Category Archives: Health & Wellness

By Christine Graf
After being deemed non-essential and forced to close at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, acupuncturists were permitted to reopen in June. During the closure, the Acupuncture Society of New York (ASNY) pushed for the governor to grant the profession essential status.
Licensed acupuncturist Bridgette Shea, owner of Ageless Acupuncture in Saratoga Springs, is treating several patients who recovered from COVID but have lingering and often debilitating symptoms.
“I’m finding that the combination of acupuncture and herbs—Chinese medicine—is what works best,” said Shea. “I treat them with acupuncture because the body work really helps. Most of them have lung stuff going on still or something chest related or upper back related that was related to when they had the actual acute infection. I’ll also do some cupping on their backs to draw out some of the leftover heat, inflammation, or dampness that may still be residing in the body.”

By Christine Graf
Licensed massage therapist and certified Feldenkrais Method practitioner Evan Rock has moved her Saratoga Awareness business to 7 Wells St. in Saratoga Springs.
Rock, a Saratoga native, founded her business in 2015 and previously operated out of a shared space at 2 Franklin Square.
She has an applied science degree in massage therapy from SUNY Morrisville and completed a four-year certification program at the Feldenkrais Institute in Manhattan.
The method employs the use of gentle movement and increased awareness to improve range of motion, flexibility, and coordination. It was developed in the 1940s by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli engineer, physicist, and martial arts expert. The method is based on the principles of physics and biomechanics and was introduced to the United States in the 1970s.

By Jennifer Farnsworth
Dr. Lisa Yacovani, PT, DPT is bringing a fresh approach to physical therapy through her new mobile practice, Dynamo Physical Therapy PLLC.
Based out of Saratoga County, Yacovani offers individualized care to her patients through her traveling concierge physical therapy practice.
Yacovani said Dynamo Physical Therapy is based on the notion of being proactive about health through a comprehensive approach. Although she works with patients in all stages of life, she said her passion is reaching age groups that are able to take preventative measures that will impact their lives in the future.

By Jennifer Farnsworth
WellNow, an urgent care provider in the region, will open a new facility in Saratoga Springs after the first of the year.
The shuttered Boston Market on South Broadway, near the intersection with Circular Street, is being renovated by the company.
Developer Devin Dal Pos of Laker Development owns the lot. He said renovations are being completed by J. Luke Construction/.He said the layout for the new WellNow location is similar to other locations in the area, with a spacious reception area and six exam rooms. They will be able to perform some lab functions like X-rays and screenings, including COVID-19 testing.

Saratoga Hospital now offers comprehensive occupational medicine services in Queensbury to help area businesses maintain safe, healthy environments for employees and clients.
Services are provided by Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Occupational Medicine, 959 Route 9, Queensbury.
Members of the practice are experts in preventing, diagnosing and treating workplace injuries, helping businesses comply with regulatory requirements and ensuring safe work environments.

Ongoing peer support can have a positive impact on the emotional and physical health of people with diabetes and, whenever possible, should be integrated into diabetes care.

That’s among the recommendations presented in a “Perspectives in Practice” article co-authored by Saratoga Hospital’s Lisa Hodgson and published in the December 2019 issue of The Diabetes Educator. The peer-reviewed bimonthly journal focuses on the science and art of diabetes management.

A national leader in diabetes self-management education and support, Hodgson is the clinical nutrition manager at Saratoga Hospital, a registered dietitian, certified dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes educator. She is the second of eight co-authors of “From the American Association of Diabetes Educators: The Role and Value of Ongoing and Peer Support in Diabetes Care and Education.”

The providers at Myrtle Street Obstetrics & Gynecology have joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group and the practice was renamed to reflect the new relationship with he Hospital. 

The practice is now Saratoga OB/GYN at Myrtle Street, an affiliate of Saratoga Hospital. The two practice locations have not changed and the current staff will be retained.

Also, Dr. James Kelley has joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group Primary Care – Sports Medicine, a new practice that focuses on meeting the needs of active patients and recreational and high-level athletes.

 Offices are located adjacent to Saratoga Regional YMCA, in the newest building at Saratoga Medical Park in Malta. Saratoga Hospital and the Y built the facility together and share space there.

 “We are delighted to welcome our colleagues to the hospital’s multi-specialty group,” said Dr. David M. Mastrianni, senior vice president of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group. “This practice has been providing outstanding women’s health services to the greater Saratoga community for more than 40 years. Now, as part of our multi-specialty group, we can provide a higher level of coordinated care for all of our patients, improved access to care, and realize an enhanced sharing of best practices, administrative resources, and operational efficiencies.”