About Erika Gruszewski
Posts by Erika Gruszewski
It’s Time to Have “The Vape Talk”
When Shaquana Divers talked with her teenage daughter about e-cigarettes, she was shocked to learn just how popular they are with kids at school. Her daughter said that even though kids are told about the harms of e-cigarettes, many still use them. Some start using as early as sixth grade. Divers, an Executive Program Manager with Excellus…Read More »
Hidden Gems: The Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks
This summer a group of us moms and our teens took a weekend trip to the Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks. After visiting the North Star Underground Railroad located on the same park grounds, we explored the Chasm. We were hoping to build leadership skills among our teens, and have fun! The trip was a…Read More »
Make Use of That Bike Share!
If you haven’t ridden a bike in what seems like forever, this fall could be the perfect time to go for a ride and feel the wind in your hair. Bike shares are becoming available in cities all over the state, making biking more accessible to communities. These programs typically have bike racks placed around…Read More »
A Healthier Take on Takeout Food
Takeout food. Greasy, delicious and convenient. Americans love getting takeout, whether picking it up or having it delivered. And it’s a $30+ billion industry. We all have our go-to options —pizza, subs, burritos and Asian food are among the traditional favorites. Is your mouth watering yet? We all know takeout isn’t the healthiest food. Enjoying…Read More »
Prediabetes: More Common Than You Might Think
Nearly 1 in 10 upstate New Yorkers has been told they have prediabetes. Pat Salzer, a Registered Dietitian and Workplace Wellness Support Coordinator with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, is one of those people. Why all the Fuss? Salzer was diagnosed with prediabetes 15 years ago. She works to manage her prediabetes by applying what she preaches…Read More »
How to Skip Traffic and Get a Workout, All Before 8am
The average American commute is getting longer. Between construction, accidents and traffic, it seems there is always something stopping you from getting to work on time. The daily grind of his commute is what led Scott Pudney, a Software Engineer with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield to start biking to work. Pudney began by riding with a co-worker…Read More »
Hidden Gems: 10 Must-Stops Along I-390
How many times have you used the I-390 to get to work? It seems like nothing but mileage markers and exit signs. When driving on I-390, most folks are only concerned with getting from point A to point B. But if you look closely, you’ll see that this route is surrounded by fun and unique…Read More »
Ins and Outs of a Volunteer Vacation
Planning a summer vacation? Why not take a trip that makes a difference and lets you explore the world? Consider taking a volunteer vacation. What’s a volunteer vacation? While you are off exploring the world, you could also be living with a host family, working in the community, and getting to know the local people.…Read More »
Fairies find a new home in Mendon Ponds Park
Countless hearts broke earlier this year when dozens of fairies were evicted from their homes in Henrietta’s Tinker Nature Park following acts of vandalism. The beloved fairy trail featured beautifully crafted and brightly painted doors carved into both trees and various pieces of wood. The good news – you can rest easy! The fairies are safe…Read More »
11 Places to Picnic in Upstate NY
Summer is a short season in upstate NY. That’s why it’s the perfect time to exchange your usual lunch out with a meal “al-fresco” at one of these picnic spots in upstate NY. 1. Porter Park, Youngstown, Niagara County There is no better place to have a picnic than on Lake Ontario. You can see Niagara…Read More »