Current research across the nation and world dive into the impact and future of generative AI models. How do you think generative AI influences society today?
- Enhances creativity and artistic expression
- Transforms the job market and workforce dynamics
- Improves efficiency in industries
- Raises ethical concerns about misinformation and deepfakes
- Redefines education and learning methods
- Increases accessibility to technology and knowledge
- Poses risks to privacy and data security
- Has little to no significant impact
Poll ends 03-04-2025
Poll ended 02-25-2025
We’ve experienced major winter weather since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on the 2nd. How do you now feel about winter?
45.2% I’m so done with snow. Bring on spring!
12.9% I love the snow and all that comes with Western NY winters 41.9% Meh. I’m about ready for a warmup, but can deal with winter a bit longer.
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Phone: 585-226-8111 Fax: 585-226-3390
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President ...........................Steve Harrison
General Manager ...........................Manuel Karam
Creative Director ................................Kelly Nolan
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And, nearing and receding still, Spring never would, we thought, be here.
~Arthur Hugh Clough (1819–1861)
DID YOU KNOW?
Oxygen is essential for the roots of grass to breathe and grow strong enough to support healthy lawns. But according to the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, compacted soil can produce a decrease in oxygen content that can make it hard for roots to thrive. Soil compaction can result from a number of activities, including walking on grass or driving or parking vehicles on grass. When soil is compacted, it breaks into small particles that reduce the amount of pore space in the soil. That makes it hard for water, oxygen and nutrients to get through, threatening the strength of the roots and putting the grass in jeopardy. Aerating a lawn can help homeowners foster strong root growth and healthy grass. When to aerate may be contingent upon local climate, so homeowners who suspect the soil in their yards is compact should consult with a local landscaping professional to determine the best time to aerate their lawns.
Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-living features of a landscape.Thesefeaturescanincludeeverythingfromdeckstowalkways to ornamental boulders. Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps develop that home’s hardscape. Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs.
MASONRY & BASEMENT
PAVING & SEALING How
~Benjamin Disraeli
248-5372
Bushnell’s Basin
Try Our Pizza & Wings – our specialty for over 75 years
Put a healthy spin on an old family favorite
Meatloaf is a dinnertime staple for many families. A favorite of adults and children alike, meatloaf can be prepared however cooks see fit, making it a versatile dish for family dinners. Parents who want to enjoy meatloaf with their families and do so while promoting healthy diets can try the following recipe for “Turkey, Vegetable & Oat MiniMeatloaves with Marinara Sauce” from Michelle Dudash’s “Clean Eating For Busy Families” (Fair Winds).
Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or 6 mini loaf pans with spray. Pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped and add them to a large bowl. Repeat with onion and garlic.
Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add oil. When oil is shimmering, add vegetables and sauté for 7 minutes or until water releases and evaporates completely, lowering the heat as necessary. Set aside.
Process the oats until they are of a fine consistency. Whisk the eggs in the bowl used for the vegetables. Add processed oats, turkey, 3/4 cup of pasta sauce, cooked vegetables, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir together with a fork until blended.
Scoop the mixture into 6 mounds on the pan or into each mini-loaf pan, about 3/4 cup each. Shape each mound into a 4 x 2-inch loaf. Spread remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce on top of the loaves, distributing evenly. Bake on middle rack for 25 minutes, turning pan midway through cooking, until loaves are firm or a thermometer inserted in the middle reads at least 165 F. Allow loaves to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes: You can finely chop vegetables with a knife rather than using a food processor if you prefer. Whole oats can be added to the meat mixture for a more rustic texture.
GiveTake&
GUIDELINES: 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.
FREE STUFF OFFERED FREE STUFF WANTED
• BBQ GRILL and two PROPANE TANKS. Canandaigua. 585-905-0540
• Two METAL FILE CABINETS. One – two drawers. One – with lift top. Both with keys. Geneseo. 585-519-3561
• SODA POP BOTTLE RETURNS available to any Scout troop. Jean 585-229-2186
• STANDUP FREEZER, 22cu. Needs work. Must move yourself. Not very old. Lima. mudd959@yahoo.com
• FRIGIDAIRE GAS STOVE - all works, in good shape. Pick up, Webster. 585-236-1359
• DIANNE DENGEL display and artwork. Pittsford/Mendon area 585-385-3699
• FINE WOODWORKING MAGAZINE - 161 Issues, No. 68 - 278 (1988 - 2019). Not consecutive. Good Condition. Pick up, Bloomfield. wburlin1@rochester.rr.com
• Two BIRCH FLUSH DOORS. Pick up, Penfield. 585-264-1068
• POWER HOSPITAL BED. Good condition. Very heavy. Disassembled for transport. Pick up, Canandaigua bhaizlip@rochester.rr.com or text 585-455-4363
• Two vintage COLEMAN STOVES and two LANTERNS. Fair condition. Restore or use for parts. Canandaigua. bhaizlip@rochester.rr.com or text 585-455-4363
• New SNAP SHOULDER T-SHIRTS for shoulder surgery, port access or limited mobility. Four - short sleeve, four -long sleeve (full snap). Alabama. 716-998-3649
• Used Queen sized AEROBED AIR MATTRESS and PILLOWS. Lakeville. Call/text 585-649-8706
• Santa theme queen size BEDSPREAD and PILLOWCASES. Canandaigua. steelsanta@aol.com
• 36 to 100-gallon TRASH CAN with handle and lid. Text 585-719-4145
• ADULT DIAPERS. Ideally in the Greece area. cpalone@yahoo.com
• ELECTRONIC PARTS - IC chips, connectors, relays, switches, test equipment, electronic tools, electronic hobbyist prototyping items, old/obsolete/surplus. 585-746-9904
• Any BOARD GAMES and a SMALL CAR in good working condition. 585-415-8513
• RAINBOW VACUUM CLEANER or PARTS. Especially the water tank. 585-430-4758
• New or used GALAXY Z FLIP - 4, 5, or 6. Any condition, preferably working. Will pick up. sidons061@gmail.com
• New/gently used YOGA MAT and ADULT NUTRITION DRINKS, any brand. Lakeville. Call/text 585-649-8706
• CPAP MACHINE for sleep apnea, COPD. jimfisher66@yahoo.com
• MODELS - Built/Unbuilt: Aviation, Autos & Trucks, Military, Ships, Figures, etc. Plastic, wood, metal. Parts and pieces okay. 585-314-6989
• QUICKEN Software, 2007 or newer. Call/text 585-721-5985
• CAROUSEL SLIDE PROJECTOR in good condition for local church. jzornow001@gmail.com
• Boxes of KNICK KNACKS and COLLECTIBLES. Any HANDHELD VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS, COSTUME JEWELRY in any shape. 585-415-8513
• ATV or DIRT BIKE, running or not. Call or text Matt 315-576-1278
Level: Moderate
Volunteers Needed
GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
• Crossroads House: Genesee County’s only comfort care home. Please consider lending your time and talents to care for our two residents at end-of-life. Will train! Email: jennshaffer@crossroadshouse.com
• Vincent House: An end-of-life resident care volunteer provides compassionate support, companionship, and comfort to residents in their final months, assisting with personal care needs, administering medication, making light meals, and creating a peaceful, dignified environment. Email: vhvolunteer@frontier.com or call 585-728-2427
• Catholic Charities Tri-County Office: Volunteer to be a friendly in-person visitor, or caller, to an isolated older adult who lives near you, in Genesee or Orleans Counties. Flexibly scheduled visits are 2-4 times/month for approximately one hour. Play games, share hobbies or just converse! Email: lisa.wittmeyer@ccwny.org or call 716-341-6751
• Purple Pony erapeutic Horsemanship: Purple Pony is located in LeRoy. Volunteers help during riding sessions for riders with disabilities. Sidewalkers, leaders and general clean up help is welcomed. Required volunteer training with next training on March 25 and 27th. Go to website purplepony.org
• Begin Again Horse Rescue: We need you! e horses need you! Volunteer in the barn. Volunteer in the tack shop. Volunteer for fundraising. Volunteer once or on a regular schedule. Volunteer on the weekend or during the week. Email: info@beginagainrescue.org
• Tool ri Shop: Volunteer/donation based storefront that provides reuse of tools/hardware. Flexible Volunteer times with variety of roles from Cashier to Tool Preparation, with profits benefiting Senior programs in our Community. Email delandfire@gmail.com to become part of our family.
• Genesee County CASA for Children: Change a Child’s Story! CASA is seeking volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children who come to the attention of Family Court as a result of abuse and/ or neglect. Flexible schedule, training provided, supportive network. Make that difference! Email: director@geneseecountycasa.org
• Guiding Eyes for the Blind: Do you love dogs? Join our So Tier region and volunteer to raise a puppy to be a future guide dog. You supply love, socializing and basic obedience. We provide vet care and classes. Email: Sshaw7301@gmail.com
• American Red Cross: Doing Good Does You Good - Blood Donor Ambassador. Greet blood donors, help them sign in and monitor their well-being a er they have donated. Allegany, Cayuga, Monroe, Ontario & Wayne Counties. Training provided. 585-690-4021 or RecruitWNY@redcross.org
• Cheshire Volunteer Fire Dept: Looking for dedicated individuals to be part of our team! Firefighters, EMTs, Boat Operators, Cold/ Ice Water and Rope Rescue Techs plus support personnel needed. Training available. Email: CVFDTreasurer@CheshireVFD.com
Charitable Organizations and Nonprofits can submit requests at gvpennysaver.com under ‘Share With Us.’ Published online and in print of the last week of the month as space permits. See more volunteer opportunities at gvpennysaver.com.
Sign up to receive a digital copy of the Genesee Valley Penny Saver, Lake Country Pennysaver, and/or the Southern Tier Shopper. Enjoy local jobs, coupons, hometown events, and more from your community, emailed right to you to read at your convenience. Opt-in to receive as many editions as you would like!
www.gvpennysaver.com/readonline
auctions
Preowned Items Can Be Good For The Environment
Scan local advertisements: Church bulletins, newspaper classified ads and online bullet boards typically boast a number of items for sale, many of which are being sold at a fraction of the cost of new items. Before embarking on shopping trips, check these advertisements to see if there are any preowned items that meet your needs.
In addition, there are a number of social media groups that enable members to advertise their items for sale. Others are encouraged to inquire about the sales and make their own offers. Though it might take some effort, it is possible to get brand-name used merchandise for less.
Building Supply Auction
Sat., March 8 • 10:00AM
4500 Rt. 414, North Rose, NY
All New Materials! Flooring - all types, Building Material, Tubs, Sinks, Electronics, Kitchen Cabinets, Lumbar, Tools, Doors, Windows and Alike.
Village Auction Company
James C. Hoyt ~ Auctioneer
www.auctionzip.com #2898
P.O. Box 20, Alton, NY • Sodus, NY • 315-483-1900
CREATED & PRINTED
From party invitations to business cards to grad announcements, we design and print everything with you in mind! printingbypennylane.com or scan the QR code to shop online
Have a big moment to share with your community?
We love seeing the beauty of your hometown photos. Send us your favorite shots so we can share them with our community in print! Submit your photo at GVPENNYSAVER.COM
AUSTIN HANCOCK’S MISSION TO HONOR A LOST TUSKEGEE AIRMAN: TheStoryofLelandPennington
BY SUZIE WELLS
On February 8th, the Mendon Public Library welcomed aviation and military history enthusiast Austin Hancock, who presented a compelling talk on the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII, with a special focus on the remarkable and poignant story of Flight Officer Leland Pennington, a Tuskegee Airman from Rochester, NY, who went missing in action.
Hancock – a lifelong devotee to the restoration, flight, and preservation of historic aircra – has made it his mission to ensure that the stories of forgotten heroes like Pennington are not lost to time. A commercial pilot and certified flight instructor since 2017, Hancock says he’s “well on [his] way to becoming one of the lucky few who get to fly WWII era aircra ,” already having flown the Korean War L-16 “Grasshopper” liaison plane in Geneseo’s National Warplane Museum (NWM)’s annual airshow.
Hancock balances his aviation career with historical research, having created multiple databases that help museums and individuals organize and maintain critical historical information. His passion for WWII aviation has driven him to volunteer at the NWM since he was 12 years old. Today, he serves as a Museum Specialist, wearing many hats: pilot, tour guide, curator and aircra restorer, grant writer, public relations specialist, and board of directors’ advisor.
Hancock says, “Telling the stories of our past is something I find extremely important and truly a passion in my life.”
A er graduation from St. John Fisher College in 2015 with a Marketing degree and Museum Studies certificate, Hancock’s journey into Pennington’s history began with a simple Google search that led him down a path of discovery and remembrance. Seeing Pennington’s name listed as a Tuskegee Airman from Rochester sparked Hancock’s curiosity, setting him on a yearslong quest to uncover the aviator’s story.
Pennington flew with the famed Red Tails squadron, piloting a P-51B Mustang called “Lucy Gal,” named a er his wife. e aviator was declared Missing in Action on April 21, 1945, presumed to have crashed off the coast of Zadar, Croatia on an escort mission.
rough dogged research, Hancock connected with Pennington’s surviving family members, including half-sisters in New Orleans and a cousin in Western NY. ese connections blossomed into a heartfelt reunion in Niagara Falls, where distant family members shared stories and grief, finally united by the memory of Leland Pennington. With their blessing, Hancock turned what began as a research project into a mission: the Pennington P-51 Memorial, dedicated to building a full-scale, airworthy replica of “Lucy Gal,” Hancock says would “serve as a flying tribute to all those brave Tuskegee Airmen who paid the highest price to preserve our freedom during World War II.”
TUSKEGEE AIRMAN LELAND PENNINGTON
LELAND AND CREW CHIEF WITH P 51 POSSIBLY LUCY GAL
Hancock’s research led him to Dr. urston Gaines, a fellow Tuskegee Airman, who revealed they were classmates in Class SE-44-G. In a 2009 interview, Gaines recalled rumors that Pennington showed signs of appendicitis before his disappearance, likely succumbing before crashing in the Alps.
is insight gave Hancock a powerful sense of closure, though it also deepened the emotional weight of the story. “It felt as if I had traveled back in time,” Hancock reflected, “receiving the sad news about the loss of my fellow Airman.” Yet, this new information has fortified Hancock’s determination to honor Pennington’s memory, not only with the construction of the ‘Lucy Gal’ but through a larger educational mission.
e Pennington P-51 Memorial aims to do more than build an airplane; it seeks to bring history to life. Hancock envisions the replica Mustang as a centerpiece for a new Tuskegee Airmen display at the National WarplaneMuseum,whereitwillmotivate,educate,andcommemorate.
e aircra will participate in fly-in events and airshows, with narrated demonstrations of WWII-era flight maneuvers. It will also join the EAA Young Eagles program, offering young people their first taste of aviation and inspiring the next generation to take to the skies.
“We want to tell the Red Tails’ story and inspire others to fly, just as they did,” Hancock says, adding, “It’s really about telling the littleknown stories about aviation and World War II, about the ordinary people who were able to accomplish extraordinary feats.”
rough the Pennington P-51 Memorial, Austin Hancock is transforming his passion for aviation history into a living tribute – one that will ensure the legacy of Flight Officer Leland Pennington and the Tuskegee Airmen will soar for generations to come.
For more information on the National Warplane Museum, visit nationalwarplanemuseum.com or follow them on social media.
Share your original stories about local heroes, community events, school achievements, or hidden gems–email your story idea to hometown@gvpennysaver.com.
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN CREDIT VINTAGE AVIATION NEWS
SENIOR NEWS LINE
By Matilda Charles
Don’t fall f Medicare scams
events
There’s
so much happening at your local libraries!
East
Rochester
Public Library
317 Main St., E. Rochester, NY (585) 586-8302
www.eastrochester.org
M 9-7; Tu-Th 9-6; F 9-5; Sa 10-2; Su Closed ERPL Book Nook: Open M, W & Sa 10-1
FAIRPORT
Medicare card scams are on the rise. During one calendar year, Medicare had over $100 billion in fraudulent claims,and the damage cost goes up when identity theft and stolen financial information are added in.
What the Medicare thieves want is your card number, and they’ll try any number of tricks to get you to reveal it.
Scammers might contact you to offer you a “cheaper” Medicare but will need your personal information to sign you up. Don’t fall for it.
They might impersonate a Medicare employee and say that your card is about to expire and you need a new one.They’ll ask for your current card number and your personal information to verify it’s really you. (Wrong: Medicare cards don’t expire.)
Scammers might call and say that your Medicare benefits have been canceled, but claim they can help you get the benefits reinstated if you give them your personal information or even a fee. (Wrong: Medicare won’t communicate with you that way, and if they need to contact you, it will be by mail.)
Thieves might try to claim that your old paper card isn’t good now and that you need a new one with a chip in it, like a credit card. (Wrong: Medicare cards are only made of paper.)
They might offer you a refund of some type or something free, or you might be offered genetic testing. All you need to do, they’ll say, is give them your Medicare card number ... and your bank information for the refund.
Whether you’re contacted by phone, email or text message, don’t give out your Medicare card number or any of your personal or financial information.
As usual, if you suspect you have a scammer on the phone, hang up immediately. If you believe it was an attempt at a Medicare scam, call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to report it.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Fairport Public Library
1 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport (585) 223-9091
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
How to pack a suitcase: Roll pants and tops, adding to suitcase first, toward the handle side. Then add heavy items (shoes, boots) toward the wheel end. Make sure you choose the right size case for the trip; too much room will cause items to shift around.
Hi, my name is Cricket! My momma and papa were poodle-rough collie mixes and I’ve known my person for almost my whooole life. I get to follow my person everywhere because I’m training to be a service dog and help people. I really like to dress up!
pet place
Did You Know?
Animals verbalize in many different ways to communicate. One thing cat owners may notice is that cats have a tendency to meow as a form of speaking with humans. However, according to the North Shore Animal League America, cats almost never meow at other cats, as meowing is a sound generally reserved for interacting with humans. Cat owners should talk back to their cats often, as cats enjoy hearing their own names and their owners’ voices.
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I took over the care of a rabbit named “Chucky” a few weeks ago, after the previous owner, my aunt, passed away. Since he got here, Chucky has spent most of his days inside his hutch. When I try to take him out, he huddles tightly against the far wall. I don’t see him eat or drink during the day, but he does come out at night after I go to bed. Is he depressed, or is it something else? -- Jim F., Chula Vista, California
DEAR JIM: Chucky does sound pretty stressed out, and depression is definitely on the table here. He also may be having trouble adjusting to his new environment, and is missing your aunt, too. A stressed and unhappy rabbit is tense, staying in a down position with their ears flattened against their body. Their nose doesn’t twitch. They don’t hop around the cage freely, and they’ll hide away if you reach for them.
The first thing to do is establish care, if you haven’t done so already. Take Chucky to a veterinarian specializing in small animals (including rabbits) for a checkup, explain the circumstances, and detail his behaviors. The vet will rule out any underlying health conditions and can give you a wealth of advice on helping him be more comfortable and easing his transition to a new owner.
It’s important to be supportive and not force interaction at this time. Keep Chucky’s cage clean and fresh, change his water and food daily, and provide him with rabbit toys and chews strewn around the cage that he can explore. Talk to him in a soothing voice while you are near his cage. As he adjusts, he will gradually respond and feel comfortable with you.
Retired racing greyhounds are people-friendly. Despite what their love of running may suggest, retired racing greyhounds are very sociable and typically get along great with both adults and children. Many retired racing greyhounds have been handled by trainers, dog walkers, veterinarians, and others since they were very young. That exposure to humans has made them very sociable.
Break the boredom with our four week Cabin Fever Contest! Solve the puzzles each week and send them in for your chance to win a Cabin Fever Survival Basket! No purchase required.
Spring Crossword
BLOSSOM BUDS MARCH TULIPS EASTER MELT DAFFODILS GREEN LEAVES APRIL WINDY UMBRELLA FLOWERS KITE-FLYING CROCUS BUNNY
Mail to: GVPS Cabin Fever Contest 2025 PO Box 340 • Avon, NY 14414 All entries must be postmarked by March 4, 2025. Winner will be randomly chosen from all correct entries. Enter each week for a greater chance of winning. Must be 13 or older to play. 18 or older will be signed up for our coupon club. Playing all 4 weeks? Mail your entries together by 3/4/25. Name: _________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ City: ______________________________ State:
Opening for the season: Sat., March 1st
Garden seeds and décor, lots of houseplants–come see what is new! Open Mon. to Sat. 8am - 5pm • Major Credit Cards Accepted
STREAMING SOURCE
Published May 2025
Highlighting businesses and organizations serving the community including automotive, doctors, home services, non-profits, restaurants, schools & more! 6,000 PRINT COPIES + 20,000 EMAIL BLAST
Print copies will be distributed to businesses and homes in the area. Also available online and emailed to over 20,000 readers.
Full color is included with all ads!
ON NOW: “Longlegs” (R) Hulu
ON NOW: “Black Box Diaries” (Documentary) Paramount+
Sodium: Otherwise known as salt, sodium is necessary to maintain nerve and muscle health. However, many people consume too much sodium, oftentimes because of processed foods. WebMD notes that sodium intake should be limited to 2,300 milligrams or less per day. Certain people, such as those over the age of 51, African Americans or those with certain conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.
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SPONSORED
BY
Brighter
ank You Teachers
Yay Rebecca Yuhas in the Hometown Stories columnnew Master Teacher out of Newark. Our teachers often are under- or un-recognized, so it’s great to hear about teachers developing their skills and learning more and more about their craft so our children can learn from the best. Thank you, all teachers, for all you do for and with our students. Thank you for helping develop the minds of the next generation. We need you and we appreciate you!
To the young man who snowplowed our driveway today, thank you so much. You will never know how your act of kindness touched me. My husband has difficulty walking and our snowblower froze up this past week. My son and I shoveled the driveway three times this week but it didn’t stop either my husband or myself, or the Amazon driver from getting stuck in it. My husband has a doctor’s appointment this week and I’ve been worrying all weekend about getting stuck in the driveway. Your random act of kindness meant so very much. God bless you!
To e Young Man
Not Salted To A-Salted
Perhaps you should hibernate at home all winter. NYS DOT (and I assume other departments) have a preset amount of salt to apply based on road conditions. Many go to shift work in the winter to cut down on overtime. Many towns have central locations for salt storage (do you also complain when you pass multiple school busses at the end of the school day?).
Remember, wet roads freeze as the temperature drops to 32F and below, creating black ice. The wind drifts snow across roads. Both require continued maintenance after the snow has quit falling to prevent accidents. If you want to take your vent to mother nature and request snow and ice falling only certain hours and days that would be awesome.
Thank you everyone who slows down for the snowplows!
It has been said our volunteer fire department has only one driver qualified to drive the biggest, most expensive truck they had to have and no one can answer a call until that person arrives to drive. That’s an irresponsible use of our tax money.
Why?
By Keith Roach, M.D.
Rapid heart rate persists for a decade without evaluation
Q. A.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 75-year-old woman who, for at least 10 years now, has been experiencing a rapid heart rate. My blood pressure, however, remains normal. In fact, doctors are usually surprised at how good my blood pressure is since I am borderline obese and slightly diabetic.
During this past physical, my doctor did mention my rapid heart rate but didn’t recommend treatment or referral to a cardiologist. Should I insist on a referral to a cardiologist, or would this only bring me to more unnecessary testing? -- M.R.
ANSWER: I unfortunately hear about people (more commonly women) having a potentially serious medical condition that gets ignored for many years, and I fear this is the case with you.
In a person with a persistently fast heart rate (over 100 bpm), an electrocardiogram (EKG) is an essential first step. I suspect you may have had this done, but if you haven’t, this clearly needs to be done. Atrial fibrillation and some less-common heart rhythms need to be excluded.
It’s likely that you have “sinus tachycardia,” meaning that the impulse comes from the sinus node but is persistently too fast. The heart rate is supposed to be fast if you are exercising, and a fast pulse can often come on as a response to an infection or a loss of fluids. But I think that, after 10 years, you most likely have a condition called inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST).
Since you are writing to me, I assume that this is bothering you. Most people with IST note palpitations, but loss of endurance and decreased exercise tolerance are other common symptoms. Before getting treated, it’s important to make sure that there isn’t some longstanding cause, such as anemia or thyroid disease.
It’s also necessary to exclude the diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which can overlap with IST and seems to be much more common now, especially after a COVID infection.
I have had some success in prescribing exercise for carefully selected patients with IST. The cardiology literature recommends beta blockers or ivabradine to reduce symptoms and improve exercise ability.
Referral to a cardiologist is appropriate given your 10 years of not being evaluated. Even if you decide against therapy, making sure that there isn’t a serious problem is very wise.
Dr. Roach regrets that he
KORNER
Purchase at our office at 1471 Route 15, Avon, NY OR mail your order form to:
Valley Penny Saver, PO Box 340, Route 15, Avon, NY 14414
health/dental plan, IRA with company matching 3%, holiday and vacation pay, competitive pay. Compensation based on experience 30 day review • Potential to earn over $60k/yr.
123 Despatch Dr., East Rochester, NY 14445 585-385-9999 • Valid Driver’s License Required
Sheds has immediate openings
• Site Inspector- visit customers’ home before delivery of the shed, make sure shed can fit into preferred location. Review color choices and window and door configuration. Must have own transportation. Site checker makes their own schedule. PT/FT available. Pay is $22/hr.
• Delivery Helper- Works closely with the delivery driver to ensure timely, safe, and efficient delivery of shed. Assists with loading and off-loading. Guides driver with at home deliveries. Pay is $22/hr.
• Seasonal Salespeople- to work at our Greece Ridge Mall sales lot. All applicants welcome. Retired, semi-retired encouraged. Starting pay is $18/hr.
now hiring!
NURSES
$60/hr + $3.60/hr in employer 401(K) contributions. STAT need for psych & corrections nurses in Rochester and the surrounding areas. Travel assignments are available across the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. Fully employer-paid medical and dental. Call Morgan at Worldwide Staffing at 866-633-3700, X 114.
WORKING PARENTS CAN CREATE BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Set reasonable goals. Much of the difficulty men and women experience in regard to finding a healthy work-life balance may be a byproduct of working parents spreading themselves too thin. Setting reasonable goals can help avoid that, but doing so requires taking commitments to one’s employer and family into consideration before agreeing to take on new projects or setting deadlines for projects to be completed. This should be applied to both work and home. If a work deadline is unreasonable, professionals should discuss that with their employers, who might change the deadline or arrange for extra persons to work on the project. At home, parents should avoid taking on too many projects, such as chaperoning a child’s dance or coaching a sports team, if doing so will adversely affect the amount of time they get to spend with their families.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports that mushrooms contain about 15 vitamins and minerals, including folate magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6,and zinc.Mushrooms also are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, which can help to lower risk for inflammation.
