Assemblywoman Addie Russell Statement on Lyme Disease

Assemblywoman Addie Russell:

Lyme disease is a serious health threat that may be lurking in your backyard

            As we fire up the grills and work in our yards and gardens this summer, it is important to remain aware and cautious of some of the dangers that this time of year brings. While it is certainly a time to go outdoors and enjoy the season, I want to remind you of an avoidable health threat that may be right past your back door – Lyme disease. With over 95,000 reported cases in New York State since 1986, Lyme disease is more common than you may think. However, armed with the right tools and knowledge, you will be able to keep you and your family safe from tick bites.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can produce skin, arthritic, cardiac and neurological complications and is caused by a bite of an infected deer tick. These ticks, often no larger than a sesame seed, must feed for 24 to 36 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease. Once infected, symptoms and their severity may vary, and can easily be overlooked. The first sign is usually a slowly expanding red “bull’s eye” rash in excess of two inches at the site of the tick bite. Symptoms may be flu-like, including chills, fever, fatigue, headache, neck stiffness, jaw discomfort and pain or stiffness in muscles or joints. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more serious stages, affecting the heart or central nervous system, which is why it is important to contact your doctor immediately at the first sign of a possible tick bite or infection.

A common myth is that you can easily remove a tick from your skin by burning, twisting or rotating the tick, but trying to do this will only increase the chance of becoming infected with the disease. The best way to remove a tick is with tweezers or a specialized tick-removal tool, which you can buy at local pharmacies. Disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap immediately after removing the tick. If the tick has already embedded itself in the skin, you should contact your doctor immediately. Studies have shown that most cases of Lyme disease are treatable with antibiotics and the earlier the treatment begins, the easier it is to prevent the long-term effects of the disease.

There are several, very simple things you can do to minimize your risk of contracting Lyme disease:

·        when in wooded or grassy areas, wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts. This will help you spot ticks. It may also help to tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants;

·        keep your lawn mowed;

·        stack woodpiles away from your house;

·        once indoors, do thorough checks on clothes and your entire body, paying particular attention to the backs of knees, behind ears, the scalp and back;

·        check your children and pets for attached or crawling ticks; and

·        consider using insect repellents to reduce tick bites. Follow label instructions carefully and use sparingly.

By taking the proper precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease. For further information, visit the New York State Department of Health website www.health.ny.gov, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website www.hhs.gov, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov or call your family physician.

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Assemblywoman Addie Russell on Memorial Day

       “Our grandparents used to call this day Decoration Day.  In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson changed the name to Memorial Day.  But the meaning is the same.  This day honors the men and women who died in service to the United States of America wearing the various uniforms of our country.  But the meaning is truly deeper than simply honoring those who have passed.  Memorial Day is about all Americans coming together for reconciliation. We reconcile the divisions that have faced us. Those that have made the ultimate sacrifice are diverse, from many races, religions and cultures but they are all Americans.  We honor those who gave their all so that we are able to gather today.”

          “Currently we observe Memorial Day on the Monday following the last weekend in May.  Originally, in 1868, the observance of Decoration Day was called for May 30^th.  In 2011 the date is again May 30^th. Therefore, let us take the opportunity of that coincidence to reflect on generation after generation of soldiers that have died so that we may enjoy the freedom and liberty that is America.”     

Assemblywoman Russell to Chair a Subcommittee

Assemblywoman Addie Russell has been appointed to chair the  Subcommittee on Women Veterans in the New York State Assembly.  This subcommittee is tasked with the examination of issues related to women veterans, including the transition of women veterans from a combat zone to civilian life, and the availability of benefits for women veterans. 

New York State has the fourth largest women veterans’ population in the United States.  The Assemblywoman will be focusing on addressing concerns of women veterans, including health care needs, and advocating for policies that address inequities within the military and veterans administration.

Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell on FEMA Assistance for Spring Flooding

 Statement from Assemblywoman Addie Russell on 

FEMA Assistance for Spring Flooding

"I am pleased that the Governor has formally requested a declaration of a major federal disaster for New York State and for St. Lawrence County as a result of extensive damage from severe rains and flooding that occurred recently.  Specifically, he requested assistance for St. Lawrence from the Individual Assistance program which provides assistance to individual home and business owners.  The state's rapid and ongoing response has been evident since in late April.  The State Emergency Management Organization (SEMO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials have worked together to assess the damage and to implement the statewide Hazard Mitigation program to help prevent future, long-term risk to life or property stemming from disasters."

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1812 Commemorative Commission Bill passes the Assembly

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2011

1812 Commemorative Commission Bill passes the Assembly

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (Theresa) announced that the bill which establishes a War of 1812 Commemorative Commission has passed the Assembly.  The Assembly bill (A. 3722A), on which she is the prime sponsor, establishes a formal commission to coordinate events and activities that commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812 at venues throughout the state, including Ogdensburg and Sackets Harbor. 

“The commemoration of the historic War of 1812 has great significance for the North Country.  I have been working with local and statewide groups, including the Seaway Trail, Inc., Fort LaPresentation, and the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site to advocate for the establishment of this commission.  Commemorating local battles and local life during the war provides a wonderful educational opportunity for families and plays an important role as an additional tourism opportunity, creating a positive economic impact in the regions.  

Since the end of the war, the United States and Canada have enjoyed 200 years of peace.  Our counterparts in Canada have been organizing events for the commemoration as well.  It is very important that New York provide for this commission as a compliment to other efforts by communities involved in the war to ensure that we properly honor those who gave their lives to defend this country two hundred years ago – which should never be forgotten.”

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Addie Discusses Guest Worker Legislation

      Assemblywoman Addie Russell will discuss pending guest worker legislation and other agricultural related issues on the HOME GROWN SHOW with Jay Matteson Saturday May 21st at 9AM on 790 Radio Watertown.  The program will be archived at WWW.790wtny.com.

Rediscovering Your Backyard