Over the past few years I have watched my mother, and her siblings, navigate caring for my aging grandparents. I have seen just how quietly caregiving can reshape someone’s everyday life. It can mean juggling appointments, medications, errands, household tasks, and difficult decisions, all while trying to remain present as a son or daughter rather than feeling like a full-time care coordinator. Their experience has shown me both the deep love behind this work and the toll it can take when someone carries too much alone. Supporting informal caregivers isn’t simply a kind gesture; it’s a way to help the people you love protect their own well-being while continuing to care for the people who once cared for them (and me!). Our expert this month is Nicole Durgan, Caregiver Coordinator at the Clinton County Office for the Aging . She has more than 8 years of experience helping caregivers navigate their journey and access caregiver support services and respite. Her knowledge of how systems ...
In the North Country firearms are part of daily life for a lot of families, whether for hunting, protecting livestock, recreation, or good old-fashioned tradition. But here’s the thing: even though firearms are commonplace, safe storage isn’t something we should take for granted. And no—this isn’t about telling people if they should have firearms or how many they should own. Around here, we all know responsible ownership is the norm. What we’re talking about is simply making sure your firearms are stored in a way that keeps you, your family, and your neighbors safe, without getting in the way of your access when you need it. Think of it like keeping your car keys out of a toddler’s reach or making sure the gate at the top of the stairs is closed before the after-bath zoomies set in. It’s not about restriction—it’s about good, practical sense. Our expert this month is Shana Riel, Public Health Educator in the Health Planning and Promotion Division at the Clinton County Health Depart...