About Erika Gruszewski
Posts by Erika Gruszewski
Keeping Their Memories Alive: Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Education and Advocacy
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are personal. They impact not just those afflicted, but all the family members and friends around them. Shaquana P. Divers of Monroe County knows this first hand. Her great grandmother, Catherine Taylor, developed dementia during the latter part of her life. Remembering A Family Tradition “Our family tradition of making fresh…Read More »
Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week: August 25-31
Making the decision to breastfeed can be a complicated and daunting process for many women. Health experts recommend that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for about the first six months. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breastfeeding disparities exist, with fewer Black infants being breastfed compared with White and Hispanic infants.…Read More »
7 Ways To Stick To Your Hydration Goal
During the summer – and year-round – our bodies crave water. There’s no way to live without it. In fact, about 60 percent of your body is made of water. It plays a role in keeping your body working well. We lose water even when we’re at rest, and when we breathe and sweat. It’s…Read More »
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Lisa’s world was turned upside down a few months ago. As with many of us, the pandemic changed nearly everything about her daily life overnight. The mother of three had only been back to work at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for about four months following maternity leave, when her job shifted to work from home and…Read More »
Hidden Gems: The Mohawk Valley Region
Two undeniable blessings of living in the Mohawk Valley are its beautiful summer months and its wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventure. People who know me have heard me talk about the stress-relieving properties and other health benefits of being outdoors and in nature. Now I have some recommendations for where you can go to…Read More »
Pedaling Towards Better Physical and Mental Health
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” – John F. Kennedy A few months back, the snow started to melt and we headed out to the Erie Canal for our family walk/bike ride. My son, Matthew, asked if I wanted to ride his bike for a few miles so he could rest. I…Read More »
Keeping Your Cool While Working From Home
Working from home has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me. For the first couple of weeks I was loving it. I liked the short commute, cooking lunch in the kitchen, and being home with my wife and dog. Eventually though, the new environment started dragging on me. I missed my workspace,…Read More »
Time To Catch Up On Your Kids’ Annual Physicals
Whether your kids are back in the classroom this fall or online learning from home, now is the time to reconnect with your child’s pediatrician to catch up on annual physicals and immunizations you may have postponed because of the COVID-19 lockdown. Children ages two to 21 years old should have an annual physical to…Read More »
The Dangers of Mixing Chemical Cleaners
Mixing chemicals of any kind is very dangerous. Sometimes chemicals are stored in an unmarked bottle or placed in a bottle with different labeling. Never use any chemical that you are not absolutely sure of its origin. Mixing bleach with ammonia or any acid (drain cleaners, vinegar, glass cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, etc.) can create…Read More »
Schedule Health Care Screenings You May Have Postponed
As medical practices open for patient visits, it’s time to reconnect with your doctor to discuss care or screenings you may have postponed. That includes screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. But those aren’t the only screenings to check on. Colon Cancer Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in New…Read More »