Local author’s new book
Christa McAuliffe of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster PAGE 2
FEBRUARY
‘Everyday Talismans’ on display at Howe Library in Wellsville
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — The works of two artists will be on display in the exhibition room at the David A. Howe Library — “Everyday Talismans” features the works of Chaz Lagreca and Casey O’Connor, with a reception set for 5 p.m. Friday in the gallery for the public. The show will feature ceramics and paintings and mixed media and is built around the use of talismans that are found
WELLSVILLE — Dr. Zahi Kassas, a pediatrician who has treated children in the Wellsville area for more than 25 years, announced he will officially close his general practice this spring.
As of May 1, Kassas will transition to a more limited role, according to Jones Memorial Hospital. He will provide hospital pediatric services and caring for a select population of complex pediatric patients.
in everyday life from a pebble to a spirit.
The dictionary defines talisman as: “An object typically an inscribed ring or stone thought to have magical powers and brings good luck.”
Lagreca defines a talisman as an object or person that inspires you.
“There are all kinds of talismans that you see every day, if you are open to them,” he said.
Lagreca, who chose to live in Wellsville a little over a year ago,
Jones Memorial will also say goodbye to Monica Acomb, a pediatrics nurse practitioner, who has assisted Kassas for more than 25 years at the Bradley Building location in Wellsville, working closely with families, attending to sick visits and caring for the community. She has dedicated 32 years to health care, including time as a regis-
spent most of his life cooking for the rich and famous in California and in other cities. Now retired, he has put down his spatula and picked up a paint brush, returning to an earlier passion.
“My artwork has to make a point and say something. If you can inspire one person with your work, than it has been successful,” he said.
He went on to explain that the show,
tered nurse at JMH. She will also retire on May 1. Throughout her career, Acomb has been a trusted, steady presence for generations of patients, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, commitment and heartfelt care
in the community she proudly served.
“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Kassas and Monica’s years of dedication and service to our hospital and this community,” said Carrie Walker, vice president of professional services at Jones Memorial. “Their contributions have had an immeasurable impact on this community, through their practice alone, and we wish them the best as they transition toward retirement and part-time care.”
Throughout his career, Kassas has been a dedicated leader, community-minded provider and physician.
In addition to serving the community as a provider, he served as JMH’s chief of staff from 2019-20. He was also chief of pediatrics from 2016-25. Kassas has served on numerous committees at the hospital and is a trusted community leader, serving as the chief of the Allegany County Board of Health, of which he is currently still a member. He has been the neonatal resuscitation program instructor as well as a clinical instructor at multiple colleges and universities in the Rochester, Buffalo and Olean areas. Kassas was the re-
cipient of the New York State Rural Physician of the Year award in 2022 and was recognized for his dedication to instructing next generations with numerous teaching awards from the University at Buffalo Family Residency Program in 2023 and 2024. Two other pediatricians also currently serve the Wellsville area with Jones Memorial Hospital: Dr. Nishit Shah and Dr. Yoojeong Oh. Families with questions regarding transitions may call (585) 596-2051 or email JMH-WeCare@URMC. rochester.edu.
Photo provided
Casey O’Connor’s artwork, which is on display at the David A. Howe Memorial Library in Wellsville.
Dr. Zahi Kassas Monica Acomb, PNP
Local author’s new book remembers Christa McAuliffe of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster
BY KATHRYN ROSS
ALFRED
— Many remember watching Space Shuttle Challenger explode 73 seconds into its flight on Jan. 28, 1986, but the author of a new book about the disaster, Oline Eaton, was just 4 years old at the time.
By January 1986, space shuttle flights were becoming routine, but the Challenger flight commanded new interest because a teacher was onboard for the very first time. Christa McAuliffe, a Concord (N.H.) High School history and English teacher, had been selected from 11,000 applicants to become the first participant in NASA’s Teacher In Space Program.
Eaton, an adjunct professor at Alfred State College, explores the life of McAuliffe and the program in her new book “The Teacher In Space Project,” released on the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster that took the lives of McAuliffe and her fellow crew members.
On that fateful day in 1986, just before lunch, the televised Challenger launch was being watched by millions of viewers in the U.S. and abroad. In thousands of schools, classroom
televisions were tuned in with everyone watching the launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla. Eaton was in her home and only remembers her parents closing the door to the room where the television was located where they and other adults were watching the launch. She was a little over age 4 and not yet in school.
Eaton’s interest in the Challenger and McAu-
liffe’s story started when she went to school and met older children who had witnessed the tragedy. Few can forget seeing the images of the fireballs caused by the explosion — or the stunned looks on the faces of McAuliffe’s parents as they looked skyward at the moment of the tragedy.
back. As a teacher, I was impressed with her teaching style.”
Eaton’s last book was about the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, which took her several years to write. The McAuliffe book took about a year and a half.
“It was hard to access information on Jackie Kennedy, but very easy to find information on McAuliffe,” she said.
in the rocket boosters might fail in colder weather. The temperature was in the mid-30s at launch time — cold for Florida. The optimal temperature for the O-rings to function was in the mid-50s.
“This story is also rooted in my past. My grandmother always wanted to go into space. The story is more about grief and loss,” Eaton said.
”I haven’t recovered from this last book, yet, but I’ve been looking into the life of Rita Lydig (1875-1929) a socialite who was noted as the most picturesque woman in America,” she said.
Lydig was photographed, sculpted and painted by the likes of John Singer Sargent, an American artist and leading portraitist of his time, among others.
Eaton has a has a doctorate from King’s College in London, a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University.
The most difficult part of writing about McAuliffe was the sadness, Eaton recalled. “Christa’s story is such a sad story. Her death was so senseless.”
She also teaches first-year college writing at Howard University of Washington, D.C., where she is a non-tenure track lecturer. Previously, she taught first-year college writing as an adjunct at American University, Trinity Washington University, New York University (at its New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanghai campuses) and the University of Memphis.
“The Teacher and Space Project” is available through Amazon and on Kindle and will be in local bookstores.
“The secretary in the principal’s office had a big poster of McAuliffe behind her desk. I saw it very often because I was sent to the principal a lot,” she recalled. “It’s a very vivid memory. A few years ago I saw a Netflix documentary on Christa McAuliffe and the memories came
Deborah Didion 5857 Hilltop Road, Cuba, NY 14727
Phone & Fax: (585) 968-2621
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Other times available by appointment.
Striving to serve you better. debdidion3@gmail.com • Deborah@didiontaxes.com
➡
Historically, in the final reports from the Challenger disaster, it shows that NASA officials chose to launch the space shuttle with seven astronauts onboard even though engineers warned O-ring seals
Everyday Talismans
“Everyday Talismans” saying there are things, talismans all around you, that can inspire you. Casey O’Connor is also fairly new to the
The one thing she learned from her research, the author said, was, “Christa McAuliffe was just an ordinary person. So much like everyone who had a typical ‘50s childhood. She was a celebrity for about six months and then her life tragically ended.”
Eaton said she isn’t sure who she will write about next.
continued from PAGE 1
area. He and Lagreca met in a local coffee shop and later at the library book sale and realized they had a lot in common. They became friends when both real-
ized their connection as artists.
O’Connor works at the Creative Arts Center, where he also has his ceramic arts studio. He has a master’s degree in
Eaton’s book on Kennedy Onassis, entitled “Finding Jackie: A Life Reinvented,” was published in January 2023 and can also be found on Amazon and in bookstores.
art from Alfred University.
“When I met Chaz at the coffee shop and then at the book sale, I knew we had a connection,” O’Connor said. That connection led to the two-man art show.
Ceramics has been O’Connors’s choice of artistic media since high school and his works are on display throughout the nation.
“I love working in clay,” he said.
O’Connor often makes pebble size works with faces on them and leaves them in rivers and other public places where people can find them.
Lately he has been inspired by David A. Meow, the library’s resident cat. O’Connor has imagined his life in ceramics, paintings and drawings.
The “Everyday Talismans” show is an eclectic display of each artist’s everyday thoughts and feelings, expressed in a variety of pure and mixed media and offering a glimpse into each artist’s life. This show is free and open to the public and will run throughout the month of February.
Photo by Shealyn Jae
Author and professor Oline Eaton.
SHONGO — The
13th annual Hoodie Hoo Day, sponsored by Allegany Trails, Inc. and 2 Sisters and a Smoker restaurant in Shongo, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21, with the Hoodie Hoo celebration at noon sharp.
Organizers invite all to come help drive the 2025-26 winter away and have some fun. It is an easy drive by car from Wellsville.
Hoodie Hoo Day,
now celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere and as far away as New Zealand, was started by Betty Tomack in the Gold (Pa.) General Store (now closed) in Potter County more than 40 years ago. The event is still near the Genesee River, just moved downstream into southern Allegany County. This year’s celebration will include free chili with cornbread, tea and coffee. Other
Allegany County Democrats collecting for food pantry in Angelica
ANGELICA
— When the Allegany County Democrats gather for their next “Coffee with Democrats” on Saturday, Feb. 14, in Angelica, they’ll be collecting non-perishable food and personal care items to be donated to the Blessing Box pantry sponsored by Angelica’s Methodist Church.
“This is the third year that county Democrats have organized pantry collections,” says County Chair Karen Ash. “Coffee with Democrats is held in different towns across the county. Wherever we meet, we donate to the pantry in that town. Serving our community in this way is a simple yet meaningful expression of our organization’s and our party’s values.”
The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at 22 W. Main St., Angelica, and is open to all registered Democrats and friends of Democrats. Coffee and light snacks will be served. If you can’t attend but would like to drop off donations, contact info@ acdcny.org.
Hoodie Hoo Day activities set for Feb. 21 in Allegany County
Wellsville.
food is available in the restaurant. Country and bluegrass music by Gold in Them Hills will start at 11 a.m.
For those who ride horses to the Hoodie Hoo event, a hitching post is on the west side of the restaurant, on the northwest corner of Graves Road and Route 19 in the town of Willing, just south of
It is about 8 miles from Wellsville south to the event in Shongo. Organizers say to remember to watch your time and be there before the event.
Sisters Robin Gach and Shelly Brown own and operate 2 Sisters and a Smoker. They purchased the former Mama’s Smokin BBQ in
Shongo and opened up 2 Sisters in May 2024. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m.
Allegany Trails was organized in 2000. Their mission is to develop and operate a network of trails and trail-heads in and about Allegany County. The corporation sponsors free events like this one. For more information, call the restaurant at (585) 296-1024. File photo
A crowd gathered outside 2 Sisters and A Smoker in Shongo in February 2025 to shout “Hoodie Hoo!” and scare winter away.
NY comptroller warns of potential impact of federal policies on farms
ALBANY — State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli detailed the potential effects that federal cuts to certain agricultural programs, higher tariffs and stricter immigration enforcement policies could have on New York farmers in a report.
Resource Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development. Nearly every county in New York receives assistance from at least one of those programs.
could mean less money spent at grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
“There is real concern in rural New York about federal cuts, tariffs and labor shortages,” DiNapoli said. “New York’s farms are a vital part of the state’s economy and our local food supply, and we need policies that strengthen, not undermine their production and that lower, not drive up, prices in the grocery store.”
New York has 30,650 farms that collectively contributed nearly $3 billion to the state’s gross domestic product in 2022, and employed or supported 163,148 jobs in 2019, per DiNapoli’s report.
He highlighted a few key federal actions that may impact those numbers going forward.
Over the years, the federal government has reportedly significantly reduced federal funding for agriculture, including reductions over 10 years of $1.8 billion for conservation and $150 million to forestry programs, and a cut of $84 million in federal fiscal year 2026 appropriations for the Farm Service Agency.
and U.S. soybean sales to China dropped from 985 million bushels in 2024 to 218 million in the first eight months of 2025.”
Regarding immigration, DiNapoli said that in 2023, nearly 10,000 farmworkers were employed through the seasonal H2A federal guest worker visa program, but New York’s agriculture commissioner estimates that as many as half of the farm labor workforce in the state was undocumented in 2018.
DiNapoli said, in 2022, 3,275 farms in New York received $66.3 million in direct federal payments, excluding crop insurance payments. And the state received $382 million in USDA payments from three major programs: the Natural
“While some commodities and crop insurance programs will receive increased funding, these changes are likely to have limited impact in New York,” DiNapoli’s report states. “New York’s dairy sector may be the only local commodity to see a significant benefit since most programs are geared toward crops like sugar, wheat and cotton — not widely grown in New York. Inflation, coupled with flat funding for other programs, may undermine USDA’s support for farmers and rural communities in New York.”
Plus, new requirements on who is eligible for SNAP benefits
The ongoing tariffs, which have been fluctuating since President Donald Trump took office, may also impact farmers’ ability to sell products internationally, and increase the cost of purchasing equipment and various supplies that are not wholly made in the U.S. DiNapoli said that prices have climbed for imported fertilizers, steel, and farm equipment. In July, the National Corn Growers Association found that fertilizer prices had increased from the first of the year between 4.7% and 37.6%, depending on the type of fertilizer.
“New York dairy exports declined by as much as 12% in the first half of 2025 vs. 2024,
Since legal immigrants have also been targeted in enforcement actions, immigration enforcement against either of those populations could significantly disrupt the nation’s food supply, the comptroller said.
FOOTBALL TRIVIA FOR YOUR BIG GAME WATCH PARTY
7. Which of these Hall of Fame quarterbacks never won a Super Bowl?
nicknamed “The Playmaker,” caught two touchdowns in an 18-second span in Super Bowl XXVII on January 31, 1993.
A. Jerry Rice
B. Andre Reed
making a miraculous catch in which he pressed the ball against his helmet to secure possession while falling to the ground?
A. David Tyree
A. Terry Bradshaw
C. Randy Moss
D. Michael Irvin
B. Plaxico Burress
C. Mario Manningham
D. Jeremy Shockey
3. True or False: No rookie quarterback has ever started for his team in the Super Bowl.
6. This famous coach led his team to victory in Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II.
A. Bill Parcells
B. John Madden
8. This stylish quarterback famously guaranteed his team would win the Super Bowl, even though the team was a heavy underdog.
C. Vince Lombardi
D. Bill Belichick
Super Bowl Sunday is a cultural phenomenon. Come the day of the big game, fans from all walks of life gather to enjoy food, friends and, of course, football. Game watch parties are arguably as anticipated as the game itself, and those hosting may look for ways to entertain guests prior to kickoff. Trivia can be a fun way to engage guests, and hosts can ask these questions and more to enjoy some lighthearted fun this Super Bowl Sunday.
1. Which team lost four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s?
A. The Detroit Lions B. The Denver Broncos C. The Buffalo Bills D. The Chicago Bears
2. This Hall of Fame wide receiver,
4. This Hall of Fame quarterback out of Stanford University lost three Super Bowls before finally winning his first one on January 25, 1998.
A. Joe Montana
B. John Elway
C. Brett Favre D. Andrew Luck
5. Which New York Giants wide receiver helped his team win Super Bowl XLII after
B. Dan Marino
C. Troy Aikman
D. Peyton Manning
A. Tom Brady
B. Jim McMahon
C. Joe Namath
D. Drew Brees
Improve home value and safety by leveling uneven floors
(BPT) - Do you have a basement or other room with unlevel flooring? This can make the space difficult to use, plus detracts from your home’s overall value. Change this problem into opportunity by exploring how you can fix the surface and prepare it for tile, carpet or another finished flooring.
Some might think it will be necessary to demolish the existing concrete slab and pour a new slab. Not only is this very costly, it’s time-consuming. One of the simplest solutions pros and DIYers alike use to correct sloping, uneven or cracked floors is Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Re-
surfacer. With this product, you can resurface most floors with a single application, creating a smooth surface for the installation of ceramic tile, carpet, resilient flooring or other finishes. With the right preparation, you can improve your basement or other floor over a weekend.
Your resurfaced floor will be ready for applying tile or carpet - or leave just as it is, for lightly trafficked areas. It can even be used for areas like patios if the temperature is not below freezing. This has big impact, making your property more livable and boosting its value. Before you start, it’s important to assess the current floor’s surface and do some preparation.
Temperature considerations Quikrete’s Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer can be used
at any temperature above freezing, but for best results, the temperature should be at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder temps will slow the setting time for the product, although it will still set faster than typical resurfacing products.
Check for damage and amount of slope
First, examine the floor for large cracks, holes or damage that may need repair before applying Quickrete’s Floor Resurfacer. If you have deep cracks (more than 5/8” deep) or large chunks of floor to repair, use a fast-set repair mortar and cure such as Quikrete Commercial Grade FastSet Repair Mortar before resurfacing. Small hairline cracks will be easily filled by the floor resurfacer.
Then, use a level to determine how much slope you have. You can apply up to 5/8 of an inch of lift but not more
than that in a single application, so if your floor has a bigger slope, you’ll want to use more than one application to level the area.
Gather your materials
All you’ll need is the Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer, a heavy-duty drill with a paddle mixer, water, a 5-gallon bucket, impervious gloves, safety glasses and Quikrete Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). The resurfacing product is self-leveling, so no trowel is required. Make sure to follow safety precautions and wear impervious gloves such as nitrile when using products.
Clean and prime your floor
It’s essential that all surfaces are clean and free of foreign substances including dirt, dust, oil, grease and paint. After cleaning, you’ll need to prime the clean,
dry floor surface with diluted QUIKRETE Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). Follow the product’s instructions for use and allow time to dry. The bonding adhesive should be dry to the touch (drying takes about 1-2 hours, depending on conditions) before using the resurfacer. Apply the resurfacer Mix the resurfacer with water according to the product instructions. Starting in the center of the space, pour the material directly from the mixing container in continuous strips of about 1 foot (30 cm) wide across the narrow section of the application area. Placing should be done as one continuous operation, with no screeding or troweling necessary. The mixed material will remain fluid for approximately 20 minutes, and will level itself to a smooth surface.
Pour the next strip adjacent to the edge of
the previously placed material. The adjacent strips should be poured within 15-20 minutes to ensure a smooth, continuous surface. Continue to work without breaks until the entire application area is covered. Allow the resurfacer to cure Curing time will vary depending on area conditions. During the first 24 hours, keep the area covered or damp to prevent excessive loss of water, which can cause cracking. You can also use Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal, plastic sheeting or the application of a very fine fog spray of water to help prevent shrinkage cracking. Following these steps can help you maximize your home’s underused basement or other spaces, providing rooms with smooth, level floors. Visit Quikrete. com for information about this and other home DIY products.
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — Six projects were selected to receive funding from the $4.5 million New York Forward Grant, which was awarded in early 2024. The funding will be forthcoming when the projects are completed.
The recipients are the former municipal building, the Erie De-
pot, The Creative Arts Center Building, the former Wellsville Reporter building, branding for the village and the Small Project Fund (the 449 project).
Mayor Ed Fahs and Trustee Tim Colligan recently gave an update on what has occurred so far.
With less than six months on the job, Fahs said, “The biggest fold-
ers I have are for these grants.”
Last year, the municipal building, known as the Well project, was withdrawn from the project list due to a death in the family. The Well project was to develop an entertainment and event space in the architecturally unique building. The application was granted for $640,000.
While the original project has been abandoned, several plans have been submitted to the village board for the former municipal building,” Fahs said. So far, the $640,000 grant funding is still available for the municipal building.
Little outward progress has been made in the Depot project, according to Fahs, the Depot project was also affected by the death of a partner. The remaining partners are trying to decide the future of the project, Fahs said. The Depot project called for transforming the former train depot into a new event space and railroad museum.
Wellsville village gives update on New York Forward projects
It was awarded nearly $1.23 million in grant funding.
“They are taking their time to see how they want to proceed,” Fahs said.
While funding from the New York Forward Grant has been awarded, the funding is not received until the project is completed.
Both properties have been offered to the village, which already owns the municipal building, but Fahs said, “We (the village) don’t
want to own downtown Wellsville. It is not the right time for us to own more downtown property.”
Progress has been made with the four remaining New York Forward projects.
The renovation of the Reporter building is taking place. The project, under the direction of Allegany County Rentals, is progressing.
“Jeff Young is doing it right. He doesn’t cut corners and is working with MACE to keep the
building safe and not cutting any corners,” Fahs said.
The Reporter building project involves renovating a commercial space on the first floor and rental units on the upper floors. It received $762,000 in New York Forward funding.
Fahs said that the project for the Creative Arts Building has seen the most progress, with work throughout last
Photo by Kathryn Ross
The Wellsville Creative Arts Center has been under renovation since it was awarded funds from the New York Forward Grant.
New York Forward continued on PAGE 8
Jones Memorial Hospital starts employee recognition program
WELLSVILLE
Jones Memorial Hospital has launched its new recognition program, WE CARE Champion, to highlight outstanding staff who exemplify the hospital’s values of Wellness, Empathy, Commitment, Account-
ability, Respect and Excellence.
The quarterly program allows any staff member to be recognized by anyone — co-workers, patients or community members. Suzanne Male, JMH community relations
coordinator, said WE CARE Champions will be defined as associates who demonstrate commitment to the hospital’s mission of serving patients and the community and to co-workers.
Cierra Dean, clinical
supervisor of obstetrics and the Employer of Choice Committee chair, said, “Our ultimate goal in implementing the WE CARE Champion recognition program is to create a culture of recognition and appreciation that motivates associates to deliver exceptional care and service, ultimately enhancing patient and customer experiences.”
Kris Green, VP of human sesources, added, “This program is truly a win-win for both our patients and our associates by promoting a culture of excellence and reinforcing our commitment to high quality care. We’re excited to roll this out and are
summer and fall and continuing this winter.
The project, headed by Andy Glanzman, was awarded $780,000 in New York Forward grant funding. The purpose was to expand the art studio spaces, install a freight elevator, purchase a new kiln, create apartments on the upper floors and upgrade the exterior of the building.
health & Wellness
The village received funding for Branding to develop signage and a new website with $90,000 in grant funding, Fahs said the projects are underway starting with the new logos on the sides of village owned vehicles. The website development is underway and concerns making the website easy for people to use and to make village information more
open to any feedback from the community.”
To nominate an associate as a WE CARE Champion, scan a QR code located throughout the hospital, in exam rooms or at checkout. You will be directed to a form on your phone with a few simple
accessible.
The first round of projects have been selected by the 449 Committee (the Small Business Fund). Business people and concerned individuals sit on the board for the small project fund, which is under the direction of downtown redevelopment consultant Stephen Barth. It was awarded $449,000 from New York Forward. The applications are for exterior facades, second story renovation and equipment purchases.
The village is in the process of asking the state to consider adding the $640,000 funding attributed to the municipal building project to the small business project, but no word has been forthcoming.
“New York dstate
questions to answer and submit. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee quarterly to recognize a winner who will receive an award, program t-shirt and designated parking space.Staff members can also be nominated by visiting jones.urmc.edu.
is in the driver’s seat concerning reallocating the funding from the municipal building and possibly the depot. They make the next move,” Fahs said. ”The rest of the projects are making good progress.” ANOTHER $135K
AVAILABLE FOR SMALL PROJECTS
Meanwhile, New York Forward has re-allocated an additional $150,000 via the Small Project Fund for downtown businesses.
A public meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the village office for any business owners interested in more information or how to apply.
A total of $15,000 is allocated to administrative costs, which leaves $135,000 in available funding.
Pass on the peroxide: A surgeon’s guide to cleaning wounds at home
BY KYLA P. TERHUNE, MD, MBA, FACS
(BPT) — Every year, countless minor injuries occur in homes, garages and backyards across the country. The immediate instinct for many is to reach for a familiar brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide or a swab of rubbing alcohol to “clean” the wound. As a leader of education at the American College of Surgeons, I want to share a resource developed by experienced surgeons that may lead you to pass on the peroxide. For decades, these antiseptics were considered a cornerstone of wound care. Medical understanding, however, reveals they often do more harm than good when used inside an open cut or scrape. While effective at killing bacteria, solutions like peroxide, alcohol and iodine can’t target “bad” cells. They also attack the delicate new cells your body sends to repair the damage. Harming this fragile tissue can delay healing, increase inflammation and lead to more notice-
able scarring. In short, you may be sabotaging your body’s attempts to heal.
What should you do when a superficial cut or abrasion occurs?
• Wash your hands. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds with soap then rinse with water. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Then, gently clean the wound with mild soap and lots of clean, running water. This method effec-
tively flushes out debris and bacteria without harming the wound.
• After patting the area dry, you can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (if there are signs of infection) or plain petroleum jelly. Follow this process and keep the wound covered with a clean bandage for the first week to ensure it remains moist. A moist environment is proven to heal faster with less scarring than a dry, scabbed one. If it’s not healing, call your healthcare provider. Effective home care of a wound requires more than just proper cleaning. Knowing how to apply the right dressing, when a wound needs stitches and how to spot the early signs of infection are critical skills that can prevent minor injuries from becoming major problems. Some wounds should not be handled at home. Learn when you should call a doctor or go to your nearest emergency room or immediate care center.
If you’ve had a recent operation, you are likely to have a surgical incision. These also require careful attention to reduce the risk of infection, speed the healing process and enhance your recovery. The American College of Surgeons has a free Wound Management Home Skills resource that provides comprehensive information and videos to manage everything from simple scrapes to post-surgical incisions. They detail how to stop bleeding, pack a wound, care for stitches and recognize when it’s time to call your doctor. True preparedness is more than having a firstaid kit in your closet; it’s about having the correct knowledge to use it. By retiring outdated practices and embracing proven, gentle care, we can all ensure that your wounds heal quickly, safely and properly.
Kyla P. Terhune, MD, MBA, FACS, is Senior Vice President for Education at the American College of Surgeons and an acute care surgeon.
➡New York Forward