Former Mets All-Star pitcher answers assisted-living facility residents’ questions, lifts spirits 

MIDDLETOWN, NY — Residents of Braemar at Wallkill, one of the region’s newest assisted-living facilities, received a special treat on August 6: A Zoom visit from former Mets pitcher and World Series Champion Dwight Gooden as part of the Mets Amazin’ Alumni Series.

After a warm round of applause and cheers of “Let’s Go Mets,” residents eagerly got down to business, asking Gooden a wide variety of questions. Residents were delighted by the opportunity to interact with the former All-Star, and Gooden more than happily obliged, sharing his personal thoughts, memories, standout moments and even one of his favorite restaurants to frequent while on the road.  

The virtual visit was a welcome surprise to the residents, who, due to new restrictions and guidelines during COVID-19, haven’t been able to see any family members or visitors in person. 

To learn more about Braemar at Wallkill, visit www.braemarliving.com or call 845/695-5600.

[Editor's Note: The headline on this brief was updated on August 20 to correct that Braemar at Wallkill is not a nursing home but rather an assisted living center. ]

Two Centers recognized for helping patients control blood pressure

HONESDALE, PA — Two of Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers’ (WMCHC) primary care offices were in the top five of  Quality Insights of Pennsylvania’s list of medical practices recognized as 2020 Hypertension Hall of Fame Champions. Pinnacle Family Health Center (Tafton) and Carbondale Family Health Center were acknowledged for successfully managing hypertension or high blood pressure. 

Both practices saw greater than 80 percent of patients diagnosed as hypertensive manage to control their blood pressure to within normal. Of the 76 practices participating in the challenge, only 15 received Certificates of Excellence. Of those 15, Carbondale Family Health Center was ranked third and Pinnacle Family Health Center was fifth. 

WMCHC attributes the success partially to adherence of the Uniform Data System (UDS) Measure for Hypertension as well as loaning blood pressure monitors to patients for self-testing at home. 

For more information, visit www.qualityinsights.org.