NEWS
UPMC Physician: Health in Hunting

UPMC Primary Care
Nicholas Gorski, D.O.
Preparing for the hunt
It is important to be physically prepared to handle the strenuous activity of hunting because chances are, you’ll be in a remote location and may not have cell phone service. Make sure your body can handle vigorous physical activity. Unfit hunters put themselves at greater risk for falls, injuries or even heart attacks.
Under a physician’s guidance, increasing aerobic fitness can help reduce the aforementioned risk. Start out slowly, build your stamina up and remember it’s never too early to begin your preparation.
Staying healthy in the field
Our actions during the hunt are just as important as our preparation to stay safe and healthy. These tips can ensure that you have a safe and successful hunt:
- Recognize the signs of a heart attack – Time is of the essence and educating yourself can be the difference between life and death. Some of the most common warning symptoms are overall discomfort, pressure or tightness in the chest, pain or discomfort in the arm, shoulder, back, jaw or neck, predominantly on the left side, and excessive sweating or shortness of breath.
- Eat right and hydrate – Dehydration and hunger can have rippling effects on health and condition, ranging from impaired critical thinking to how the body regulates temperature. While it may seem tempting to grab a coffee and donut and head out the door, you’re facing a long day of physical activity and your body will need good energy. A nutritious breakfast paired with healthy snacks and plenty of water will help ensure your body has everything it needs for whatever the day may bring.
- Watch your step – Many hunting accidents involve a fall, either from high up in a tree stand or slipping on a damp, rotting log. Be aware of your surroundings and watch your step.
- Practice safe weapon and tool handling – Using a bow and arrow, knife, tree stand, or gun is inherently risky. Be aware of the hazards of everything you’re using and take the proper measures to avoid potential accidents. Make sure your tools and weapons are properly functioning before heading out, store all firearms safely and unloaded, and inspect all your equipment once you’re in the field to make sure nothing happened during the drive to your hunting location.
- Take or tell a friend – Ideally you shouldn’t hunt alone, but whether hunting alone or in a group, always tell a friend or family member where you’ll be hunting.
- Learn basic first aid – Important first aid that everyone should know includes how to administer hands-only CPR, which consists of chest compressions, should a hunting partner have a heart attack. (https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/what-is-cpr)
Health benefits of hunting
Though hunting can be a relaxing activity to help clear the mind and get some fresh air, it also requires a lot of physical activity. Whether you hunt using firearms, bows and arrows or traps, you likely are moving more intensely than normal. Hunters may walk long distances in uneven terrain to scout the woods looking for the game of their choice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that each week, adults should engage in 150 minutes of “moderate-intensity aerobic activity,” such as brisk walking or 75 minutes of “vigorous-intensity aerobic activity” like running. This easily can be achieved through hunting.
Hunting fits into the category of “moderate-intensity aerobic” activity. Hunters are physically on the move, for sometimes days at a time. Hunting requires preparation before and after the season ends. Hunting requires stamina, strength and balance to maneuver through the varied terrain, open traps, and stay silent and still in a tree stand. These hunting tasks require walking, bending, stretching, balancing, pulling and hauling, which are aerobic and anaerobic forms of exercise and can be good for your health if done responsibly.
Nicholas Gorski, D.O. is with UPMC Primary Care and sees patients at UPMC Primary Care Lewisburg, 260 Reitz Blvd., Lewisburg. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gorski, call 570-567-5450. For more information, visit UPMC.com/PrimaryCareNCPA.
Think About It
Intimacy
By
B.J. Knefley
I’m an early riser, sometimes as early as 4am. My routine is simple, turn on the coffee and then the light over the stove. Once that is completed, Molly (my dog) and I go outside so she can do her business. Once completed, I make my coffee and sit down in the recliner next to the window. Molly will snuggle up beside me with her head on my lap, (quite a feat for a 55lb dog). Once settled we sit in the darkness and silence. I might check out the news and weather and will often look at a short devotional. This morning the subject was intimacy.
I think God wants intimacy from us as do our spouses and others, but how well do we enter in? Is it easy to be intimate with others? With God? I’m not referring to physical intimacy, but rather that area of our lives that’s buried deep within our very being. It’s that area that we keep hidden, that we tend to protect. Intimacy of this nature requires vulnerability and that scares most people. We often want it from others, but reluctant to provide it to others. Why is that?
Intimacy requires trust, whether it be from God or another person. Trust is first earned. We give a little to see how it’s going to be handled then we may give a little more. Each time we give a little of ourselves we wait to see how the other will handle it. If they do well, we take the next step. If they don’t, we pull back. Some have been so wounded that trust and intimacy is virtually impossible. Perhaps that’s you.
At different times God asks us to put him to the test, to see if he’s trustworthy. To do so we need to get quiet, to listen, which isn’t easy for many. But like a person, sometimes we just need to sit with them as part of developing intimacy. Sitting, listening, watching, and just observing their nature. You can learn a lot from just listening, but we must quiet ourselves in the process. Think about it.
Pumpkin Smashing Today in Downtown Emporium

Halloween is over and what do you do with that jack-o-lantern? Cameron County Recreation Center, Smoker Logging and the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce teaming up to bring a new event to downtown Emporium.
Pumpkins will be smashed Saturday November 5 in downtown Emporium. Children attending will be able to ride in a retro fitted truck that will run over the pumpkins. Pumpkins can be dropped off in the former Dolan Hotel lot all week. Free smores and drinks will be provided during the event which runs from 2pm-5pm. The smashed pumpkins will then be composted or given to goats at the Little Red Barn Farm.
COLD WEATHER LIFE JACKET REQUIREMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 1
HARRISBURG, Pa. (November 1) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds boaters, anglers, and hunters that beginning today, the annual cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect.
From November 1 through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters.

“The fall and winter seasons are filled with outdoor opportunities that can be enjoyed on the water, including fishing, waterfowl hunting, and scenic foliage tours,” said Ryan Walt, PFBC Boating and Watercraft Safety Manager. “Whatever activity you are involved in, boaters should be aware that water temperatures begin to drop rapidly at this time of year, and even on sunny days when air temperatures are comfortable and warm, the water is already cold enough to cause cold water shock, hypothermia, and put your life at risk. A life jacket can keep your head above water until help arrives.”
Sudden cold-water immersion, or cold-water shock, occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water resulting in an involuntary gasp where water is often inhaled. This uncontrollable reaction causes panic, hyperventilation, inhalation of water, and inhibits the ability of a person to swim.
According to Pennsylvania boating accident reports, nearly 80% of all boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets. Prior to this life jacket wear requirement being enacted in 2012, a disproportionate number of deaths happened between November and April. Since then, the Commission has seen a significant drop in the percentage of boating incidents that result in fatalities during the cold weather months.
The PFBC also recommends that anglers participating in ice fishing this winter always wear a life jacket to provide lifesaving protection in the event of a fall through the ice.
Individuals who plan to boat or participate in ice fishing during the cold weather months should follow these Cold Water Survival Safety Tips:
- Always wear a life jacket, even when not required
- Never boat alone
- Leave a float plan with family or friends to indicate where your boating trip will begin and end, and when you expect to return
- Become familiar with the waters you plan to boat in advance of your trip
- Bring a fully charged cell phone with you and store in a waterproof container
- Wear clothing that insulates when wet, such as fleece, polypropylene, or other synthetics
- If you are about to fall into cold water, cover your mouth and nose with your hands to prevent inhaling water
- If your boat capsizes, stay with the boat, and if possible, and get back into or climb on top of the boat
- While in cold water, do not remove your clothing
- If you cannot get out of the water and you are wearing a lifejacket, get into the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP), bringing your knees to your chest and holding them close to the body
- Once out of the water, remove wet clothes and warm up as soon as possible.
- If you have been exposed to cold water, act on the side of caution, and seek medical attention when necessary
To learn more, visit the Water Safety and Wear It Pennsylvania pages on the PFBC website.
The Wear It Pennsylvania campaign and logo are a partnership between the PFBC and the National Safe Boating Council.
Light Repair Project to Begin on I-180 in Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised of lane restrictions on Interstate 180 in both directions in the City of Williamsport, and Loyalsock, Fairfield, Muncy Creek, and Muncy Townships, Lycoming County, for a light repair project.
On Monday, November 7 through Friday November 18, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crew will begin light repairs at the Route 15 interchange in the City of Williamsport. Work will continue east along Interstate 180 to mile marker 13 (Muncy / Route 405 interchange) in Muncy Creek Township. Motorists can expect lane restrictions where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM, weather permitting.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution through the work zone.
Lane Restrictions Today on I-180 EB in Lycoming County

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised of lane restrictions today on Interstate 180 eastbound between the mile post 26 (Faxon exit) and mile post 21 (Fairfield exit) in Loyalsock and Fairfield Townships, Lycoming County, for a diesel fuel clean up.
Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed. Work will be performed during daylight hours.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution through the work zone.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 10/27/2022 to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria county. 78.104 – INACTIVE STATUS – TERM OF INACTIVE STATUS – After 5 year inactive status term, owner or operator failed to return well to active status, obtain a one year inactive status extension, apply for renewal of inactive status or plug the well. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-10-27 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria County |
| Description: Administrative violation issued on 10/27/2022 to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria county. OGA3211(H) – WELL PERMITS – LABELING – Failure to install, in a permanent manner, the permit number on a completed well. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-10-27 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria County |
| Description: Administrative violation issued on 10/27/2022 to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria county. 78.88(A)_ – OPERATING WELLS – MECHANICAL INTEGRITY OF OPERATING WELLS – Operator failed to record inspection results and retain records for at least 5 years for review by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-10-27 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 10/27/2022 to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria county. 78.88(b)1-4 – OPERATING WELLS – MECHANICAL INTEGRITY OF OPERATING WELLS – Operator failed to meet minimum requirements for inspections to determine compliance with the well construction and operating requirements. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-10-27 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria County |
| Description: Administrative violation issued on 10/27/2022 to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria county. 78.121(A) – WELL REPORTING – PRODUCTION REPORTING – Conventional operator failed to submit annual conventional production and status report for permitted or registered well. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-10-27 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 10/27/2022 to RIYAN FARM & GAS LLC in Allegheny Twp, Cambria county. OGA3220(A) – PLUGGING REQUIREMENTS – Failure to plug the well upon abandoning it. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-10-27 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Olean Man Charged With Felony Sex Offense

City of Olean, NY Police Department
The Criminal Investigation Unit arrested 39 year old Brandon L. Gould of 633 1/2 Garden Ave. Olean today after a complaint was received by us regarding a Juvenile.
Gould was charged with Criminal Sexual act (B Felony) and arraigned in Olean City Court. Bail was placed on Gould and he will be transferred to the Cattaraugus County Jail to await further court proceedings.
Foster Twp. Police Charge Woman in Theft From Walmart

On 11/04/22 at approximately 1427 hours an officer responded to Walmart for a retail theft for a female who under-rang merchandise and attempted to leave the store.
Upon arrival the female was identified as Stormie K. Cornelius.
Items stolen totaled $114.26.
Cornelius was cited and released.
Coudersport Ambulance to Sweden Valley Manor

At 4:05 PM on Friday, Coudersport Ambulance has been dispatched to Sweden Valley Manor for chest pain.
Port Allegany, Smethport Dispatched for Double Wide Mobile Home Fire

At 3:41 PM on Friday, Port Allegany & Smethport Fire Depts. have been dispatched to a working mobile home fire at 205 Lower Portage Road in Liberty Township.
People are out. 5 cats remain inside. Roulette & Coudersport dispatched to scene. Shinglehouse to stand by at Roulette. Shinglehouse RECALLED. Coudersport RECALLED.
Bradford Dispatched For Fire Alarm at YWCA

At 2:24 PM on Friday, Bradford Firefighters have been dispatched to the YWCA on West Corydon Street for a commercial fire alarm.
Menina C. “Minnie” Scacchitti, 95, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 1072 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA

Menina C. “Minnie” Scacchitti, 95, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 1072 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Elk Haven Nursing Home, after a lengthy illness.
She was born January 14, 1927, in the town of Carapelle Calvisio, L’Aquila, Italy, daughter of the late Ferdinando and Elena De Lauritas De Luca. She attended school in Italy and has been a resident of St. Marys since 1956.
On July 9, 1955, in Italy, Minnie married the late Gustavo G. “Gino” Scacchitti, who preceded her in death on August 21, 2014.
Minnie is survived by a sister, Maria Pasta of Toronto, Canada; a brother, Igino De Luca (Norma) of Perth, Australia; and by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her husband and parents, Minnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Santa “Sandy” Scacchitti; two sons: Bruno and Eraldo “Hoss” Scacchitti; two sisters: Imelda Celli and Chiarina Di Marco; four brothers: Eraldo, Mario, Francesco, and Tonino De Luca; and in-laws: Vince and Angie Scacchitti.
Minnie was a member of the Queen of the World Church. She was an excellent seamstress and she enjoyed cooking and gardening.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Monday, November 7, 2022 from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Monday, November 7, 2022, at 11:30 AM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk County Catholic School System, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.





























