If you are looking for a second job or a part-time position, stop in to fill out an employment application or apply online at ashtonplaceny.com. Ashton Place has many “variable” hour positions available.
Maintenance Assistant – Full-Time $20-$25/hour
We are looking for a courteous individual who would be responsible for assisting with the maintenance of the grounds, building, and equipment of our Senior Living Community. Basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and HVAC is preferred.
Personal Care Aide/Med Tech. – Part-Time & Per Diem $17-$19/hour
We are in need of a vibrant, kindhearted, and attentive person to join the Ashton Place direct care team. is position primarily provides assistance and supervision with activities of daily living such as: medication administration assistance, showering, grooming and dressing. We offer dynamic and comprehensive in-house training, so previous experience is not necessary.
Waitstaff – Part-Time & Per Diem $15-$17/hour is position would be primarily responsible for serving meals and clearing tables for our residents and guests. Executing cleaning tasks and record keeping are other major functions in this role. All waitstaff are trained in-house, therefore previous experience is not necessary.
Genesee Valley Penny Saver PO BOX 340 Avon, NY 14414-0340
WINTER ENTERTAINING IDEAS
Indulge in sweet treats. Comfort foods can make even the most blustery winds easier to tolerate. Invite people over for a dessert party. At a dessert pot luck party, everyone brings along a favorite decadent dessert, from molten lava chocolate cake to warm bread pudding. Serve alongside tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Adults can enjoy the added punch of spiked beverages, which can warm everyone up instantly.
December 24, 2024 • 7pm
Community Church 5694 Woodlane Newark, NY 14513 Office 315-331-4903
Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale
Specia Seaso Worship
Tuesday, December 17 at 7pm: Liturgy of Healing and Remembrance
Christmas Eve, December 24 at 7pm: Holy Eucharist Rite II with caroling beginning at 6:45pm
Sunday, December 29 at 10am: Liturgy of Lessons and Carols
Zion Episcopal Church 120 East Main Street • Palmyra, NY 14522 https://www.zionepiscopalpalmyra.org/
Tuesday, December 24th
4pm at
Macedon Center United Methodist Church 1160 Macedon Center Road, Macedon 5:30 pm at South Perinton United Methodist Church 291 Wilkinson Road, Fairport
United
SPIRITUAL CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Focus
Holiday shopping season typically begins the day after Thanksgiving and extends all the way to Christmas Eve. While that’s a considerable amount of time for shoppers to find gifts for everyone on their shopping list, many people will still find themselves putting holiday shopping off until the last minute. In certain ways, last-minute holiday shopping is easier than ever. Thanks to online retailers who can ship products overnight, men and women who delay their holiday shopping have more options at their disposal than they did before the arrival of the Internet. And unlike the days of yore when the best deals were largely exclusive to Black Friday, some shoppers find that competition between online retailers and traditional brick-and-mortar stores is so great that deals can be found regardless of when they begin shopping. But while waiting until the last minute to begin holiday shopping may not be as risky as it used to be, shoppers may still benefit by sticking to certain strategies so they can find the perfect gifts without breaking the bank.
UPTO
50%OFF BICYCLES
directly to diabetes research. In the last 40 years, more than $24 million has been raised.
Gift of Hope offers an exclusive line of items for everyone on your list:
• Holiday cards, many of which were created by or dedicated to a person with diabetes
• Personalized photo gifts, including holiday greeting cards, travel mugs, phone skins and more
• Housewares and seasonal gift items, such as plates, ornaments and hand towels
Catalog purchases are a Gift of Hope to the nearly 26 million children and adults in the U.S. who have diabetes.
Another way to give back this holiday season is to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one. Gift of Hope offers honor or memorial gift cards, which represent a tax-deductible donation to diabetes research. No matter which way you give, buy gifts that support a cause this season. Feel better about successfully checking off your holiday shopping list, while also making a difference in the lives of millions.
Support the Association’s diabetes research efforts. Shop the Gift of Hope online catalog at www.shopdiabetes.org/giftofhope.
It’s The End of Year Clearance at RV&E Bike and Skate!
Easy Entertaining Tips for Holiday Celebrations (Family Features) If you are planning a cocktail or dinner party this year, remember, inviting friends and family into your home should be fun and festive, not overwhelming.
Set the mood as you set the table. When entertaining, linen napkins and tablecloths can set the tone for the party and create a festive and welcoming experience for guests.
Menu planning 101. Expect guests to be thirsty and hungry when they arrive. Whether passing hors d’oeuvres or having a sit-down meal, buy and prepare plenty of food to keep everyone happy and full. To have enough cocktails on hand, plan for your guests to drink one to two drinks per hour of the party and calculate from there.
were trying to instill a sense
jar, continues to be a way of
As
Let us Welcome in the New Year 2025 with revived hope knowing that by God’s divine intervention America will be great again by turning our eyes to focus on the Greatness of our Lord & Savior. Making a moral, biblical stand, loving our neighbors & living by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as we would have them do to us.
We at Cornerstone stand ready to serve you & your family in all phases of Real Estate! We look forward to helping you soon!
www.cornerstonerealtyny.com
MACEDONPUBLICLIBRARY:
Dec. 21:
(10:00am-11:30am)CodingClub, grades6-12
(10:00am-1:30pm)MakeYour OwnGiftBag
Clifton Springs Library
4 Railroad Avenue
Clifton Springs, NY 14432
315-462-7371
cliftonspringslibrary.com
Hrs.: Mon-Thur 10-7; Fri 10-5; Sat 10-2
Geneva Public Library
244 Main Street Geneva, NY 14456
315-789-5303
genevapubliclibrary.net
Hrs.: Mon-Fri 8:30-7; Sat 9-2
Macedon Public Library
30 Main Street Macedon, NY 14502
315-986-5932
macedonpubliclibrary.org
Hrs.: Mon-Thur 10-8; Fri & Sat 10-2
Newark Public Library 121 High Street Newark, NY 14513
315-331-0552
newarklibrary.org
Hrs.: Mon-Thur 9:30-7; Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-1
Palmyra Community Library
402 East Main Street
Palmyra, NY 14522
315-597-5276
palmyracommunitylibrary.org
Hrs.: Mon-Thur 10-8; Fri 10-5; Sat 10-2
Phelps Library
8 Banta Street, Suite 200 Phelps, NY 14532
315-548-3120 phelpslibrary.org
Hrs.: Mon-Thur 9-8; Fri 9-5
Here’s what’s happening at your local library…
Dec.23: (2:00pm-4:00pm)Euchre (5:00pm-7:45pm)GEDInstructional Help
Tuesday,January7-American Red CrossBloodDrive: 1:30pm to6:30pmatFarmingtonCommunityChurch,5925CountyRd41, Farmington.Participantsmustbe ages17orolder;16withparental consentandbringID.Forinformation:redcross.org.Appointments maybemadeatredcrossblood.org.
STATISTICS SHOW JUST HOW BIG SMALL BUSINESS IS
Small businesses and happiness might be linked. A 2019 survey from Guidant Financial and the online lending marketplace LendingClub found that 78 percent of small business owners rated their level of happiness as an average of eight on a scale of one to 10 (10 being the happiest).
HOLIDAY
FUN FACTS
“Jingle Bells” originally was a Thanksgiving song, and it was first performed by composer/organist James Lord Pierpont at his church’s Thanksgiving concert.
DON’T gift without doing research into whether or not toys are ageappropriate. Pay attention to toy recalls as well. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides lists of recalled items.
GUIDELINES FOR HOMETOWN EVENTS:
Events should occur on a specific date at a specific time. Due to the increasing number of submissions, we will no longer be able to publish the following items:
• Businesses/schools seeking registration for classes or program
• Organizations seeking crafters or vendor
• Organizations seeking donations of items
Genesee Valley Penny Saver reserves the right to approve/reject events for publication. Events are published as space allows. Event deadline is Monday, 2 weeks prior to publication date
REGISTER AND SUBMIT YOUR EVENT ONLINE AT Log in to your account or register on our website to start submitting your events today! www.gvpennysaver.com under ‘Share With Us’ Events may also be submitted at: 1471 Route 15, Avon, NY 14414
Each mumbered row contains two clues and two answers. e two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.
PDS COINS
40 W. Main St., Shortsville, NY
Hours: Wed.-Fri. 9am-5pm, Sat. 9am-Noon, Appointments available Mon. & Tues.
Holiday celebrants employ holiday lights in various ways. Certain individuals may be content to hang lights on their Christmas trees and call their decorating complete. Others may get their holiday jollies by making sure each square inch of their home is covered in twinkling lights. Still, other people prefer the more subdued effect of lights framing one picture window of the house.
Thank You
To all who made the 2024 Festival of Lights possible, including:
Financial Sponsors
Artistic Hair Salon
Cli on Springs Laundromat
Empire Recycling RJH, Inc.
Everson Dairy
Finger Lakes Ambulance EMS
FLACRA
GW Lisk
Half Dutch Farm LLC
Bill & Doris Hunter
Ivan & Izac Automotive
Main Street Arts
RA Patrick Funeral Home
Rochester’s Cornerstone Group
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Second Seasons Consignment
Sulfur Books
Van Camp’s Tire Center
VanderBrook Chiropractic
Will-O-Crest Farms
In-Kind Donors
Artistic Hair Salon
Child & Family Resources
Cli on Springs Area YMCA
Cli on Springs Hardware
Special anks
Ballerinas of the PCC Dance Studio
Performers of the PCC Youth eatre
Cli on Springs Fire Department
Gail Conners
Arlene Copeland
Nancy Denisi
Sonya Haskins
Midlakes Musicians & Vocalists
Denise Morphy
Santa, Ms. Elf, Frosty & Rudolph
Lighting Crews
Village of Cli on Springs
Warfield’s Restaurant Staff
Cli on Springs United Methodist Church
D. Buckley Salon & Spa
Flowers by Sandy
FLX Local Media
Foster Block
Foster Cottage Museum
Our Children’s Place
PCC Head Start Program
Navigating snowy landscapes and icy streets can be difficult and uncomfortable. Winter clothing is largely classified by clothes that keep you warm and some that keep you even warmer, but winter need not be strictly about function. Although winter might not be the season of high fashion, anyone can employ strategies to include form, function and fashion into their winter ensembles.
DID YOU KNOW?
Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their effortsatdoingsoaremoreconvincing if they volunteer themselves. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition,adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children.
By Fifi Rodriguez
1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the northernmost capital city in the world?
2. U.S. STATES: Which state is the driest?
3. MOVIES: In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” what is the name of the angel who saves George Bailey?
4. LITERATURE: Which American novelist also wrote under the pen name Edgar Box?
5. SCIENCE: What is the process called in which plants lose water through their leaves?
6. HISTORY: What was the name of the international group that was supposed to keep the peace after World War I?
Phelps Community Center
Peirce & Main
Spa Apartments
Warfield’s Restaurant, Lounge & Bakery
7. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom featured a holiday episode titled “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas”?
8. ASTRONOMY: What is it called when a group of stars forms a pattern?
9. MUSIC: What is the top-selling holiday song of all time?
10. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many years are in a millennium?
1. Reykjavik, Iceland.
2. Nevada, with an average of 10 inches of rain a year.
3. Clarence Odbody.
4. Gore Vidal.
5. Transpiration.
6. The League of Nations.
7. “Community.”
8. Constellation.
9. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby.
10. 1,000.
LITTLE TYKES SCHOOL DESK. Pick up, Bergen. 716-474-2884
KING SIZE BED FRAME. Pick up, Geneseo. 585-991-8255
ELVIS COMMEMORATIVES: 11 TV Guide commemoratives, 3 Elvis Special Edition booklets, 1 Newsweek 8/97, 1 Life 1987, 1 Tape. Phelps. kelleykevin612@gmail.com
Two complete TWIN BEDS with frames, mattresses, box springs, mattress pads, blankets. Hemlock. elsiecostanzo@gmail.com
Three 65-gallon metal drums of FUEL OIL. Pick up, Newark. 315-332-8043
One wood and one plastic used but steam-sanitized standard ROUND TOILET SEATS. No issues, hardware included. Conesus. Text/ Call 607-542-9113
50 various RECORDS, box of cassettes, some 8 tracks. Must take all. Fairport. cszilagyi1@rochester.rr.com
Life Fitness ELLIPTICAL - works great. You move: heavy, need truck and friends. Also, basic HOME BREWING EQUIPMENT, carboys, bottles, brushes, etc. Canandaigua. 585-469-4539
GE GAS OVEN with four burner stovetop (c. 2003). Everything works except the broiler button. Pickup in Penfield. corcaigh111@gmail.com
54” x 78” FOAM MATTRESS TOPPER, 3” thick. Great for camping. Phelps. 315-548-8685
COMMODE, barely used. Batavia. Call before 12noon. 585-813-5325
Guidelines:
METRONOME, either manual or electric. 585-948-5079
COAT TREE, small to medium DOG CRATE, small PET CARRIERS, and an APARTMENT SIZE REFRIGERATOR. 585-507-8788
‘70s-’90s ROCK RECORDS, CASSETTES, and 8 TRACK TAPES. gzintel1967@gmail.com
Mercury SNOWMOBILE PARTS 1974-76 for restoration project. Call or text 585-733-2026
DOG FOOD, CAT FOOD, CAT LITTER, ADVANTAGE OR FRONTLINE. holdfort@rochester.rr.com
Any WEBER GRILLS. Call or Text Matt 315-576-1278
Cooperstown Dreams Field TRADING PINS. salvatore.d.timpani@gmail.com
OLD BOY SCOUT & GIRL SCOUT items. bartonta@gmail.com
FOOD DEHYDRATOR for meat, veggies, etc. 585-697-4489
Small HARD SHELL CAMPER. Registration not required. Call or text 585-455-4363
ATARI 2600 with games, BUFFALO BILLS BLANKET and a PORTABLE DVD PLAYER. 585-415-8513
MODEL KITS built or un-built. Automotive, aviation, military, ships, etc. Parts and pieces ok. 585-314-6989
BOOKCASE. Does not need to be pretty. 585-356-9306
MINI REFRIGERATOR in working condition and ADULT NUTRITION DRINKS, any brand. Call or text 585-649-8706
BABY CLOTHES, TOYS, and STUFFED ANIMALS. 585-236-0426
FLAT SCREEN TV (no matter how small or old), MICROWAVE and DVD PLAYER all in working condition. 585-505-7276
TOMATO CAGES - any size, any style! (The taller, the better!) John at JFNfarm@gmail.com
ELECTRONIC PARTS, IC chips, connectors, relays, switches, test equipment, electronic tools, electronic hobbyist/prototyping items, old/obsolete/surplus. 585-746-9904
Submissions published as space allows. We reserve the right to decline/edit/omit info. We assume no responsibility for submissions. Submissions must include phone # or email. Noncommercial use only. 20 word limit. Please call to remove listing once item is taken/received. Submit at www.gvpennysaver.com under Share With Us - Give & Take or call 226-8111 x 111
WANTED
GREAT GIFTS FOR SENIORS: FAMILY TIME
Shoppers who are especially stuck on what to get seniors for Christmas can just resolve to spend more time with their elderly loved ones. Many seniors genuinely have everything they need, and such men and women may only want to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time with the special seniors in your life if the perfect gift is eluding you.
THE HISTORY OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS
The tradition of Christmas lights stretches back to early modern Germany when people used candles to decorate Christmas trees in Christian homes. Those candles were harbingers of what would come when electric lights replaced gas and other open flame illuminating devices that were commonplace prior to the 20th century.
active senior living
Here’s A Tip
BYLINE: By JoAnn Derson
* “Save egg cartons for children’s painting palettes. It’s very easy to give kids a small amount of many colors, and they don’t spread them out and run them together as quickly when they are each in their own cup. Plus, they are easy to carry.” -- O.L. in Utah
* Remove price tag residue off hard surfaces with hairspray. Or WD40 works well too.
* Make your own frozen dinners by purchasing divided trays and using them to store le overs. Slip each into a plastic bag and label. On busy nights, you can take your favorite out and microwave it.
* Damp cloth plus baking soda should be your first weapon against stains in the kitchen and bathroom. It’s eco-friendly, and a mild abrasive, which works without scratching!
Hocus Focus
BY HENRY BOLTINOFF
TThe Three Kings
BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW
hree Kings came riding from far away, Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar; ree Wise Men out of the East were they, And they traveled by night and they slept by day, For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star. e star was so beautiful, large and clear, at all the other stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere, And by this they knew that the coming was near Of the Prince foretold in the prophecy. ree caskets they bore on their saddle-bows, ree caskets of gold with golden keys; eir robes were of crimson silk with rows Of bells and pomegranates and furbelows, eir turbans like blossoming almond-trees.
And so the ree Kings rode into the West, rough the dusk of the night, over hill and dell, And sometimes they nodded with beard on breast, And sometimes talked, as they paused to rest, With the people they met at some wayside well.
“Of the child that is born,” said Baltasar, “Good people, I pray you, tell us the news; For we in the East have seen his star, And have ridden fast, and have ridden far, To find and worship the King of the Jews.”
And the people answered, “You ask in vain; We know of no King but Herod the Great!” ey thought the Wise Men were men insane, As they spurred their horses across the plain, Like riders in haste, who cannot wait.
And when they came to Jerusalem, Herod the Great, who had heard this thing, Sent for the Wise Men and questioned them; And said, “Go down unto Bethlehem, And bring me tidings of this new king.”
So they rode away; and the star stood still, e only one in the grey of morn; Yes, it stopped – it stood still of its own free will, Right over Bethlehem on the hill, e city of David, where Christ was born.
And the ree Kings rode through the gate and the guard, rough the silent street, till their horses turned And neighed as they entered the great inn-yard; But the windows were closed, and the doors were barred, And only a light in the stable burned. And cradled there in the scented hay, In the air made sweet by the breath of kine, e little child in the manger lay, e child, that would be king one day Of a kingdom not human, but divine.
His mother Mary of Nazareth Sat watching beside his place of rest, Watching the even flow of his breath, For the joy of life and the terror of death Were mingled together in her breast. ey laid their offerings at his feet: e gold was their tribute to a King, e frankincense, with its odor sweet, Was for the Priest, the Paraclete, e myrrh for the body’s burying.
And the mother wondered and bowed her head, And sat as still as a statue of stone, Her heart was troubled yet comforted, Remembering what the Angel had said Of an endless reign and of David’s throne. en the Kings rode out of the city gate, With a clatter of hoofs in proud array; But they went not back to Herod the Great, For they knew his malice and feared his hate, And returned to their homes by another way.
Shear Wonders Salon
Get Holiday Ready!
Gift Certificates Available
• Cut $18 • Color $65+
• Perms $65+
4 W. Main St. • Shortsville, NY Call (585) 289-3200 www.shear-wonders.com
Winter is a time of promise because there is so little to do — or because you can now and then permit yourself the luxury of thinking so. ~ Stanley Crawford, A Garlic Testament: Seasons on a Small New Mexico Farm, 1992
Fair Housing Statement
All real estate advertised in the Genesee Valley Penny Saver is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Fair Housing Enforcement Project Monroe County Legal Assistance Center
1 W. Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 325-2500 • www.lawny.org
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Online POLL
If you think this holiday season feels shorter than normal, you’re not wrong. 2024 has the shortest holiday season, with only 27 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas (compared with 33 days in 2023). What is your favorite way to celebrate the winter holiday season?
- Festive decorations
- Quality time with family and friends
- Seasonal foods and treats
- Travel / plan travel
- Community or religious traditions
- Staying in with movies and books
Poll ends 12-23-2024
Poll ended 12-17-2024
With the holiday season and end of year stresses upon us, neuroscientists across the nation and world continue to prove the benefits of welcomed hugs. What do you think is the greatest benefit?
17.6% Hugs help me feel calmer and less stressed
23.5% Hugs soothe fears and provide comfort
41.2% There’s no downside to a warm, welcome hug!
17.6% I do not welcome hugs
We love hearing from you! Vote and make your voice heard when you visit www.gvpennysaver.com!
1. Horsey is hoping for a tropical holidays.
2. Sisters enjoying a recent snowfall in Avon.
3. A beautiful December morning!
One kind word can warm three wintermonths. ~Japanese Proverb
Christmas is one of the most joyful holidays! Some celebrate it just to partake in its holiday fun or to spend time with family. Houses are decked out in colorful lights and beautifully decorated pine trees, the delicious smell of hot cocoa and spices fill the air — there's nothing that quite tops the beautiful Christmas spirit.
26 million Xmas
trees
In 2015, approximately 26 million Christmas trees were purchased at an average cost of $50.82 each.
Spread cheer
The holidays are the perfect excuse to spread cheer to those around you and, in doing so, help you enjoy the holiday more, too. Whistle along to your favorite Christmas tune, smile at others, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Your joyful holiday spirit will be contagious. The same number represents the same letter. Crack the code and fill the grid. To help you get started
I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens
BeHeard!
SHARE YOUR “ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE”NEWS OR VENT YOUR THOUGHTS WITH THE COMMUNITY www.gvpennysaver.com/brightervent
BRIGHTER
Wanttoreply? Goonlinetosee all&comment! 2
Winter weather is no match for Western NYers!
The DPW Highway Departments here are amazing, salting and plowing, removing leaves and yard debris for residents. I grew up all over New England, so we saw snow every year, but the sheer volume of snowfall here is breathtaking, but even more amazing is how quickly and efficiently people here are able to resume their normal daily routines. Three inches, no problem, everyone goes about as normal. Six inches, plows do great and all's back to normal. A foot? Two feet? Constant snowfall for 24hrs? No problem. Plow people kick into high gear and keep the roads clear. Residents keep sidewalks reasonably clear and clear out around hydrants. It's just ... normal and so amazing to be able to enjoy the full winter season. Thank you to everyone who helps out in whatever way they can.
Side street traffic gets in sometimes
To the person who let me in when traffic was backed up for half a mile and everyone else just passed right by, pretending not to notice I was there, thank you! Traffic in that stretch often rivals a city or something, but usually the side street traffic gets waved in every few cars. Not today. Everyone had places to go, people to see, off in their own worlds, I guess. So again, thank you. We can all use a little extra patience and let a car in every now and then when traffic is backed up.
True meaning of Christmas Coming home from work I have noticed the Christmas decorations in areas I have to drive through. There is one that caught my eyes, the Nativity scene. This is the true meaning of Christmas.
Humble Holiday Celebrations
Thank you, everyone who keeps it simple with your kiddos. Some of us do not have a lot extra to spend on our children this holiday (or any year), and it always adds to the stress when some people lavish their children with so much 'stuff' for gifts. Yes, we all know you have money. Yes, you're allowed to spend your money however you want, so yes of course feel free to gift to your children. Just please be mindful that it might be nice to raise your kiddos a little mindful of all who don't
Penny Saver
Merry Christmas from Bronx Maverick love to snuggle together and are pretty compliant when their mommy dresses them!
Send us a photo and a write-up to be featured. Submit online at gvpennysaver.com - Share With Us. Or, mail to: PO Box 340, Avon, NY 14414. Published at discretion of GVPS.
PAW’S CORNER
By Sam Marzotta
HOLIDAY TRAVEL WITH A PET
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We are bringing our new dog, “Mara,” with us to visit relatives in Ohio this Christmas. ey are aware and said that our guest room is prepared with a dog bed so that she will be comfortable. However, we’ve never traveled with a pet before, and Mara is an energetic Border Collie. Do you have any advice for a pleasant road trip? -- Dave and Diane in Sarasota, Florida
DEAR DAVE & DIANE: e best advice is to plan, plan, plan around Mara’s needs during your drive to Ohio. As an energetic dog, Mara needs frequent walk breaks to get out of the car and work off some energy. You’ll also need to stay at a pet-friendly hotel if you’re not driving straight through the night.
Here are some important tips as you prepare:
• Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, and carry a copy of her records.
• Consider microchipping your dog before the trip if you haven’t done so, and make sure an ID tag is attached to her collar.
• Pack a bag just for Mara with her preferred food, treats, toys, cold weather gear and medications. Add an extra leash and collar just in case.
• Install a sturdy crate big enough for your dog to turn around in -either in the back seat or, if you have an SUV, in the cargo area. is will be secure and comfortable for a big dog.
• Take Mara on a few short car trips so she gets familiar with the travel crate.
• e day of the trip, feed and walk Mara at least an hour before departing. She may get carsick if she eats too soon before starting off.
• Never let Mara off leash during your trip.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
By Keith Roach, M.D.
Semaglutide
Assists With Weight Gain Caused by Antipsychotics
DEAR DR. ROACH: I was wondering whether Ozempic might be prescribed for somebody who gained weight due to antipsychotics or drugs for depression. I read some years ago that the weight gain associated with antipsychotics had something to do with blood sugar levels (or some other metabolic reason). -- K.
ANSWER: You are quite right that many medications, including some antipsychotic and antidepressant medicines, are commonly associated with weight gain. There are many mechanisms at work here, but the blood sugar increase is probably secondary to the weight gain, rather than the other way around. Some medicines are worse than others, so a wise prescriber chooses the least-harmful option when possible. But sometimes the only medication that works for a mental health issue does cause weight gain.
For decades, psychiatrists and others have prescribed metformin to help with weight gain due to medications. It’s certainly better than nothing, but you are right that semaglutide (Ozempic when prescribed for diagnosed diabetes and Wegovy when prescribed for weight loss) will be more effective. A 2023 study showed that semaglutide was effective for people who gained weight due to psychiatric drugs and did not respond to metformin.
Getting insurance companies to cover these expensive medications is often the biggest barrier.
DR. ROACH WRITES: You recently wrote about colitis, aka inflammation of the colon. Could you please explain how to treat and prevent it? -- M.C.
ANSWER: ”Colitis” does mean inflammation of the colon, but it isn’t just one disease. It’s a finding that is associated with many diseases, so treatment depends on the exact cause.
Colitis can be due to infection. Diseases like diverticulitis and gastroenteritis are inflammatory due to the presence of a pathogen. A pathogen is an unhealthy germ in the colon that leads to symptoms such as fever and diarrhea. Often these infections do not need antibiotics, just support until the body gets rid of the infection itself. Other infections are more serious, like Clostridioides difficile (“C. diff”), which is life-threatening and requires powerful treatment. Microscopic colitis diseases are unusual and possibly autoimmune. They are sometimes triggered by medications and treated with anti-inflammatory medicines such as budesonide.
The underlying cause of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis) still isn’t well-understood. Although anti-inflammatory medicines like steroids still form part of the treatment for IBD, current treatment uses biological agents to target molecules that form part of the disease response -- without the long-term toxicity of steroids. There are many other causes of colitis. Treatment is highly variable, and prevention isn’t always possible. Still, a healthy diet with a large variety of foods, especially plants, will help keep your colon in the best shape to ward off infections. It’s much easier to get an infection after antibiotics, for example, since the healthy bacteria are largely killed off. I do not recommend probiotics in healthy people. Your microbiome -- the “suite” of bacteria, viruses and other microbes that live in your gut -- respond better to a good diet than a large number of limited bacteria. There is almost no evidence of benefit when it comes to probiotics in healthy people.
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