SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Hospital has established a COVID-19 Response Team that includes representatives of all disciplines of the hospital, from the main campus and all outpatient offices and facilities. Team members are in constant communication with each other and other area hospitals, as well as state and county health officials.

The best sources of information about COVID-19 plans at Saratoga Hospital are SaratogaHospital.org and the Saratoga Hospital Facebook page. These are updated constantly with their most current policies, including:

Visitation Guidelines: To minimize risks for their patients and staff, no visitors are allowed in the building at this time, with a limited number of exceptions dependent on appropriate screening. This policy also applies to their urgent care and emergent care facilities.

Elective Procedures: Effective Monday, March 23, most elective procedures have been postponed, as recommended by the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Bell and Sharman Lisieski are leading the postponement protocols.

Donations: If you or someone you know wishes to donate, please direct inquiries to contactus@saratogahospital.org. We must follow strict guidelines on what we can and cannot use. While some donations may not meet these guidelines, they are confident they may be of use in non-clinical settings.

Self-Care Resources: Many in the community are understandably anxious with the arrival of COVID-19 in our corner of the world. The hospital has included some community resources to help you and your loved ones reduce stress and manage anxiety.

Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include: Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones; Changes in sleep or eating patterns; Difficulty sleeping or concentrating; Worsening of chronic health problems; Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. 

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Things you can do to support yourself: 

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

“As we all take measures to protect our physical health, we also need to protect our emotional health,” writes psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb, whose article “Dear Therapist’s Guide to Staying Sane During a Pandemic,” was recently published in The Atlantic. “Everyone copes with horrible situations differently. For some, humor is a balm. It’s BOTH/AND: It’s horrible AND we can allow our souls to breathe.” The article may be read online at: theatlantic.com. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued the following statement as part of a COVID-19 Announcement on March 21: Mental health is a vital part of public health. To that end, I am calling on psychologists, therapists and other mental health professionals to pitch in and volunteer their services to help with New York’s Coronavirus response. To sign up, go to: health.ny.gov/assistance. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2010 census indicated the city of Saratoga Springs had a population of 26,586. Those population numbers are estimated to be higher, now, a decade later. 

The U.S. Constitution mandates that the census takes place every 10 year and responses matter in helping determine how many dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year, as well as how many seats in Congress each state gets.

The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.

Door-to-door campaigns inspiring residents to fill out 2020 Census forms have been halted by the coronavirus pandemic, and the U.S. Census Bureau has extended the national deadline for the count by two weeks, until mid-August.

Through March 22, the most recent date of available figures, less than one-fourth, or 22.5% of Saratoga Springs households responded online, by mail, or by phone to the 2020 Census. That percentage is just under 20% for Saratoga County as a whole. The city and county 2010 self-response rates were each at approximately 70 percent in 2010. 

For more information and to respond to the census, visit: 2020census.gov 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco and Deputy Commissioner Joseph J. O’Neill announced the Department of Public Works’ operational plan following COVID-19 directives set forth by Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

The DPW work force will transition into emergency standby mode and will respond to emergency situations as-needed. Request for DPW service calls can be made to police dispatch, 518-584-1800.

The Weibel Avenue transfer station will also operate under reduced hours between 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. 

“The Governor has directed all non-essential workforce to remain home, for DPW that means staying home and being prepared to respond as-needed, this is for the good of our personnel and to help stop the spread of
COVID-19” said Scirocco, in a statement.  “The public can rest assured that in any emergency during this time our work force will respond and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

DPW crews had remained operational earlier this month for lawn-debris pickup, roadway repairs, and routine calls for service.

STATEWIDE — The Department of Motor Vehicles is closed for all in-office visits. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed an Executive Order to temporarily close DMV offices and shift the DMV to online transactions. License and permit expirations will be extended. 

“So, if your driver’s license is about to expire — don’t worry,” Cuomo said, in a statement.

Specifically, this means: All Licenses, Non-Driver ID’s, and Registrations with an expiration date of March 1, 2020 or later will be extended. Road tests are suspended until further notice, and all reservations have been cancelled.

According to Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner, the Saratoga County DMV will be closed to the public until April 19. 

To view more information regarding online DMV transactions, go to: dmv.ny.gov. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Keeping ourselves and each other safe from COVID-19, some of these local businesses will be offering promotions to keep people socially distant where people can “pick-up” or have these items which are important to our daily lives delivered, instead of visiting the establishment.

The purpose of the event is to allow all Saratoga County restaurant and business owners and consumers one central location to promote current specials, promotions, delivery and pickup options. 

Every industry will be touched by the coronavirus crisis, in some form, but perhaps none more immediately than bars and restaurants. We still need to eat during this time, and restaurants need the business more than ever. While some have made the difficult decision to close the doors for a period of time, others are modifying menus, instituting online/phone ordering along with providing new delivery options in addition to curbside pickup.

The list of participating restaurants can be found at saratoga.org/tourism/take-out-week; the page will be updated frequently. 

They are there when you are in need asking, “How can I help you?”

These are the extraordinary men and women of the fire department. 

They are bravely going into the most dangerous situations every day to protect you and your property. 

Even when they’re not on the job, firefighters can often be found serving the community in many different ways; supporting charitable causes, volunteering, and coaching sports. 

They are simply remarkable people and getting to know a bit more about them means that, even in an emergency, you will recognize the friendly face that comes to help. 

Chris Stewart, Firefighter
Saratoga Springs Fire Department

I have been a firefighter with the department since August 2014. 

I’ve also been an assistant varsity baseball coach at Saratoga Central Catholic High School since January 2016. 

My dad and grandfather were both professional firefighters for the Green Island Fire Department and my grandfather and uncle on my mom’s side are former officers/members with the Village of the Stillwater Fire Department. 

Prior to becoming employed with Saratoga Springs, I volunteered for the Arvin Hart Fire Company in Stillwater and have experience with the Waterford Police Department, Stillwater EMS, Malta EMS and North Queensbury EMS. 

Because of the professional firefighters in my family, I always wanted to be a professional firefighter, too. I stopped playing college football and baseball at Mount Ida early to make sure I had time to complete the paramedic course at Hudson Valley Community College in time for the civil service test and to be hired on at the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. 

My favorite part of the job is the station life, having an additional family in the good times and the bad times. No matter what the calls are, once we get back to the station there is a family element. 

My personal goal is to be an officer one day. I want to advance myself as a firefighter and be one that my dad and my grandfather would have wanted to work with.

Aaron Dyer, Battalion Chief
Saratoga Springs Fire Department

I have been proudly serving the City of Saratoga Springs for 21+ years. I currently manage the Fire Prevention Office, Code Enforcement Office and share in the day-to-day operations of the department.

I also have a passion for snowmobiling and working to maintain the trails in Saratoga County. I enjoy camping and spending time with family and friends.

My father was my inspiration to become a firefighter. He was a member of a volunteer fire department and encouraged me to join.

I love being able to work with my co-workers and the public every day – whether it is during an emergency, in fire prevention or at a special event. In the position I am in, I am able to listen to the needs of my co-workers and the public, and help steer the fire department into the future.

I am always working towards advancement within my profession, continually updating my education. I also strive to spoil my niece, nephews and god children.

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John Marra, Firefighter
Saratoga Springs Fire Department

I have been a firefighter and paramedic for five years. 

I’ve always had a passion for helping people. My dad was a volunteer and so it has always intrigued me.

My favorite part of the job is that everyday you walk in the door; you never know what you will be doing – every day is different. 

In my family, there are my parents, my sister, and I have three nephews. When I have free time, I enjoy jet skiing, snowmobiling, and riding my motorcycle. 

I also just completed my Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management at SUNY Empire State.

Matt Derway, Lieutenant
Saratoga Springs Fire Department

I have been a firefighter for 26 years, beginning as a volunteer. I also served six years in the New York Air National Guard as a firefighter. I became a full-time firefighter for Saratoga Springs in 2006. 

I play hockey with the Saratoga Springs Fire Department hockey team, along with helping to coach my son, Lucas, and his hockey team.I also enjoy golf, music, and play drums. 

My father was an EMT. Watching him help people showed me that it’s the right thing to do.

We respond to all sorts of calls – not just fires. My experience has taught me to contain a situation as quickly as possible, so everyone gets out safely.

I hope to move up through the ranks at the department and continue my education with the fire service. 

Being disorganized can be caused by a combination of things. But more importantly, being disorganized causes many ailments and barriers for you and your life. The new year has only just started; this is a great time to regain your space and improve your health.

Problematic cluttering behavior manifests itself in 3 major ways; compulsive acquisition of useless possessions, living spaces so cluttered you can’t use them and distress or an inability to function due to the hoarding. Your stuff will cost you in more ways than one: money, time, health, relationships and more.

Clutter can be a symptom of other health issues. If you have had an emotional trauma or brain injury, you can struggle with normal upkeep of your home. Conditions such as ADD, OCD, ADHD, depression, chronic pain and grief can also prevent you from tackling your stuff on an ongoing basis. Having a significant level of clutter can also be an indication of emotional deprivation or an absence of warmth expressed in the family during adolescence.  In all of these cases, seeking help in some form from a psychiatrist, psychologist, doctor or professional organizer is probably necessary. 

The stuff in your home is not only physically impeding your space but preventing you from actually doing things… if you can’t find your sneakers, you aren’t exercising. The items cluttering your home can create an un-safe obstacle course, especially for those with limited mobility.  If you have young children, it means making a safe space for them is almost impossible. You may not be taking your medications properly due to lack of systems and always losing them.  And if we are talking about clutter in your kitchen, you will eat better by clearing the space in order to prepare a healthy meal at home and use healthier foods from your pantry.  Eating at home is almost always healthier than a meal prepared out.

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The stuff, as packed as it is, can also mask dirt and allergens and harmful mold.  In some cases, even bugs and rodents. Have pets?  They can “hide” surprises within the stuff that can cause major issues for your health and the condition of your home. What you can’t see can be seriously harming you.

The big glaring issue with clutter in your home is the challenges it poses to your mental health. It causes a lot of stress, i.e. not being able to find things when needed, being late for work or events, having to repurchase items and spend more money. The burden is high when you have too much stuff and it is disorganized. This reason is, of all the others, why most professional organizers get called. This stress leads to depression and anxiety.

So, physically and mentally, gaining control of your space and your stuff, can have huge positive improvements on your health. Your mental health will improve; you will be at peace with your stuff and rather than it limiting you, it will support the life you want.  You will be calmer and happier.  If you have breathing problems, tackling the clutter and cleaning your home thoroughly will improve those issues.  With eating healthier and finding those sneakers, your fitness and energy should improve, you may even lose actual pounds when the weight of your stuff is gone. You’ll have more time for the things you want to do because you will be in charge of your space.

Getting organized and simplifying has so many benefits. It is overwhelming to get started, but please do… just start small. Even one cleared surface can create huge results. If your kitchen table is covered, just clearing this off may set you up to eat regularly, have a basket for meds and take them properly, and pay your bills on time. If you think you need help with how to do it, seek that help.  You won’t be sorry when you reap all the benefits of letting go.

You can reach Jordana Turcotte of SIMPLY YOU at 518-309-CALM 
www.SimplyYouOrganizing.com
Facebook.com/SimplyYouOrganizing
Instagram: @simplyyouorganizing

I meet them on a sunny autumn afternoon. Father and son greet me in the driveway, opening the door of their home wide, calling out to mom and two daughters, announcing my arrival.

I learn their names right off the bat. Valerie and Ben are parents to twins Garrett and Alissa, both 31, as well as a younger daughter Jenna, who is 28. 

We sit around the dining table together, sun streaming in from the deck, laughter ringing gaily throughout the room. You’d never know what they’ve grappled with, struggled through as a family – unless you asked. 

It seems like everyone you meet today either knows someone battling cancer, is a survivor themselves, or has lost a loved one from what the American Cancer Society estimated (back in 2015) would claim the lives of about 1,600 people daily. 

If you’re wondering about the numbers, it equates to approximately 590,000 deaths due to cancer. In one year. 

Garrett was 16 when he was diagnosed with ALL – Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. The doctors at Albany Med offered him two options. He chose the second one – which would be harder and take longer – but would also allow the medical community to study the disease, its treatment, and his recovery.

“I knew it would be better if we could bring more education and awareness to this type of cancer,” Garrett tells me. “I felt it was the least I could do – help the next person suffering from it.”

Alissa, his twin sister, says she felt phantom pains all the time. “Whenever mom and dad brought Garrett to the hospital for a procedure, the wait was unbearable. I panicked. It felt as if I was going through it with him. I’d call dad to ask if my brother had this or that done to him that day. It was like I always knew.” 

There was guilt, too. “I couldn’t understand why Garrett was enduring this hell while I was healthy. It was horrible. I cried a lot, felt defenseless and alone. What if the other half – the better half of me died? I couldn’t imagine life without him.”

Garrett knew his sister felt helpless. “I needed Alissa to understand this wasn’t her fault. We sat down one day, talking for a long time. I hugged her and said she was going to have to be strong and healthy for both of us.”

Chemo, shots, IV drips, 25 different pills every Friday – it sure seemed like it would never end. It was tough for the family to carry on with normal activities, but they coped, doing the best they could under the circumstances.

Thankfully, Garrett saw another birthday, then another, and yet another – growing stronger with each one. Doctors still keep a close eye on him, but cancer moves further away from his life every day.

Jenna talks softly, remembering a momentous day during December 2016. It was time to come off of her parent’s health insurance. “I was crying like a baby, complaining about how much it was going to cost. Man, I was young – I didn’t want to think about spending my hard-earned money on things like that.” 

She had a long conversation with her dad, deciding it was the smart, grown-up thing to do. Securing medical coverage would help her worry less over the ‘what ifs’ in life. 

Thank goodness she made that decision.

In January 2017 she was attending a press conference for her job as a sports anchor for ABC/Fox. By then, she was living and working in the Rochester area. 

She wasn’t feeling well and recalls being drenched in sweat. Coworkers asked if she was okay and Jenna wasn’t able to shrug it off. Her temperature was 104. At the hospital, she was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkins Lymphoma. Her team of doctors would be from The Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center. 

The family was in disbelief. How could this have happened again? How would they ever get through the journey of another child suffering from this terrible disease?

“Friends and family rallied around us both times,” Jenna tells me. “They brought food, lent an ear, offered a helping hand. We were never alone.”

At first, Jenna says she was angry with the news, grappling with the questions of “Why me? Why our family? Why a second time?”

She’d shared a bedroom with Alissa over the years, the sisters were very close, even after she’d moved away. “It was so hard for me to watch,” Alissa says, tears brimming from her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. “Once again – I was healthy and a sibling wasn’t. Why?” 

It was terrifying for Garrett as well. “I felt terrible, all-consuming guilt. Memories of my own personal journey with cancer came flooding back – I didn’t want my younger sister to suffer any of what I’d gone through. I was her big brother, yet there was nothing I could do to spare her from what I knew was ahead.”

Jenna’s journey was a tough one as well. Some days were good, others were bad. 12 rounds of treatment came wrapped up in a lot of different emotions, sickness, depression, hope. It’s an experience she wouldn’t wish on anyone. “I learned how tough I am though,” she tells me, “how strong my family is, how supportive my friends are. Cancer taught me more about the human spirit than any other experience could have.” 

Over the last two hours, I feel as if I’ve opened a wound that’s only just scabbed over. I search five sets of eyes and see raw emotion. When they speak their mouths quiver. The love they have for one another is evident and very powerful. 

“It’s important to talk about cancer,” one of them tells me.

“Cancer changes your perspective on life,” another one says, wiping tears from her face with the back of her hand.

“Look,” Garrett pipes in. “You can have a bad day – you just can’t live there.”

Valerie and Ben hold hands and look at each other. “It’s been an emotional roller coaster. We’re just so grateful the kids are okay. They’re all doing well, have great jobs, keep up with doctor appointments, and are closer than ever. Most importantly, they’re living the best lives they can. We’re extremely proud of all three.” 

Each one hugs me tightly as I prepare to leave – with bear hugs that don’t need a single word.

Jenna points to her parents. Garrett and Alissa follow suit. “These two,” she tells me. “They’re why we’re still here. They wouldn’t let us give up or wallow in pity. Rock-solid people, our parents. We’re so lucky to have them in our corner.”

I shake my head ‘yes,’ tears brimming from my eyes as well. They sure are.

New Visitation & Hospital Access Policies; Hospital Establishes Separate Lab Specimen Collection Site for Approved COVID-19 Testing of Patients

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital has instituted new visitation and hospital access policies. Until further notice, enter only through the main entrance or the Alfred Z. Solomon Emergency Center.

The main entrance hours are:
Monday – Friday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• The Emergency Center entrance is open 24/7.
• Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology entrance: for cancer patients only. 
• No visitors with fever, cough or shortness of breath
• All patients will be restricted to one visitor/support person. This applies to all patients, including inpatients, those who are coming to the hospital for outpatient tests or treatments, and maternity patients. 

The hospital says “compassionate considerations” will be made on a case-by-case basis dependent on a patient’s circumstances and nurse director or designee approval. All patients and visitors must sign in at the reception desk and follow the login procedure. No visitors under age 16.

These restrictions apply only to Saratoga Hospital, not to outpatient locations. 

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COVID-19 testing must be ordered by a healthcare provider or your county health department.

If you believe you have COVID-19 symptoms, or may have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, do not go to any healthcare location. Instead, please call your provider. When you call, a healthcare professional will assess your symptoms. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be directed to a testing site per your provider or your county public health department.

If someone believes they may be sick, people are encouraged to call their provider before going to a provider’s office or urgent care to help assess the next best steps for care and provide appropriate guidance. For example, in most mild cases, a provider visit may not be necessary.

Saratoga Hospital has established a separate lab specimen collection site for approved COVID-19 testing of patients. The temporary biocontainment facility, located outside Alfred Z. Solomon Emergency Center on Myrtle Street, is the safest way to provide this service to the community. 

Patients must be referred for COVID-19 specimen collection at this site either by a licensed healthcare provider or by the New York State or Saratoga County health departments. There is no walk-in service. For more information, go to: www.saratogahospital.org/covid19.

The NYSDOH Coronavirus Hotline is a valuable resource for the most up-to-date information: 1-888-364-3065.