New York state has been designated the first age-friendly state in the nation by the AARP and the World Health Organization. This achievement is a result of a directive to include health in state agency policy-making, an effort that will result in more livable communities for people of all ages and enable more New Yorkers to age comfortably in their homes.

“This administration has worked to create livable communities that support the unique needs of seniors and improve quality of life for all New Yorkers,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “As we continue to support community development efforts that deliver health and wellness opportunities for residents, we are honored to be recognized by two of the world’s most prestigious organizations for establishing New York as the first age-friendly state in the nation.”

In order to achieve this designation, New York ranked high in the eight age-friendly and livable community domains outlined by WHO and AARP, which include: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, work and civic engagement, communication and information, and community and health services.

With a goal of ensuring long-term, regional availability of the broadest array of healthcare services possible, Glens Falls Hospital has reached an agreement to sell its renal dialysis service to DCI (Dialysis Clinic Inc.), a leading nonprofit dialysis provider.

DCI cares for more than 15,000 dialysis patients in more than 230 centers across the country, including locations in Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park and Albany. The sale is contingent upon approval by the state Department of Health.

Patients are not expected to experience any changes to their treatment regimen. DCI will own and operate the Renal Dialysis Center on Broad Street in Glens Falls, and provide inpatient dialysis services at the hospital.

By Rachel Phillips

With the start of 2018 comes new year’s resolutions, and the GYM, which opened on Dec. 18, is ready to help people meet their fitness goals.

The GYM located in South Glens Falls in 2014. The popularity and success caused the business to outgrow its space. Now located at 762 Upper Glen St. in the Queensbury Shopping Plaza, the new, 7,300-square-foot facility offers members a larger facility, new equipment and an athletic trainer, T.J. Harrington, who once worked with the then-Anaheim Angels professional baseball team, and a physical therapist, Adam Lewis.

Unlike a standard gym, where members are left to work out independently, the GYM operates more like a training facility. When members first sign up, they receive an assessment, wherein a trainer determines what their personal fitness goals are and helps them set a schedule in order to achieve them.

From there, members are carefully supervised and attended by a professional trainer, who assures they’re utilizing the proper techniques in their workouts.

By Maureen Werther

Since its opening in April, Studio Chrome at 164 Saratoga Ave. in South Glens Falls has been attracting a growing clientele looking for a different way to get in shape.

Owner Terri Murray has incorporated pole dancing for clients seeking something different.

According to Murray, Studio Chrome is the first fitness studio of its kind in the area that uses pole dancing. She said that it is more than dancing and fitness. It’s also about confidence, self-esteem and camaraderie.

Referred to as “pole sports,” the routine is recognized by the Global Association of International Sports Federation as an official performance sport, and it is even being considered as a future Olympic sport. It involves acrobatics and dance moves on a vertical pole.