year, her efforts are focused towards recycling within the school. Believing that it takes a greater awareness to spread the word, Sholtis started the school year by showing a small presentation to the faculty on recycling; motivating them to show the presentation to their own students. Sholtis says, “The support from the school to ‘go green’ has been amazing” - support coming from not only the students, but faculty as well. She notes that although she has seen progress in the school within the past few years there is still much work to be done. Students and faculty are slowly switching to reusable containers, recycling bins have now been placed on the school sports fields, and reusable shopping bags are becoming popular- small steps that add up to big changes.
Students attending Plattsburgh high school are expected to follow three so called “guidelines”- be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. Sholtis would like to add one to the mix and it is of course, to be green. Noting that small efforts lead to big changes, Sholtis believes the more support the school gets to “go green” the greater the changes will be. So far, efforts include grant money for solar roof panels, a garden, and even a living roof.
It seems students at Plattsburgh State are also influenced to “go green”. The campus offers numerous clubs and organizations for students looking to get involved and learn more about our impact on the environment. Over the years the campus has made notable progress in attempts to move towards reusable containers, providing recycling containers across campus, and offering students a great deal of information regarding conservation. Transfer student Emily Gardiner came to Plattsburgh from SUNY Potsdam during her sophomore year. Being new to the campus, Gardiner says the recycling efforts on campus were “easily recognized” – nothing the recycling bins available within dorms, dining halls, and class buildings.
Efforts on campus also include information through classes. Megan Barnes enrolled in SUNY during the spring 2009 semester. An accounting major, it seemed unlikely that any environmental influences would be incorporated into her class schedule. To fulfill a general education requirement, Barnes opted to take an environmental studies class offered on campus. She says the class “opened her eyes” to the idea of recycling and how important conservation is to preserving our future.
Of course schools aren’t the only place where children are influenced- family life plays a big part as well. Heidi Lebrun is parent to three young girls who attend Bailey Avenue and Oak Street elementary schools in Plattsburgh NY. When asked of her family’s interest in going green Heidi explains her children have surprisingly learned a great deal about recycling and conservation through cartoons as well as in school. Turning the lights off, conserving water, recycling- installing such ideas into a child’s mind at a young age will no doubt influence their behavior in the future. The more information we provide, the easier a “greener” life becomes.
Going green doesn’t necessarily always mean attempting to live “impact free” for an entire year like Beavan, but small acts add up. It seems clear Plattsburgh’s community efforts, whether they are through schools, or at home, seem to be influencing our youth. Misconceptions of going green may be common, but you don’t have to be an environmentalist to make a difference in our world- awareness is essential for change and community efforts are clearly adding up.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The skinny on size acceptance
By Cassandra Morrissey
Chad Parkhurst is a 27 year old male. He was born and raised in Ilion N.Y., and currently works as an accountant for New York Life. He enjoys watching movies and playing with his dog Duke. Although Parkhurst says he’s the happiest and healthiest he’s felt entire life, he has a BMI of 31.6.
“I get to eat what I want, and I finally feel comfortable in my body. So what if statistics claim I’m obese. I’m happy in my body,” said Parkhurst.
Accepting your body image is a difficult concept thousands of people struggle with. Whether it’s thinking you’re overweight or too skinny, the majority of the American population is unsatisfied with their body. According to the Social Issues and Research Centre, 80 percent of females over the age of 18 are unhappy with their physical appearance. One movement that is trying to combat this rising issue is the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.
NAAFA is a national non- profit organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on body size. Their goal is for society to accept people of every size and shape with dignity and equality. Janet Severe is the co-chair of the Rocky Mountain NAAFA organization. Although the majority of individuals joined NAAFA to gain support from others; social networking is the driving force to belong to the organization.
“We talk about discrimination, stereotyping, and problems we’ve encountered. We are able to share experiences and connect with each other. If there is a group of us together, it makes me less scared to go out and do different things,” said Severe.
According to the Center for Disease Control, over two- third of adult Americas are overweight and half of those qualify as obese. Although, there is still discrimination based upon someone’s size. Whether it’s at work or the grocery store, obese individuals continue to find themselves criticized for their body image.
“Weight discrimination is one of the last discriminations people feel is okay in our society, and it’s not,” said Severe.
Although not everyone is satisfied with NAAFA’s message. Karleen Lowell, 26, is currently 5 feet 5 and 230 pounds. She has been battling weight her entire life, and believes support for exercising it more helpful then encouragement based on her current appearance.
“Sometimes it helps if someone is straight forward with me about my appearance. I want someone to tell me what I should and shouldn’t eat. Not someone saying its okay how I look and its okay I’m overweight. I’m unhappy with how I look, and I want to change that,” said Lowell.
One outlet some people are finding help with eating habits is through a food coach. Donna James is the director and principal consultant of the Food Coach in NYC. As a certified clinical nutritionist, she deals with obesity or eating disorders on a daily basis. One of the main factors she includes when talking to people is the importance of overall health.
“We want people to feel positive about being overweight. However, along with that, you want to factor in a positive attitude with food and exercise,” said James.
According to James, she discusses overall body health and appreciation with people of all sizes. An extremely thin individual might be receiving as much discrimination for their body shape as an obese person, and it’s still going unnoticed.
“We don’t strive to make people feel conscious of what they look like; the ultimate aim is for them to walk out with a positive view of their body and health,” said James.
Another outlet many people find support is through detailed programs aimed at fighting relationships with food. Ilene Leshinski is a licensed clinical social worker who began a program called Body Sense. The program is a 12 week session aimed at battling issues with weight management and finding our own natural weight.
“We have to be comfortable with our body and not buy into the concept that thinness is the only image of beauty, because it’s not,” said Leshinski.
Moderation and overall health are factors Leshinski includes when discussing health with individuals.
“ We’re basically trying to tell people that everyone was not meant to be thin and we can eat what we want in moderation, however, we still need to be healthy and take the best care of ourselves that we can,” said Leshinski.
Parkhurst and Lowell have different opinions about their body image; they both find support from their friends, nutritional outlets and organizations. Although Parkhurst has found satisfaction and happiness with his body, he still hopes people begin accepting people for who they are, rather then how they look.
“I’m going to be the same person I am now or if I weigh 50 pounds less. I just wish people would realize that. Size discrimination is unfair and believe me, it hurts. I just wish people would realize that.”
Chad Parkhurst is a 27 year old male. He was born and raised in Ilion N.Y., and currently works as an accountant for New York Life. He enjoys watching movies and playing with his dog Duke. Although Parkhurst says he’s the happiest and healthiest he’s felt entire life, he has a BMI of 31.6.
“I get to eat what I want, and I finally feel comfortable in my body. So what if statistics claim I’m obese. I’m happy in my body,” said Parkhurst.
Accepting your body image is a difficult concept thousands of people struggle with. Whether it’s thinking you’re overweight or too skinny, the majority of the American population is unsatisfied with their body. According to the Social Issues and Research Centre, 80 percent of females over the age of 18 are unhappy with their physical appearance. One movement that is trying to combat this rising issue is the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.
NAAFA is a national non- profit organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on body size. Their goal is for society to accept people of every size and shape with dignity and equality. Janet Severe is the co-chair of the Rocky Mountain NAAFA organization. Although the majority of individuals joined NAAFA to gain support from others; social networking is the driving force to belong to the organization.
“We talk about discrimination, stereotyping, and problems we’ve encountered. We are able to share experiences and connect with each other. If there is a group of us together, it makes me less scared to go out and do different things,” said Severe.
According to the Center for Disease Control, over two- third of adult Americas are overweight and half of those qualify as obese. Although, there is still discrimination based upon someone’s size. Whether it’s at work or the grocery store, obese individuals continue to find themselves criticized for their body image.
“Weight discrimination is one of the last discriminations people feel is okay in our society, and it’s not,” said Severe.
Although not everyone is satisfied with NAAFA’s message. Karleen Lowell, 26, is currently 5 feet 5 and 230 pounds. She has been battling weight her entire life, and believes support for exercising it more helpful then encouragement based on her current appearance.
“Sometimes it helps if someone is straight forward with me about my appearance. I want someone to tell me what I should and shouldn’t eat. Not someone saying its okay how I look and its okay I’m overweight. I’m unhappy with how I look, and I want to change that,” said Lowell.
One outlet some people are finding help with eating habits is through a food coach. Donna James is the director and principal consultant of the Food Coach in NYC. As a certified clinical nutritionist, she deals with obesity or eating disorders on a daily basis. One of the main factors she includes when talking to people is the importance of overall health.
“We want people to feel positive about being overweight. However, along with that, you want to factor in a positive attitude with food and exercise,” said James.
According to James, she discusses overall body health and appreciation with people of all sizes. An extremely thin individual might be receiving as much discrimination for their body shape as an obese person, and it’s still going unnoticed.
“We don’t strive to make people feel conscious of what they look like; the ultimate aim is for them to walk out with a positive view of their body and health,” said James.
Another outlet many people find support is through detailed programs aimed at fighting relationships with food. Ilene Leshinski is a licensed clinical social worker who began a program called Body Sense. The program is a 12 week session aimed at battling issues with weight management and finding our own natural weight.
“We have to be comfortable with our body and not buy into the concept that thinness is the only image of beauty, because it’s not,” said Leshinski.
Moderation and overall health are factors Leshinski includes when discussing health with individuals.
“ We’re basically trying to tell people that everyone was not meant to be thin and we can eat what we want in moderation, however, we still need to be healthy and take the best care of ourselves that we can,” said Leshinski.
Parkhurst and Lowell have different opinions about their body image; they both find support from their friends, nutritional outlets and organizations. Although Parkhurst has found satisfaction and happiness with his body, he still hopes people begin accepting people for who they are, rather then how they look.
“I’m going to be the same person I am now or if I weigh 50 pounds less. I just wish people would realize that. Size discrimination is unfair and believe me, it hurts. I just wish people would realize that.”
City holds public meeting over Saranac River trail
By Mathias Kamin
Grace Bechard’s grandfather used to own the small strip of land across the street from her home at 126 Pine St; a piece of land only about eight feet wide in some places that bit by bit tumbles straight into the Saranac River each year with the coming of the spring thaw. The city of Plattsburgh now owns this land, and is planning on shoring up the embankment with a retaining wall that will be supporting a newly unveiled river trail.
The first of many public meetings was held two weeks ago showcasing the proposed multi-use trail that will run along the Saranac river in Plattsburgh. The trail which will be paved and open to pedestrians and bicyclists should be completed by November of 2010.
The trail will run along the length of the river from the end of George Angel Drive behind Plattsburgh high school through the SUNY Plattsburgh campus and will end at the Saranac Street Bridge.
The trail’s current course is set to pass through the Pine Street neighborhood, and certain residents expressed wariness of the proposed trail. “It’s a waste of money; there are other things the money should be spent on especially in this economy,” said Randy Brown of 140 Pine St.
Pine street residents were generally supportive of the trail, but on the condition that it was an open debate and that city official would listen to their concerns. “We’re not against it. I don’t mind the expenditure, as long as they use it right, respectfully,” said Todd Bechard.
Around the bend in the river, neighbor of the Bechard’s and Brown’s, Bill Trim of 84 Pine St, “It doesn’t bother me, but I know some of my neighbors might be upset.”
The 1 million dollars in funding for the proposed trail will come from the New York State Department of Transportation’s Multi Modal 2 Program. This program sets aside money for projects that encourage alternate forms of transportation. A majority of the path would be 10ft wide allowing for easy two way traffic on the path.
Although the city signed an agreement with Barton & Logidice, PC of Albany in Sept 2008, the proposed trail is still in the planning stages and its current design is not final. Thomas C. Baird P.E. the managing engineer for the project said “modifications to the design can happen anytime. It is the city’s project they call the shots.” Baird said that his company will be working under a consensus with the city of Plattsburgh, PSUC, the River Trail Committee and the Public.
River Trail Committee meetings are to be held once a month at city hall said the city’s engineer, Kevin Farrington P.E. “The committee is a grassroots citizen group, with pretty much everybody represented. You got reps from inside the city, outside the city, the Chamber of Commerce, the Health Department, SUNY Plattsburgh. The meetings are open to the public and they are encouraged to express themselves. A big part of the committee is to build consensus”.
Barton & Loguidice were chosen by the city out of a pool of qualified firms to do the work. Barton & Loguidice are currently working in Lloyd, New York, an hour and a half south of Albany, on a similar project to the one in Plattsburgh, in which is an old railroad track is being turned into a public use trail.
The next meeting of the Trail Committee is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 4:30pm in the Plattsburgh City Hall’s community room. The public is encouraged by the city to attend and voice their concerns.
Grace Bechard’s grandfather used to own the small strip of land across the street from her home at 126 Pine St; a piece of land only about eight feet wide in some places that bit by bit tumbles straight into the Saranac River each year with the coming of the spring thaw. The city of Plattsburgh now owns this land, and is planning on shoring up the embankment with a retaining wall that will be supporting a newly unveiled river trail.
The first of many public meetings was held two weeks ago showcasing the proposed multi-use trail that will run along the Saranac river in Plattsburgh. The trail which will be paved and open to pedestrians and bicyclists should be completed by November of 2010.
The trail will run along the length of the river from the end of George Angel Drive behind Plattsburgh high school through the SUNY Plattsburgh campus and will end at the Saranac Street Bridge.
The trail’s current course is set to pass through the Pine Street neighborhood, and certain residents expressed wariness of the proposed trail. “It’s a waste of money; there are other things the money should be spent on especially in this economy,” said Randy Brown of 140 Pine St.
Pine street residents were generally supportive of the trail, but on the condition that it was an open debate and that city official would listen to their concerns. “We’re not against it. I don’t mind the expenditure, as long as they use it right, respectfully,” said Todd Bechard.
Around the bend in the river, neighbor of the Bechard’s and Brown’s, Bill Trim of 84 Pine St, “It doesn’t bother me, but I know some of my neighbors might be upset.”
The 1 million dollars in funding for the proposed trail will come from the New York State Department of Transportation’s Multi Modal 2 Program. This program sets aside money for projects that encourage alternate forms of transportation. A majority of the path would be 10ft wide allowing for easy two way traffic on the path.
Although the city signed an agreement with Barton & Logidice, PC of Albany in Sept 2008, the proposed trail is still in the planning stages and its current design is not final. Thomas C. Baird P.E. the managing engineer for the project said “modifications to the design can happen anytime. It is the city’s project they call the shots.” Baird said that his company will be working under a consensus with the city of Plattsburgh, PSUC, the River Trail Committee and the Public.
River Trail Committee meetings are to be held once a month at city hall said the city’s engineer, Kevin Farrington P.E. “The committee is a grassroots citizen group, with pretty much everybody represented. You got reps from inside the city, outside the city, the Chamber of Commerce, the Health Department, SUNY Plattsburgh. The meetings are open to the public and they are encouraged to express themselves. A big part of the committee is to build consensus”.
Barton & Loguidice were chosen by the city out of a pool of qualified firms to do the work. Barton & Loguidice are currently working in Lloyd, New York, an hour and a half south of Albany, on a similar project to the one in Plattsburgh, in which is an old railroad track is being turned into a public use trail.
The next meeting of the Trail Committee is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 4:30pm in the Plattsburgh City Hall’s community room. The public is encouraged by the city to attend and voice their concerns.
How to help prevent computer virus infection
By Leah Reid Breyette
Viruses are a nightmare come true for any computer user. They can turn any decently-working computer into a useless piece of garbage in a matter of minutes, destroying hard drives and wiping out valuable files. People who use computers, whether for work or leisure, should know how to protect themselves from receiving these nasty bugs, and what to do if they find any suspicious-looking software on their computers.
Viruses are most often found in spam e-mails, which are sent randomly to different accounts. When the user opens the e-mail, the virus will be triggered to begin attacking the computer’s hard drive. One sure method of stopping this virus in its tracks is commonly recommended by computer technicians. “If you think you have opened an e-mail that may be downloading something to your computer, hit the power button to shut the computer down immediately. It is not recommended to do this often, but doing this can prevent the virus from damaging your computer,” says Lisa Loveday, owner of Champlain Valley Computer Services.
However, sometimes these e-mails can be masked so well that sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a legitimate e-mail and a virus. “The best thing to do if you are unsure is to contact a technician or someone familiar with the workings of a computer,” says William Morgan, owner of North Country Technology. “If you are getting suspicious e-mails, alerts, or warnings, you should not use the computer until it is fixed.”
If a virus does escape onto the computer, all hope is not lost. Most systems are salvageable, but it takes a lot of work to get them back to normal. “In some cases, we have to reinstall the computer software to redo the entire operating system,” says Judi Latt, owner of Judi’s Computer Support. “We also put a trial version of an antivirus program on there for the customers with instructions on how to update it.”
Antivirus programs are crucial in preventing viruses from making their way onto computers. The most common programs available are Norton, McAffee, and AVG, all of which cost a small annual fee. “I had a major virus on my computer last year, and AVG really worked for me,” said Scott Breyette, who uses the Internet daily. “It cleared the virus right out of the system, and it’s done a good job protecting my computer against other viruses.” There is good news for students and faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh who wish to install antivirus protection on their computers. “We offer a free antivirus program called SOPHOS, which is available for all students and faculty here to download,” says Robert Diman, Help Desk Technician with the school’s Computer Care Services.
While it is important to protect computers against viruses so they are not permanently damaged, there is an even larger reason why taking precautions against these viruses is crucial. “Ultimately, these viruses are cases of identity theft,” says Latt.
Most of the time they need to get offt the Internet-unplug it, never put your credit card number in, ultimately it’s identity theft. JUDI
Viruses are a nightmare come true for any computer user. They can turn any decently-working computer into a useless piece of garbage in a matter of minutes, destroying hard drives and wiping out valuable files. People who use computers, whether for work or leisure, should know how to protect themselves from receiving these nasty bugs, and what to do if they find any suspicious-looking software on their computers.
Viruses are most often found in spam e-mails, which are sent randomly to different accounts. When the user opens the e-mail, the virus will be triggered to begin attacking the computer’s hard drive. One sure method of stopping this virus in its tracks is commonly recommended by computer technicians. “If you think you have opened an e-mail that may be downloading something to your computer, hit the power button to shut the computer down immediately. It is not recommended to do this often, but doing this can prevent the virus from damaging your computer,” says Lisa Loveday, owner of Champlain Valley Computer Services.
However, sometimes these e-mails can be masked so well that sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between a legitimate e-mail and a virus. “The best thing to do if you are unsure is to contact a technician or someone familiar with the workings of a computer,” says William Morgan, owner of North Country Technology. “If you are getting suspicious e-mails, alerts, or warnings, you should not use the computer until it is fixed.”
If a virus does escape onto the computer, all hope is not lost. Most systems are salvageable, but it takes a lot of work to get them back to normal. “In some cases, we have to reinstall the computer software to redo the entire operating system,” says Judi Latt, owner of Judi’s Computer Support. “We also put a trial version of an antivirus program on there for the customers with instructions on how to update it.”
Antivirus programs are crucial in preventing viruses from making their way onto computers. The most common programs available are Norton, McAffee, and AVG, all of which cost a small annual fee. “I had a major virus on my computer last year, and AVG really worked for me,” said Scott Breyette, who uses the Internet daily. “It cleared the virus right out of the system, and it’s done a good job protecting my computer against other viruses.” There is good news for students and faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh who wish to install antivirus protection on their computers. “We offer a free antivirus program called SOPHOS, which is available for all students and faculty here to download,” says Robert Diman, Help Desk Technician with the school’s Computer Care Services.
While it is important to protect computers against viruses so they are not permanently damaged, there is an even larger reason why taking precautions against these viruses is crucial. “Ultimately, these viruses are cases of identity theft,” says Latt.
Most of the time they need to get offt the Internet-unplug it, never put your credit card number in, ultimately it’s identity theft. JUDI
Seeing pink during cancer awareness month
By Zachery Lashway
The pink ribbon is the national icon of breast cancer awareness. The month of October is breast cancer awareness month, therefore, during the month of October it is not a surprise pink ribbons and the color pink are found on many products and articles of clothing to express support for men and women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
From convenient stores to department stores the pink ribbon can be found on bread bags and milk cartons, saline solution and tubes of toothpaste and even shirts, socks and book bags have the emblem embodied on the material.
Aside from the pink ribbon emblems found on many products in the North Country, the Foundation of the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital hosts the annual Girls Night Out event along with other cancer awareness programs.
“The Girls Night Out event is held in Glenn Giltz Auditorium at Plattsburgh State University. This was our eleventh year hosting the event. The event starts off with an educational component then followed with an inspirational speaker,” said Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, Ellie Collins.
Collins also said the program originally was aimed at only breast cancer, however, as the program became more popular discussions on colon cancer, smoking and like this year’s discussion on nutrition evolved.
A huge hit of the Girls Night Out event is the Boobie Sister’s. The Boobie Sister’s are a group of breast cancer survivors that sing and make fun of conditions related to the disease said Collins.
The American Cancer Society also sponsors many breast cancer awareness programs in the North Country as well. Among those programs are the Look Good…Feel Better program, the Reach to Recovery for Women program, the Man to Man program and the most celebrated program of all, the Relay for Life.
According to the American Cancer Society the Look Good…Feel Better program gives women cancer patient’s beauty tips to look better and feel good about how they look during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Community Executive, Joan Sterling said, “Women who participate in this program get a free wig, a makeup kit valued at $250.00 and tips on how to look good and feel better. Women who cannot participate at the time the program is offered can have the supplies mailed to them and can arrange an appointment with a local cosmetologists. It really is a great program.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s website, men who have breast cancer can receive a self-help brochure that gives information on how to look good and feel better during the time they receive treatment. The brochure provides men with information on how to deal with the treatment’s side effects and how they change the way they look, as well as steps to help men with their daily skin and hair care routines.
Sterling said the Reach to Recovery for Women program connects women cancer survivor’s with women that have been recently diagnosed with cancer.
“It is a great opportunity for women to connect to talk and share their experiences about cancer. There’s also a program called Man to Man that is just for men to connect with other men and talk about their cancer experiences, conditions, struggles and life with cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society the Relay for Life is an event that allows people all over the world to celebrate the lives of people who have cancer, remember loved ones that we lost to cancer and fight back against cancer.
Sterling said, “Relay for Life is not only a fundraiser but it raises awareness as well.”
As for detecting the disease Radiologists, Dr. Jeffrey Buran of CVPH Medical Center said there are many different ways to detect breast cancer.
“There are different ways to view it, and there are different ways to find it,” he said. “In mammography it appears as an irregular asymmetric density, using ultrasound the cancerous tissue is darker ill-defined and in MR it appears as an asymmetric mass.”
According to Buran from last October to this October 89 women and one man a year at the most have been diagnosed with breast cancer from the Women’s Imaging Center.
“Ninety-five percent of them are curable,” he said.
Curable or not, it is never easy to tell a patient they have cancer.
“I try to make it as positive as I can. The cancers we usually find are small so I really stress that part, but it still is never easy,” Buran said.
Mary Snide a mammographer at CVPH’s Women’s Imaging Center said they screen more patients in the month of October because it is breast cancer awareness month.
“There’s so many reminders out there – something pink, there are ads all over, so for women who forgot to get screened there’s reminders all over,” said, Snide.
The month of October has a higher diagnosis rate of breast cancer than other months.
“It’s a statistical thing, statistically if you screen more patients you will get more cancers,” said Snide.
In 2009 the American Cancer Society estimates 1,479,350 new cancers will be diagnosed in the United States, including 101,550 in New York. Of those, 562,340 people will die from cancer nationwide and 34,190 people in New York will die.
According to the American Cancer Society eight individuals each week will be diagnosed with cancer in Clinton County and three individuals will die each week. Four cancer sites represent 52.2 percent of all new cancer cases and 48.7 percent of all new cancer deaths in Clinton County. This is estimate is based on average annual cases and deaths from the 2002-2006 New York State Department of Health’s State Cancer registry.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung and bronchus cancers account for 17 percent of all cancer cases and 30 percent of all cancer deaths. This shows how important the need for tobacco use prevention is. Prostate cancer accounts for 12.1 percent of all cancer cases and 4.3 percent of all cancer deaths. Female breast cancer accounts for 11.5 percent of all cancer cases and 5.3 percent of all cancer deaths and colorectal cancer accounts for 11.5 percent of all cancer cases and 9 percent of all cancer deaths.
All percentages of cancer cases and cancer deaths in Clinton County supersede percentages of cancer cases and cancer deaths than any other county in New York.
Barb LaDuke knows firsthand about cancer statistics. LaDuke is a breast cancer survivor and recalls when her doctor told her ‘you have cancer’.
“Cancer is a very scary word. It’s the uncertainty of not knowing… it makes you think more about relationships and that tomorrow is not promised to anyone,” LaDuke said.
John Kowalowski a colon cancer and lymphoma survivor said he was a little scared when he was diagnosed.
“It scares you at first, I was right in the fog but it didn’t bother me too much, I took it as another step in life. But you do have to be positive about it, take it one day at a time. I just trusted in the Lord…Having cancer gave me a better attitude on life, I appreciated everyday more.” Kowalowski said.
LaDuke said men and women with the disease should be vigilant.
“You have to be your own advocate,” said LaDuke.
Agreeing with LaDuke was the advice Sterling gave.
“Be your own advocate, don’t be afraid to ask questions, but don’t make yourself crazy checking every website under the sun. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding cancer call 1-800-227-2345 this is the American Cancer Society’s number and lines are open 24 hours day seven days a week.”
The pink ribbon is the national icon of breast cancer awareness. The month of October is breast cancer awareness month, therefore, during the month of October it is not a surprise pink ribbons and the color pink are found on many products and articles of clothing to express support for men and women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
From convenient stores to department stores the pink ribbon can be found on bread bags and milk cartons, saline solution and tubes of toothpaste and even shirts, socks and book bags have the emblem embodied on the material.
Aside from the pink ribbon emblems found on many products in the North Country, the Foundation of the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital hosts the annual Girls Night Out event along with other cancer awareness programs.
“The Girls Night Out event is held in Glenn Giltz Auditorium at Plattsburgh State University. This was our eleventh year hosting the event. The event starts off with an educational component then followed with an inspirational speaker,” said Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, Ellie Collins.
Collins also said the program originally was aimed at only breast cancer, however, as the program became more popular discussions on colon cancer, smoking and like this year’s discussion on nutrition evolved.
A huge hit of the Girls Night Out event is the Boobie Sister’s. The Boobie Sister’s are a group of breast cancer survivors that sing and make fun of conditions related to the disease said Collins.
The American Cancer Society also sponsors many breast cancer awareness programs in the North Country as well. Among those programs are the Look Good…Feel Better program, the Reach to Recovery for Women program, the Man to Man program and the most celebrated program of all, the Relay for Life.
According to the American Cancer Society the Look Good…Feel Better program gives women cancer patient’s beauty tips to look better and feel good about how they look during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Community Executive, Joan Sterling said, “Women who participate in this program get a free wig, a makeup kit valued at $250.00 and tips on how to look good and feel better. Women who cannot participate at the time the program is offered can have the supplies mailed to them and can arrange an appointment with a local cosmetologists. It really is a great program.”
According to the American Cancer Society’s website, men who have breast cancer can receive a self-help brochure that gives information on how to look good and feel better during the time they receive treatment. The brochure provides men with information on how to deal with the treatment’s side effects and how they change the way they look, as well as steps to help men with their daily skin and hair care routines.
Sterling said the Reach to Recovery for Women program connects women cancer survivor’s with women that have been recently diagnosed with cancer.
“It is a great opportunity for women to connect to talk and share their experiences about cancer. There’s also a program called Man to Man that is just for men to connect with other men and talk about their cancer experiences, conditions, struggles and life with cancer.”
According to the American Cancer Society the Relay for Life is an event that allows people all over the world to celebrate the lives of people who have cancer, remember loved ones that we lost to cancer and fight back against cancer.
Sterling said, “Relay for Life is not only a fundraiser but it raises awareness as well.”
As for detecting the disease Radiologists, Dr. Jeffrey Buran of CVPH Medical Center said there are many different ways to detect breast cancer.
“There are different ways to view it, and there are different ways to find it,” he said. “In mammography it appears as an irregular asymmetric density, using ultrasound the cancerous tissue is darker ill-defined and in MR it appears as an asymmetric mass.”
According to Buran from last October to this October 89 women and one man a year at the most have been diagnosed with breast cancer from the Women’s Imaging Center.
“Ninety-five percent of them are curable,” he said.
Curable or not, it is never easy to tell a patient they have cancer.
“I try to make it as positive as I can. The cancers we usually find are small so I really stress that part, but it still is never easy,” Buran said.
Mary Snide a mammographer at CVPH’s Women’s Imaging Center said they screen more patients in the month of October because it is breast cancer awareness month.
“There’s so many reminders out there – something pink, there are ads all over, so for women who forgot to get screened there’s reminders all over,” said, Snide.
The month of October has a higher diagnosis rate of breast cancer than other months.
“It’s a statistical thing, statistically if you screen more patients you will get more cancers,” said Snide.
In 2009 the American Cancer Society estimates 1,479,350 new cancers will be diagnosed in the United States, including 101,550 in New York. Of those, 562,340 people will die from cancer nationwide and 34,190 people in New York will die.
According to the American Cancer Society eight individuals each week will be diagnosed with cancer in Clinton County and three individuals will die each week. Four cancer sites represent 52.2 percent of all new cancer cases and 48.7 percent of all new cancer deaths in Clinton County. This is estimate is based on average annual cases and deaths from the 2002-2006 New York State Department of Health’s State Cancer registry.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung and bronchus cancers account for 17 percent of all cancer cases and 30 percent of all cancer deaths. This shows how important the need for tobacco use prevention is. Prostate cancer accounts for 12.1 percent of all cancer cases and 4.3 percent of all cancer deaths. Female breast cancer accounts for 11.5 percent of all cancer cases and 5.3 percent of all cancer deaths and colorectal cancer accounts for 11.5 percent of all cancer cases and 9 percent of all cancer deaths.
All percentages of cancer cases and cancer deaths in Clinton County supersede percentages of cancer cases and cancer deaths than any other county in New York.
Barb LaDuke knows firsthand about cancer statistics. LaDuke is a breast cancer survivor and recalls when her doctor told her ‘you have cancer’.
“Cancer is a very scary word. It’s the uncertainty of not knowing… it makes you think more about relationships and that tomorrow is not promised to anyone,” LaDuke said.
John Kowalowski a colon cancer and lymphoma survivor said he was a little scared when he was diagnosed.
“It scares you at first, I was right in the fog but it didn’t bother me too much, I took it as another step in life. But you do have to be positive about it, take it one day at a time. I just trusted in the Lord…Having cancer gave me a better attitude on life, I appreciated everyday more.” Kowalowski said.
LaDuke said men and women with the disease should be vigilant.
“You have to be your own advocate,” said LaDuke.
Agreeing with LaDuke was the advice Sterling gave.
“Be your own advocate, don’t be afraid to ask questions, but don’t make yourself crazy checking every website under the sun. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding cancer call 1-800-227-2345 this is the American Cancer Society’s number and lines are open 24 hours day seven days a week.”
Rooftop highway proposal controversial
By Patricia Fifield
Clinton County had a 9.0 percent unemployment rate for September of this year. St. Lawrence County is at 7.8 percent. Miles of Route 11 and tiny towns separate these two counties, but they share the same poor economy and unemployment. Income is low, jobs are few and far between, and the youth is leaving for greener pastures. Businesses do not seem to be attracted to the North Country, which causes greater unemployment and poverty in the region.
Route 11 in New York proceeds northwestward from the Pennsylvania border and reaches Quebec. When the highway was constructed in 1924 it may have been all the state needed, but times are changing. “We need something better up here. Bigger. This whole place is slowly turning into a ghost town,” said Charlie Palmer. Palmer lives in Rennselaer Falls, located just outside of Canton. He said throughout his 40 years in the area he has never seen it this bad. “We all used to have jobs, things to do, but not anymore.”
The Developmental Authority of the North Country is proposing a Rooftop Highway, formally called the Northern Tier Expressway or Interstate 98. The four-lane expressway would connect I-87 in Champlain to I-81 in Watertown, which would bypass the heavy truck traffic on Route 11. With a large highway in the area that could easily connect the rural communities of the North Country to bigger cities, some think businesses would be more interested in the area and jobs will follow.
Local business owner Stephen Moore believes having an Interstate in the area would be beneficial to all small businesses. “We would have more traffic around here and then get more business,” he said.
There is another side to this story: Environmentalists are against the I-89 proposal and believe the new highway could threaten the Adirondack Park. The park was created in 1892 by the state and according to the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) it is the largest publicly protected area in the U.S. It’s bigger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Park combined with 6 million acres. Three highways currently surround the Adirondack Park: the Northway, Thruway, and I-81. The Rooftop Highway would be to the North of the Park, parallel to Route 11, and environmentalists believe it would close in the Park.
John Sheehan of The Adirondack Council said the highway would cut off the Adirondacks from animal migration and higher speed limits on I-98 could endanger the lives of animals. “It would also make more remote areas of the Adirondacks more easily accessible and therefore more vulnerable to irresponsible logging and unplanned development, much the way the Adirondack Northway led to a major shift in development,” he said. Sheehan said communities along the Northway have seen economic decline unless they were areas that were blessed with an exit ramp.
The Rooftop Highway or I-98 continues to be a hot debate in the area. According to adirondackalmanack.com, the federal stimulus package has set aside only $1.1 billion for New York state highway and bridge projects. Maybe this highway to nowhere will take some more time.
Clinton County had a 9.0 percent unemployment rate for September of this year. St. Lawrence County is at 7.8 percent. Miles of Route 11 and tiny towns separate these two counties, but they share the same poor economy and unemployment. Income is low, jobs are few and far between, and the youth is leaving for greener pastures. Businesses do not seem to be attracted to the North Country, which causes greater unemployment and poverty in the region.
Route 11 in New York proceeds northwestward from the Pennsylvania border and reaches Quebec. When the highway was constructed in 1924 it may have been all the state needed, but times are changing. “We need something better up here. Bigger. This whole place is slowly turning into a ghost town,” said Charlie Palmer. Palmer lives in Rennselaer Falls, located just outside of Canton. He said throughout his 40 years in the area he has never seen it this bad. “We all used to have jobs, things to do, but not anymore.”
The Developmental Authority of the North Country is proposing a Rooftop Highway, formally called the Northern Tier Expressway or Interstate 98. The four-lane expressway would connect I-87 in Champlain to I-81 in Watertown, which would bypass the heavy truck traffic on Route 11. With a large highway in the area that could easily connect the rural communities of the North Country to bigger cities, some think businesses would be more interested in the area and jobs will follow.
Local business owner Stephen Moore believes having an Interstate in the area would be beneficial to all small businesses. “We would have more traffic around here and then get more business,” he said.
There is another side to this story: Environmentalists are against the I-89 proposal and believe the new highway could threaten the Adirondack Park. The park was created in 1892 by the state and according to the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) it is the largest publicly protected area in the U.S. It’s bigger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Park combined with 6 million acres. Three highways currently surround the Adirondack Park: the Northway, Thruway, and I-81. The Rooftop Highway would be to the North of the Park, parallel to Route 11, and environmentalists believe it would close in the Park.
John Sheehan of The Adirondack Council said the highway would cut off the Adirondacks from animal migration and higher speed limits on I-98 could endanger the lives of animals. “It would also make more remote areas of the Adirondacks more easily accessible and therefore more vulnerable to irresponsible logging and unplanned development, much the way the Adirondack Northway led to a major shift in development,” he said. Sheehan said communities along the Northway have seen economic decline unless they were areas that were blessed with an exit ramp.
The Rooftop Highway or I-98 continues to be a hot debate in the area. According to adirondackalmanack.com, the federal stimulus package has set aside only $1.1 billion for New York state highway and bridge projects. Maybe this highway to nowhere will take some more time.
Domestic violence awareness increasing
By Lindsay Blair
Once seen as a trivial issue, domestic violence is today a matter that is taken much more seriously, according to Lynda Ames, professor in sociology at Plattsburgh State.
Ames, who has worked within the Clinton County community in previous years, analyzing and evaluating the programs offered to victims of domestic violence, said that as a community, Clinton County has recognized that domestic and intimate crimes are matters which should be taken more seriously than in previous years.
“The efforts that have been done (to tackle domestic violence in the community) have not had the backing of the entire society,” said Ames,
“Many people trivialize it, saying “it is just a domestic, it is just a husband and wife thing” and so they don’t take it as seriously as they ought,” she said.
October was domestic violence awareness month and services within Plattsburgh honored this by hosting ceremonies and events. The events, sponsored by the Clinton County Task Force against Domestic Violence, were hosted by STOP Domestic Violence, an organization which supports victims of domestic violence in the North Country.
“There are services now that make it easier for her (the victim) to leave,” said Ames, “but I don’t think there has been a reduction in the incidents and the number of times that people beat up their intimate partners,” she said.
“In the past 20 years the police have been taking it much more seriously than in previous years. They have been making arrests more now,” Has it reduced the incidents, question Ames, “not really, but what it can do is help the victim, so if the victim has resources, she is better able to leave,” she said.
According to data released by the National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Information from the Institute states that domestic violence can take many forms, other than the stereotyped image of physical violence. Aggression, control, domineering behavior, neglect, stalking and intimidation and deprivation are all forms of domestic crimes. The most likely forms of intimate crimes take happen at the hands of a male, but cases of females becoming the perpetrator are becoming more and more prominent amongst the reported cases.
In the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics women are about six times as likely as men to experience intimate partner violence and estimates that only one third of cases are actually reported.
Also, according to the report, in all cases of intimate partner violence, women were more likely to be injured than men, but 25 percent of men in relationships with two-sided violence reported injury compared to 20 percent of women reporting injury in relationships with one-sided violence.
“A lot of people don’t want records kept because they are afraid of the consequences,” said Susan Kelly, program director at STOP.
“What we do is we help them to figure out what they want to do and we get take steps to helping them achieve that. We tell them how the services in the county work, we get paperwork ready, we can accompany them to court if necessary, we give them someone to talk to and we can also offer them transportation to a safe place in the area,” she said.
Kelly, who has worked with STOP for many years, said that the most dangerous phase for a victim of domestic violence is when they first decide to leave the relationship.
STOP offers bedsits and safe areas around the county whereby victims can seek support and a place to go. Links with the police and CVPH Medical Centre offer extensive support systems. STOP receives around 400 people per year, who require help and support.
“Dealing with domestic violence, the systems have changed, there are still holes (in the system). We can’t guarantee people that the program will work for them, but we try the best we can,” said Kelly.
“We have more clients now than ever. More people are reaching out, the word is out there so they know that it is possible to reach out.”
Professor Ames, said that society and social ideologies are a factor which can often create a social pressure to remain in relationships.
“There’s a great pressure from society to be coupled, we are a very couple orientated society,” said Ames, “If you leave a relationship you are alone and many people don’t wish to be alone.”
“Coupled though, doesn’t mean married,” added Ames, “Even people who are coupled but not living together can experience domestic violence in their relationship. There can be a violent relationship or violence in a relationship,” she said.
As a community Plattsburgh offers support to victims of domestic violence who reach out and are ready to seek help. Often people just need someone to talk to, according to Susan Kelly at STOP. Domestic violence awareness events raise the issue within the community and offer victims a chance to become aware of the services available to them. Overall the issue is becoming less of a taboo topic, said Ames.
“Some people just don’t understand their needs yet,” said Kelly, “It is hard to know which areas are worse than others, but rural areas are harder (to address the issue) because there are less services, but in smaller communities we are better at taking care of each other.”
Once seen as a trivial issue, domestic violence is today a matter that is taken much more seriously, according to Lynda Ames, professor in sociology at Plattsburgh State.
Ames, who has worked within the Clinton County community in previous years, analyzing and evaluating the programs offered to victims of domestic violence, said that as a community, Clinton County has recognized that domestic and intimate crimes are matters which should be taken more seriously than in previous years.
“The efforts that have been done (to tackle domestic violence in the community) have not had the backing of the entire society,” said Ames,
“Many people trivialize it, saying “it is just a domestic, it is just a husband and wife thing” and so they don’t take it as seriously as they ought,” she said.
October was domestic violence awareness month and services within Plattsburgh honored this by hosting ceremonies and events. The events, sponsored by the Clinton County Task Force against Domestic Violence, were hosted by STOP Domestic Violence, an organization which supports victims of domestic violence in the North Country.
“There are services now that make it easier for her (the victim) to leave,” said Ames, “but I don’t think there has been a reduction in the incidents and the number of times that people beat up their intimate partners,” she said.
“In the past 20 years the police have been taking it much more seriously than in previous years. They have been making arrests more now,” Has it reduced the incidents, question Ames, “not really, but what it can do is help the victim, so if the victim has resources, she is better able to leave,” she said.
According to data released by the National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2000, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Information from the Institute states that domestic violence can take many forms, other than the stereotyped image of physical violence. Aggression, control, domineering behavior, neglect, stalking and intimidation and deprivation are all forms of domestic crimes. The most likely forms of intimate crimes take happen at the hands of a male, but cases of females becoming the perpetrator are becoming more and more prominent amongst the reported cases.
In the United States, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics women are about six times as likely as men to experience intimate partner violence and estimates that only one third of cases are actually reported.
Also, according to the report, in all cases of intimate partner violence, women were more likely to be injured than men, but 25 percent of men in relationships with two-sided violence reported injury compared to 20 percent of women reporting injury in relationships with one-sided violence.
“A lot of people don’t want records kept because they are afraid of the consequences,” said Susan Kelly, program director at STOP.
“What we do is we help them to figure out what they want to do and we get take steps to helping them achieve that. We tell them how the services in the county work, we get paperwork ready, we can accompany them to court if necessary, we give them someone to talk to and we can also offer them transportation to a safe place in the area,” she said.
Kelly, who has worked with STOP for many years, said that the most dangerous phase for a victim of domestic violence is when they first decide to leave the relationship.
STOP offers bedsits and safe areas around the county whereby victims can seek support and a place to go. Links with the police and CVPH Medical Centre offer extensive support systems. STOP receives around 400 people per year, who require help and support.
“Dealing with domestic violence, the systems have changed, there are still holes (in the system). We can’t guarantee people that the program will work for them, but we try the best we can,” said Kelly.
“We have more clients now than ever. More people are reaching out, the word is out there so they know that it is possible to reach out.”
Professor Ames, said that society and social ideologies are a factor which can often create a social pressure to remain in relationships.
“There’s a great pressure from society to be coupled, we are a very couple orientated society,” said Ames, “If you leave a relationship you are alone and many people don’t wish to be alone.”
“Coupled though, doesn’t mean married,” added Ames, “Even people who are coupled but not living together can experience domestic violence in their relationship. There can be a violent relationship or violence in a relationship,” she said.
As a community Plattsburgh offers support to victims of domestic violence who reach out and are ready to seek help. Often people just need someone to talk to, according to Susan Kelly at STOP. Domestic violence awareness events raise the issue within the community and offer victims a chance to become aware of the services available to them. Overall the issue is becoming less of a taboo topic, said Ames.
“Some people just don’t understand their needs yet,” said Kelly, “It is hard to know which areas are worse than others, but rural areas are harder (to address the issue) because there are less services, but in smaller communities we are better at taking care of each other.”
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