In an effort to show case local opportunities in the healthcare sector, CCHN worked in collaboration with hospitals and physicians to develop a shadowing program for first year medical students. This summer two local students, Holly Bean and Sufyan Siddiqui, participated in the six-week program. Ms. Bean attends the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed rotations at both Westfield and WCA hospitals while Mr. Siddiqui, a student at SUNY Upstate Medical University, rotated through Brooks Hospital.

The Chautauqua County Health Network and Chautauqua Integrated Delivery System hosted a Medical Student Mixer on July 2nd. More than 30 medical students and local professionals attended the event which was held at Shaggy's in Bemus Point. The purpose of the mixer is to provide local medical students the chance to mingle with healthcare and other professionals about opportunities within Chautauqua County. The event was quite successful with the medical students expressing their interest in returning to the area after completing their training. Another mixer will be held over the holidays in Fredonia.

Planning for the end of your own life is a sensitive topic, but one which should be considered by every adult. Cara Seekings is a consultant for Chautauqua County Health Network who is trained to help people take the steps to prepare themselves for the inevitable that can also be unthinkable. But because even the healthiest life can end up on the brink of death at any moment, it is important for every adult to take the time to think about what would matter most should life come to an end, Ms. Seekings said.

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Local residents recently completed a Healthy Bones class that was hosted by the Chautauqua Adult Day Care at Christ First UMC in Jamestown. Nine participants attended the 10 week class to learn exercises that improve their strength and ability to remain independent. Healthy Bones is taught by peer leaders and has been proven to help older people build strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. To learn when the next class will be offered, contact Chautauquau Adult Day Care at 665-4899 or visit their website.

The Chautauqua County Health Network announces the relocation of its offices to 200 Harrison Street in Jamestown. The move provides additional space while maintaining a presence on Jamestown's emerging medical corridor. In addition to the change in address, staff can be reached at a new phone number, (716) 338-0010. All email addresses have also changed and can be found on the website by clicking on this link.

Question: My spouse no longer has insurance. I have Medicare, but what is available to cover just an individual alone? Your spouse is in a difficult situation. I am running into this dilemma more and more. Sometimes it is due to retirement, sometimes being laid off, sometimes COBRA ending, sometimes because one spouse ages into Medicare. The reason doesn’t really matter, but the result is the same; A spouse or individual without insurance.

The Chautauqua Cares Coalition, the local Advance Care Planning initiative, held its annual meeting at Webb's Captains Table in Mayville. The meeting not only celebrates the group's accomplishments for the previous year, but also honors select partners for their extra effort. This year there were four awards given. The Physician Advocate Award was given to Westfield Family Physicians for their delivery of patient centered care that incorporates advance care planning conversations. The Attorney Advocate Award went to Brautigam and Brautigam, LLP, for making submissions of healthcare proxies to the registry part of their estate planning process. Rev. Jim Bailey and the members of Park United Methodist Church received a Community Advocate Award for continued support of Coalition programs through the use of their facility. A second Community Advocate Award was given to April Reynolds, Department of Social Services, to recognize her volunteer accomplishments in support of key Coalition activities.

Senior Life Matters, a program of Lutheran Social Services, will host a series of free educational sessions for people who are living with long-term conditions and their caregivers. "Living with a chronic illness can take its toll on the individual and his or her caregiver," said Janell Sluga, Senior Life Matters certified geriatric care manager. "We've had numerous requests to provide programs that offer tips on managing chronic illness and helpful ways to improve communication." On June 18, Kerry Mihalko will speak on the secrets to Being the Leader of Your Healthcare Team.

During the last several weeks, health care has received an unprecedented amount of media coverage. Despite allegations that pending health reform legislation would create panels to decide which patients were worthy of living, the facts are clear—and they clearly disprove these misrepresentations.