February 2018

When you think about good health, you may think first about doctors, medications, or hospitals. In this issue of Strictly Business, we decided to focus on the partnership between health and wellness to recognize that a combined approach works best.

Our cover article, about the transformation of Ticonderoga’s Moses Ludington Hospital and its new partnership with the Elizabethtown Community Hospital, shows how health care in Essex County is changing through collaboration and outreach. John Remillard, who now serves as president of both facilities, shares amazing details of the Ti facility’s extensive, soon-to-be-completed remodel, and how this once-struggling small, rural hospital will become the hub of a community health center that will provide enhanced services.

Our article about Hudson Headwaters’ new Champlain facility provides another look at state-of-the art health care delivery in a rural setting. Spearheaded by Dr. Maurice Racine, Champlain Family Health integrates physical and mental health into its primary care practice, which is serving more than 6,000 patients across the northern tier of Clinton County.

Also in this issue, Dr. Thierry Bonnabesse, a pain management practitioner in Plattsburgh, reveals how new techniques are being developed to enhance quality of life for those suffering from debilitating injuries or conditions.

And make sure to read our article about Luis Sierra, a teacher at ADK Yoga, who shares his own introduction to this ancient discipline and explains some of the health benefits of learning to connect with your own body through yoga.

Our Insight feature this month features Linda Bourgeois, president and CEO of UFirst Credit Union. Linda grew up just across the border in Hemmingford, but has spent most of her adult life in the North Country, building her career and giving back to her adopted community.

And our Best Practices feature looks at cyber security and its critical impact on businesses large and small. If you think this problem can’t impact your business, you will be surprised at what Devi Momot, president of Twinstate Technologies has to say.

This issue also takes a look at what the North Country offers for the blind and those with limited vision. In our article, you will meet Amy Kretser, executive director, and Jodi Lattrell-Burns, executive administrator of the North Country Association of the
Visually Impaired, who are dedicated to providing the services vital to this population.

John Bernardi, CEO of the United Way of the Adirondack Region and chair of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery Coalition (SPARCC), shares the goals of this organization and the importance of a united community approach at a time when the impact of substance abuse on individuals and the work place is dramatic.

To wrap up this issue, local attorney, Jacki Kelleher, analyzes the future of ObamaCare for our readers, and Garry Douglas brings us up-to-date on NAFTA renegotiations.

We live in a community that offers much in the way of health care and wellness. Finding the right combination of providers and services that allow us to live our best lives is good for us and good for business.