Fibromyalgia Group canceling meetings

PLATTSBURGH — The Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Support Group that normally meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Pine Harbour Assisted Living has been canceled until further notice.

For more information, call Kathy Madore at 572-7222.

Zumbatomics classes start Thursday for girls

PLATTSBURGH — Girls in grades kindergarten through 12 are invited to join the Morrisonville Girl Scouts in Zumbatomics classes starting Thursday, Feb. 2, at Turnpike Wesleyan Church, 2224 Military Turnpike.

The series of six classes from 6 to 7:15 p.m. cost $15 to cover the Girl Scouts registration. The class is sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY.

For questions, call Deborah Colver at 569-8049.

Blood drives set

PLATTSBURGH — There are many opportunities to give blood in February through the North Country Regional Blood Donor Program.

Here's the schedule for the next week: 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 2, Chateaugay Fire Department; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 3, West Side Ballroom "Go Red for Women" celebration; 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 6, Essex Fire Department; 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 6, Clinton Community College; 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 7, AuSable Valley High School.

The Blood Donor Center, 85 Plaza Blvd., is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-in donors are encouraged. To learn how to host a drive, call 562-7406.

Changes made to VA emergency-care regulations

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a change in regulations regarding payments for emergency care provided to eligible veterans in non-VA facilities.

The new regulation extends VA's authority to pay for emergency care provided to eligible veterans at non-VA facilities until the veterans can be safely transferred to a VA medical facility.

"This provision helps ensure eligible veterans continue to get the emergency care they need when VA facilities are not available," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

More than 100,000 veterans are estimated to be affected by the new rules, at a cost of about $44 million annually.

VA operates 121 emergency departments across the country, which provide resuscitative therapy and stabilization in life-threatening situations. They operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. VA also has 46 urgent-care units, which provide care for patients without scheduled appointments who need immediate medical or psychiatric attention.

For more information about emergency care in non-VA facilities, visit www.nonvacare.va.gov or call the Clinton County Veterans Agency at 565-4720.

Essex Co. honored for Public Health

ELIZABETHTOWN — The Essex County Public Health Preventive Services Team recently made the New York State Department of Health Public Health Works! Honor Roll.

The Public Health Works! campaign raises awareness of the essential services that public health workers and the public health system provide to the residents of New York state.

"Our team has an intimate knowledge of our communities, residents and resources and work tirelessly to meet the needs of our constituents," Kathy Daggett, director of Preventive Services, said in a news release.

To learn more about Essex County Public Health, visit www.co.essex.ny.us/PublicHealth.

Physical therapist joins practice

PLATTSBURGH — Kristy Dumont has joined the practice at Pearl Physical Therapy.

Dumont brings more than 10 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist. According to a news release from the practice, Dumont's clinical strengths include her knowledge and experience in assisting geriatric patients and customizing treatment to meet their special needs.

The addition has allowed Pearl Physical Therapy to increase its hours of operation from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 563-7777 to schedule an appointment.