Allegany County Community Source 03-10-2023

WNY Works builds skills to launch fulfilling careers

ALFRED — Three State University of New York colleges have joined forces to help employers eager to hire along with workers ready to learn the needed skills for advanced manufacturing careers.

Western New York (WNY) employers face a crisis with a lack of skilled manufacturing workers. In response, Alfred State College, Genesee Community College, and Jamestown Community College established WNYworks. org.

The faculty at each college stays in constant contact with regional employers to know the exact skills needed for graduates to land great-paying jobs. The new collaboration of colleges is a marketing initiative to attract more interested students, both high school graduates and workers looking to upskill and upgrade their career paths.

The National Associ-

ation of Manufacturers (NAM) estimates that 2.1 million jobs will be left empty by 2030 waiting for qualified workers. Manufacturers employ more than 60,000 employees earning an average of $85,474 annually in Western New York according to NAM. Nearly every manufacturing company in the region knows the pain of open positions with 77 percent reporting that they currently are ready to hire and cannot find skilled professionals. That’s why WNYworks.org was launched. Alfred State, Genesee, and JCC offer dozens of different certificate and associate degrees in manufacturing. These colleges are spread across multiple WNY locations to make skill-building more convenient. After bringing all those options into one website, WNYworks.org is actively recruiting and advertising to make dreams of

high-paying careers a reality.

Thanks to a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, WNYworks.org will increase the number of available skilled workers. These new hires are needed to fuel the WNY economy as the manufacturing industry is booming. The marketing tools being used are the website, brochures, social media, digital advertising, and emotionally engaging videos to showcase graduate success stories.

In Western New York, some of the prevailing wages include $60,800 for computer and electronics manufacturing jobs, $79,300 for transportation equipment work, $60,100 for fabricated metal workers, and $60,460 for mechatronics technicians according to the US Department of Labor. Check out all

Wellsville tops LeRoy for Section 5 Class B2 title

ROCHESTER —

For the sixth time in program history — all since 2010 — the Wellsville boys basketball team lifted a Section 5 championship plaque March 4 at Blue Cross Arena.

The Lions, seeded fourth in Section 5 Class B2 after an 11-9 regular season against their competitive independent schedule, continued their postseason run by defeating No. 3 LeRoy in the B2 championship, 52-43.

While Merritt Holly Jr. led LeRoy with 21 points and 14 rebounds,

first-year Lions coach

Tom Muska chalked the win up to the Lions’ defense on the Knights’ star.

“We had two main goals, one was we’re all going to have to, as a team, guard Merritt Holly, he’s a terrific player,” Muska said. “And after we work on defense, we’ve got to get the rebound. Luckily we had Logan

Dunbar, he’s an amazing player, but to be tasked with a job like that is not easy and he was able to bring that title home for us.

“The whole (game) we could do anything we wanted on defense. We could practice for a week on plays they’re going to run, but if we couldn’t keep Holly from getting the rebound, it wouldn’t matter. And that was Logan’s main job today and he took care of it.”

To be sure, it took a team effort, with Aidan Riley aiding in the Basketball continued on PAGE 5

Mystic Twangers Band to perform in Wellsville

Alfred State celebrates opening of ‘The Studio’

Photos provided by Alfred State

A unique Alfred State College program in Agricultural Automation and Robotics prepares WNY Works students for good-paying careers.

Samples of WNYworks.org advertising to attract workers wanting to learn in-demand skills and join Western New York manufacturing companies.

WNY Works continued on PAGE 5

Alfred State celebrates opening of ‘The Studio’

ALFRED — Alfred State celebrated the grand opening of “The Studio” inside Pioneer Center. The space, located right next to the Pioneer Fitness Center, will be used for fitness classes, practices and group gatherings. Coordinator of Campus Recreation Brooke Scianna is very pleased to have the students use the new studio. “Open-

ing the Studio was a group effort that could not have been accomplished without Sandra Burdick, Tony Harvey, Jon Nickerson, Hady ElSayed, and Gene Doorley. All their efforts made my idea come to life. I am grateful to see how booked the space has been and that students are really enjoying it. I look forward to what the future holds

for this space.”

Zumba and H.I.I.T classes along with practices for the dance team and the fencing club are already taking place in the space. Students can reserve the space for their activities through the Office of Student Engagement. New programs and activities will be added to the space based on student interests.

Assistant veterinary technician professor and Zumba instructor Meghan Smith is excited to teach in the new setting. “The Pioneer Studio is an amazing space and welcome addition to the fitness facilities at Alfred State.”

According to Fencing Club president Amanda Brady, the group has already benefited from the

new space. “We take advantage of the full wall mirrors especially when teaching beginners En Garde stances, and we find that the mirrors can help us with directing and scoring because it allows us to see touches in some circumstances where we would not be able to see the touches as clearly without the mirrors”

Dance team president Sergio Andrade sees the benefits of The Studio. “The space is fantastic to see actual mirrors to practice our dances for upcoming

performances. The area is beneficial because the soundproofing of the curtains helps us learn to concentrate for our competition season. The dance floor is very safe to do turns, jumps, floor work, stretching and warm-ups.”

The Pioneer Center continues to evolve with the opening of The Studio. Last semester, Pioneer Cuts opened on the ground floor of Pioneer next to “The Underground”, the multi-purpose gaming arena, that opened in fall of 2021.

Photo provided by Alfred State Members of the Alfred State Dance team practice in “The Studio.” The new space located in the Pioneer Center recently opened and will be used for fitness classes, practices, and group gatherings.

dining & Entertainment

Mystic Twangers Band to perform in Wellsville

WELLSVILLE — The Mystic Twangers Band is set to perform at the Nancy Howe Auditorium of the David A. Howe Library at 7 p.m. March 23.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Led by singer-songwriter A.G Twanger, the five-piece band will bring to life the original music from their last three albums as well as new song from their latest upcoming release called “Walking in a Dream.” The new album will be released this spring and will feature 12 new songs, all with a positive upbeat message.

Songwriting comes naturally for Twanger, who has more than 100 songs in his catalog.

The band is comprised of Trevor Bennett on drums, Mark McCarty on lap and pedal steel, Mark Mather on bass, Lucius Snowden on keyboards and Twanger on guitar. Their unique sound combines elements of rock, country, blues, and American music. Their music is available to stream on Spotify, Apple music and other streaming services as well as their website, www. MysticTwangers.com.

Photo provided

The Mystic Twangers Band will play March 23 at the Nancy Howe Auditorium of the David A. Howe Library in Wellsville.

the careers available at WNYworks.org/advanced-manufacturing.

A memorandum of understanding between the three colleges outlines how each is a participant in this new venture. Leaders from each college are excited by the potential for assisting more students to find their new careers and employers to find much-needed skilled workers.

Vice President of Enrollment Management Betsy Penrose of Alfred State College said, “WNY Works is a collaborative effort to heighten awareness and interest in associate degrees, certificates, and

non-credit training to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for individuals to launch high-demand careers. The goal of this effort, in part, is to reframe perceptions of learning opportunities that lead to careers such as highly skilled trades and technical opportunities in manufacturing. Stackable credentials and laddered programs now provide opportunities for both traditional-aged students and adults seeking retraining to start a new, viable, and well-compensated career.”

WNYworks.org enlisted the support and expertise of Inter-

act Communications, a leader in student recruitment for two-year degrees. Their research confirmed how the pandemic and current economic climate have negatively impacted enrollment in two-year degree programs. More recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse shows that the number of two-year degree-seeking students inched up nationally by just under half of one percent for a positive trend based on Fall 2022. WNYworks.org hopes to add fuel to that recovery to help more students launch new careers.

Snakes and St. Patrick Snakes and St. Patrick

➡Basketball continued from PAGE 1

“He was the one kid that we put the hardest job on; you had to guard your man and help on Holly every possession,” Muska said of Riley. “And I think he really did an amazing job at it. He executed it perfectly. I think he’s what really bugged the other team and won us the game.”

Cody Costello led Wellsville (14-9) with 17 points, three assists and two steals.

“He was great. He was too quick, I think, for their guards,” Muska noted. “None of the kids on their team seemed to be able to keep him in front of them and he kept going in the paint, he had a couple nice assists and sometimes he just

brought it in.”

J.J. Howard (14 points, nine rebounds) and Dunbar (nine points, 10 rebounds) nearly added doubledoubles.

LeRoy ends the season at 13-10.

Wellsville advanced to a rematch with B1 champion Newark in the Section 5 Class B crossover and state qualifier on Tuesday night. Last year, Newark beat Wellsville 45-41 to advance to the Far West Regional.

For many years, one of the prevailing stories about St. Patrick involved the patron saint of Ireland driving snakes out of the Emerald Isle. Today, visitors to Ireland likely won’t see a snake while traversing the country’s rolling green hills or idyllic countryside. However, that absence of snakes has little to do with St. Patrick and more to do with geography. According to History.com, water has surrounded Ireland since the end of the last glacial period. That water has kept snakes out of the country. And prior to that most recent glacial period, Ireland was covered in ice, making the country uninhabitable for cold-blooded creatures, including snakes. The story of St. Patrick banishing Ireland’s snakes

into the surrounding seas is likely an allegory that highlights his role in bringing Christianity to

Ireland. In that version of events, the “snakes” are actually the pagan ideology that natives to Ireland had embraced for centuries. defense of Holly.

Ways to cut costs during retirement

The average person will spend more than 50 years in the employment sector. As retirement draws closer, many professionals begin to daydream about giving up the commute and having more time to pursue their personal interests.

Even if planning for retirement has been many years in the making, it can take some time for a person to become acclimated to having less income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “older households,” which are defined as those run by someone age 65 and older, spent an average of $45,756 in 2016, or roughly $3,800 a month. That’s roughly $1,000 less than the monthly average spent by typical American households. Housing, transportation, health care, and food are some

of the biggest bills retirees will have to account for. Aiming to have savings in addition to any other retirement income or government subsidy coming in to cover that amount is a step in the right direction.

Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible.

• Know where your money is going. It’s impossible to save without knowing what your expenses are each month.

Many people are surprised to learn how much little things add up over the course of a month.

For example, spending $4 for a take-out coffee each day can quickly become an expensive luxury.

Add all expenses and see where you

can trim, especially if there’s a deficit each month.

Consider extra health care. In the United States, Medicare participants can choose Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to help reduce outof-pocket health care costs. Medicare Parts A and B only cover some of your health care costs. Supplemental insurance can cover some of the costs not covered by original medicare, like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance, according to AARP.

• Pare down on possessions. Take inventory of what you have and scale back where possible.

If you are no longer commuting to work, you may be able to become a one-car household. Down-

sizing your residence can help seniors avoid spending too much of their retirement time and money maintaining their homes.

• Take advantage of senior discounts. Take advantage of the many discounts that are offered to seniors. Retirees can usually save on restaurants, travel, groceries, and much more by simply shopping on specific days or verifying their age when checking out.

• Purchase less expensive life insurance. According Cheapism, a site that advises consumers about how to be more frugal, the chief purpose of life insurance is to replace income to ensure the financial security of dependents in the event of death.

Retirees may have no dependents and little income. Therefore, a large life insurance policy may not be necessary, especially if you’ve already set aside funds to cover funeral costs.

• Pay off a mortgage.

Housing is many people’s most substantial expense. Paying off a mortgage can free up more money each month and allow retirees to spend their golden years doing as they please.

home improvement

Partnering with the pros: How to get your lawn ready for spring

(BPT) — If you enjoy time at home these days, you’re not alone.

According to TruGreen’s new survey conducted in collaboration with OnePoll, 69% of Americans spend more time at home than two years ago. And because homeowners enjoy being at home, it’s no surprise home improvement remains a priority, with lawns as a top investment in both time and money.

While lawns are valuable to homeowners, so is their time. Rather than tackling lawn maintenance, homeowners would rather be with family and friends (49%), doing outdoor activities (36%) or reading a book (33%).

But with spring around the corner and warmer weather approaching, now is the first - and best time for homeowners to prepare their lawns for the season ahead. Homeowners should partner with a professional for their lawn care this season

so you can spend more time doing things you love - while still achieving the lawn of your dreams. TruGreen®, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, breaks down tasks you can do, and those better left to professionals to save time and money. What to tackle as the homeowner

Here are the top items to have on your spring lawn maintenance checklist:

• Prep your lawn mower for a fresh first cut. After a long winter, your lawnmower needs some love to work at its best. Clean or replace the air filter, change the oil, sharpen the blades and check the spark plug.

Once your mower is ready, the first cut is critical to remove dead blades of grass from the past season to wake up the lawn. Always mow grass at the correct height, making sure you

don’t cut over a third of its height during any single mowing. Most grass types should be kept at least three inches tall, as longer, thicker turf helps combat weeds and conserve water in the soil.

• Clear debris to allow your lawn to breathe. As temperatures climb, you may discover your lawn is covered in fallen leaves, sticks and other debris. If you don’t remove this debris, your lawn could get smothered and develop unsightly patches, since your lawn and its roots would be prevented from accessing sunlight, air, water and nutrients needed to thrive. Clearing debris also helps professional lawn services be more effective.

• Quench your lawn’s thirst. Every lawn requires a healthy amount of high-quality H2O. While some will come from rainfall, during drier months you may need to use your garden hose or sprin-

kler system. Aim for about one inch of water per week. An easy way to measure is by spreading a few empty tuna cans across your lawn as you water. When they’re full, that’s an inch.

When to call in the pros

The spring season brings new beginnings and memories with loved ones outdoors. Partnering with the pros for your lawn maintenance lets you maximize your time, so you can do what you love without compromising your outdoor space.

“Research shows 68% of Americans trust and hire professionals for home improvement tasks, and with the winter blues behind us, don’t miss out on this critical season to nurture your dream lawn,” said Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen. “Whether it’s clearing weeds or providing a boost of nutrients to your lawn, partnering with a professional service can help ensure you’re on track for a healthy, green lawn all year.”

Let the experienced professionals help, here are three tasks better left to the pros:

• Tackling weeds before they attack your lawn. No one wants a lawn covered in weeds. Preventive treatments are vital to help fend off annual weeds before they start growing. Starting your lawn care at the right time and under the correct conditions - such as temperature and humidity - is crucial to prevent weeds from germinating, so consult a professional to identify when to start treatments.

• Fertilizing your outdoor space. During winter, lawns stay in a hibernating state. Come springtime, they wake up with an appetite, so give your lawn a boost of nutrients with an initial dose of fertilizer.

A lawn care professional can ensure this treatment occurs at the best time and in the right amount to bring out the best in your lawn, trees and shrubs.

• Tailoring a plan for pesky weeds. Despite your best preventative efforts in the spring, annoying weeds may still pop up. When this happens, a specialist can tailor a post-emergent solution specifically for your outdoor space.

Questions about re-

covering your lawn after being dormant all winter? Visit TruGreen.com to ensure your lawn is on track for a healthy spring season.

Creekside Lumber

Beef Producers meeting March 18 in Alfred

ALFRED — Region

4 NY Beef Producers Association will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, March 18 at 1 p.m. with lunch, a brief business meeting and presentations. Held at Alfred State College Farm on State Route 244, the meeting is open to all interested beef and dairy producers. Membership is not required, however, new memberships and renewals will be accepted at the meeting with a drawing held for one free membership or renewal. The program will also serve as a BQA Recertification workshop if you need to renew.

Keynote speaker

will be Dr. Jerry Rusch, DVM, presenting on the relationship between vaccinations and nutrition. Rusch was raised on a grain and livestock farm in Southern Indiana. In 1991 he received his DVM from Purdue University and then spent two years in dairy practice in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Rusch is involved with the Indiana Beef Evaluation and Economics Feeding Program (IBEEF), a retained ownership program through Purdue University. He is currently president and general manager of the Springville Feeder Auction, which is a local farmer-owner feeder calf marketing cooperative.

automotive

Following his presentation Virginia Chamberlain, Alfred State Farm Manager, will give a tour of the college livestock facilities.

The cost of the program is $15 for adults

and $5 for youth 10 and younger. Buffet lunch with deli platter of ham, turkey and beef with pasta salad, drinks and dessert. Payment will be accepted at the door. There will be door priz-

es and 50/50 raffles.

Pre-registration for the meeting is requested by March 10 to assist with lunch planning.

Contact Barb Benjamin, NYBPA Region 4 Chair at (585) 610-6536 or lightenliz62@yahoo.com or Lynn Bliven at lao3@ cornell.edu.

The Beef Producers Meeting is offered by Cornell Cooperative

Extension of Allegany County. As New York’s land grant university, Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call (525) 268-7644 or visit www.cce.cornell. edu/allegany. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Charge up your car battery knowledge

Vehicles consist of many essential components to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Car and truck owners should have an understanding of how their vehicles function so they can diagnose and address problems as they arise.

Car batteries are an important component of any vehicle. Even though engines are the powerhouse of any car or truck, without a battery, the engine wouldn’t be able to work. According to

Firestone Complete Auto Care, car batteries work by providing a jolt of electricity necessary to power all the electrical components of the vehicle. This is achieved through a chemical reaction that changes chemical energy into the electrical energy needed to deliver voltage to the starter. In addition to initially starting the car, the battery also keeps electric current steady to keep the engine running. The battery also works in conjunction

with the alternator to power the electronics in the car, according to the automotive information blog Autosessive. While the car is running, the alternator reverses the current produced by the battery, recharging it as a result. This happens during long journeys, so people who drive for short bursts of time may find that their batteries will not have a chance to recharge and may not have the longevity desired.

There is quite literally a lot riding on a functioning battery. No one wants to be caught stranded by a dead battery, so drivers may wonder if there are any indicators that may signal the battery needs replacement.

• Slow turnover: If a vehicle does not immediately start or if the cranking is sluggish and takes

longer to start, it may mean the battery is starting to fail.

• Frequent, short trips: Drivers who make frequent, short trips may find their car batteries do not have time to fully recharge. This, coupled with overtaxing thanks to a lot of accessory use, may cause the

battery and the alternator to have shortened life spans.

• Low battery fluid levels: If the fluid level is below the energy conductor inside, it is often indicative of overcharging and excessive heat.

• Corrosion: Corrosion buildup, dust, dirt, and grime on battery connections may cause performance problems. Inspecting and cleaning the terminals can prolong the battery life.

• Odors and leaks: Battery leaks can produce a sulfur odor similar to the

smell of a rotten egg. This can become problematic over time, and leaks may indicate an aging or damaged battery.

• Age: Most batteries have a finite life span. A well-maintained battery can last up to five years. Neglect can reduce that life expectancy considerably.

• Bloated or cracked battery case: Replace the battery immediately if the case is cracking, as it could be because excessive heat is swelling the battery.

Understanding how car batteries work can help drivers keep their cars running smoothly.

Local blood donation opportunities in Red Cross Month

BUFFALO — During the past year, Western New York has been rocked by a tragic, mass-casualty shooting, historic snowstorms, flooding in the Southern Tier and hundreds of home fires that have displaced families and, in some instances, resulted in loss of life.

In response to all of those events, Red Cross volunteers have been there to assist their neighbors in times of greatest need, just as they do every day in fulfilling the organization’s mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in times of emergency.

This March, the American Red Cross of the Western New York Region is honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.

Overall, more than 1,800 people serve as volunteers throughout the 27 counties that comprise the Red Cross of WNY region.

“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in our western New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier communities rally to-

gether to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Nick Bond, Regional CEO of the Red Cross of Western New York. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration.”

Those wishing to participate in Red

Cross Month can visit redcross.org to offer financial support, make an appointment to give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED.

Upcoming blood donations this month:

Allegany County

• Almond – March 20, 2-7 p.m., Alfred Almond Bible

Church, 6751 State Route 21.

• Belfast – March 28, noon to 5 p.m., Belfast Central School, 1 King St.

• Cuba – March 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., First Baptist Church, 17 South St.

• Wellsville – March 9, noon to 4:30 p.m., American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson St.

Forever Young Community Club launches at Genesee Valley

BELMONT — Forever Young Community Club for older adults and caregivers is accepting registrants to March’s activities and events.

The Forever Young Community Club is an opportunity for older adults and caregivers to have fun and participate in enriching activities every Tuesday and Thursday at Genesee Valley Central School.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

“Forever Young Community Club offers older adults and caregivers a space to meet friends or create new friendships,” explained Jose Soto, Ardent Solutions’ system transformation manager.

health & Wellness

“Ardent Solutions is partnering with Genesee Valley Central School and the Allegany County Office for the Aging to welcome community members 50 years of age and older from across Allegany County to participate in educational and wellness activities during the school day.”

Forever Young Community Club is supported through a grant from the Exhale Family Caregiver Initiative. Participants can attend every activity throughout the month or only select the ones that they are interested in. Activities include:

• 10-11 a.m.: Coffee Clutch and Conversation

• 11 a.m. (Tuesdays):

Music and Movement

• 11 a.m. (Thursdays): Living History Storytelling

• noon: Lunch

• 1 p.m.: Jaguar Walking Club 2 p.m. (Tuesdays):

Senior Book Club

• 2 p.m. (Thursdays): Card Club

• 3 p.m. (Tuesdays):

Color or Paint by Number Art Workshop

• 3 p.m. (Thursdays): Technology 101 Workshop

Additionally, Forever Young Community Club will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day BIN-

GO for youth Pre-K through second grade and their older adult loved ones on March 17, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m., in the Genesee Valley Central School cafeteria. Prizes will be awarded throughout the event.

“All materials and supplies are included in the program,” continued Soto. “Forever Young is a program of the Age-Friendly Allegany County Initiative to make Allegany County a great place to live, work, play, and retire.”

Anyone interested in participating in Forever Young Community Club, or is seeking additional information, is asked to call (585) 5931738 to pre-register or request details.

The effects of chronic stress on overall health

Stress poses a significant public health problem. Though work is often cited as a primary cause of stress, in 2022 socioeconomic issues contributed to a spike in stress levels, which serves as proof that there’s no shortage of potential stressors.

According to the Stress in America Survey 2022 from the American Psychological Association, 81 percent of respondents indicated they were stressed out due to issues affecting

the supply chain. Inflation proved even more troubling, as 87 percent of participants in the survey indicated they were stressed out by the rising cost in living. That’s especially noteworthy, as it marked a nearly 30 percent increase from the year prior.

Stress is more than an inconvenience.

Though the APA notes the human body is well-equipped to handle stress in small doses, chronic stress poses an

entirely different problem, affecting various parts of the body.

Musculoskeletal system

The APA reports that muscle tension is almost a reflex reaction to stress. However, muscle tension for long periods of time can trigger a host of problems, including tension-type headache and migraine headaches, which are each associated with chronic muscle tension in the shoulders, neck and head. The APA

notes that work-related stress in particular has been linked to musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and upper extremities.

Respiratory system

Stress can present problems affecting the respiratory system as well. Shortness of breath and rapid breathing can occur when a person is feeling stress. Though the APA acknowledges this is often not a problem for people without respiratory disease, the group notes it can exac-

erbate breathing problems for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, including asthma and COPD.

Cardiovascular system

Chronic stress can contribute to long-term problems affecting the heart and blood vessels, which the APA notes are the two elements of the cardiovascular system that work together to provide nourishment and oxygen to the body’s organs. Chronic stress has many

hallmarks, including a consistent and ongoing spike in heart rate. As a result, long-term ongoing stress increases a person’s risk for an assortment of cardiovascular problems, including hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

Gastrointestinal system

The APA notes that hundreds of millions of neurons in the gut are in constant communication with the brain. This is why feelings of nervousness or anxiety often produce the sensation of butterflies in the stomach. When a person is dealing with chronic stress, that can affect communication between the gut and brain, potentially leading to pain, bloating and other discomfort in the gut.

Stress is a public health problem that affects people from all walks of life. Individuals feeling excess levels of stress are urged to speak to their physicians and visit apa.org for more information.