The Local Edition

In the wake of former President Joe Biden's announcement that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones , the conversation around prostate health has gained renewed urgency.

To shed light on this critical issue, Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with Dr. Sheldon L. Axelrod, a urologist with Optum Health and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Early Detection is Key

Dr. Axelrod emphasized the importance of early screening for prostate cancer. "For individuals at average risk, starting screening at age 50 is reasonable," he noted. However, for those with higher risk factors—such as African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer—screening should begin earlier, around age 45, or even 40 in some cases.

Silent Progression

One of the challenges with prostate cancer is its often silent progression. "Typically, early-stage prostate cancer doesn't present symptoms," Dr. Axelrod explained. "Symptoms like bone pain or urinary difficulties usually indicate more advanced disease." This underscores the necessity of regular screenings, even in the absence of symptoms.

Diagnostic Tools

The primary screening tools for prostate cancer are the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam. While an elevated PSA level doesn't definitively indicate cancer, it warrants further investigation. "If the PSA is elevated, we typically repeat the test and may conduct an MRI to assess the prostate's condition," Dr. Axelrod said. "Depending on the findings, a biopsy might be necessary."

Treatment Options

Treatment strategies for prostate cancer vary based on the disease's stage and aggressiveness. "For low-risk cases, active surveillance might be sufficient," Dr. Axelrod stated. "More aggressive cancers may require surgical removal of the prostate or radiation therapy." He also highlighted advancements in robotic-assisted surgeries, which have improved patient outcomes and recovery times.

Lifestyle and Prevention

While certain risk factors like age and genetics are non-modifiable, Dr. Axelrod advocated for a healthy lifestyle. "Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to overall well-being and may help reduce cancer risk," he advised.

Dr. Axelrod's insights serve as a timely reminder of the importance of proactive health measures and regular screenings in the fight against prostate cancer.

Ulster County’s Department of Emergency Services is poised to take a larger role in supporting emergency medical operations across the region. This expansion comes after the county was granted a Municipal Ambulance Service Operating Certificate of Need by the New York State Department of Health.

The certification allows Ulster County to extend contracts with existing emergency medical providers and bring additional resources to areas where ambulance services are overburdened or strained.

Everett Erichsen, Director of the Department of Emergency Services, spoke with Radio Catskill’s Miguel Santiago Colón about what this change means for local residents. According to Erichsen, the move ensures that critical emergency services will be more consistent and better equipped to respond when minutes matter most.

The expanded capabilities aim to improve patient outcomes and alleviate pressures on current providers who are experiencing staffing shortages and rising call volumes.

The new certification is viewed as a step forward in building a more resilient and responsive emergency care system throughout Ulster County.

Shadowland Stages in Ellenville is celebrating a major milestone—its 40th anniversary season. They’re kicking it off with a production of Herb Gardner’s classic Broadway comedy I’m Not Rappaport, starring Tony Award-winner Judd Hirsch and directed by Tony nominee Neil Pepe.

To learn more about the play and the legacy of the theater, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Shadowland’s Artistic Director, Brendan Burke. Patricio began by asking: What does it mean to celebrate 40 years of Shadowland Stages?

I’m Not Rappaport tells the story of two octogenarians, Nat and Midge, who meet regularly on a bench in Central Park. Nat is a cantankerous communist whose daughter wants to put him in a home for seniors. Midge is an apartment building superintendent hiding out from disgruntled tenants. Together, they’ll do whatever it takes to avoid being put out to pasture.

In Ulster County, students are being invited to leave their mark on local democracy—literally.

The “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest is now open to young artists between the ages of 9 and 18. The winning design will be printed on the official stickers handed out at polling sites across the county during the November 4th General Election.

Originally launched in 2020 by Ulster County Board of Elections Commissioner Ashley Torres, the contest was inspired by a simple yet powerful idea: make voting more engaging, especially for younger generations.

Radio Catskill’s J. Miguel Santiago Colón spoke to Torres, who reflected on the initiative’s impact. “It’s a fun, creative way to connect young people to government,” she said, highlighting how civic participation can begin well before the first ballot is cast.

The contest is more than just a competition—it’s a chance for students to be part of the democratic process and see their work celebrated by thousands of voters.

Submissions are open now. For full contest details, visit Ulster County Elections: Student Resources.

A controversial proposal to establish a landfill in Ulster County has been placed on indefinite hold following sustained public opposition and mounting environmental concerns. The Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency (UCRRA) announced the decision last week, halting its search for a site after residents in Wawarsing—where one location had been under consideration—pushed back strongly against the plan.

To better understand the impact of this shift, Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo spoke with journalist Chris Rowley of the Shawangunk Journal, who’s been reporting on the issue extensively. You can read the full article from the Shawangunk Journal https://shawangunkjournal.com/news/2025/05/22/wawarsing-wins-ucrra-gives-up/482OKl

“The pressure was building,” Rowley said. “Wawarsing residents were deeply concerned, and this proposal had become politically toxic. No one wanted to carry it forward.”

For years, Ulster County has relied on Seneca Meadows, a sprawling landfill near the Finger Lakes, to dispose of its waste—roughly 150,000 tons each year, transported daily by truck at an annual cost of around $11 million. But with questions surrounding Seneca Meadows’ long-term viability, UCRRA sought a more local solution.

That search led to Wawarsing, a town in Ulster’s southwestern corner, bordering Sullivan County. But the proposal faced immediate criticism—not just on environmental grounds, but on equity. Wawarsing is one of Ulster’s lowest-income municipalities, and many viewed the proposal as yet another example of siting undesirable projects in economically vulnerable communities.

“This has become a broader conversation about environmental justice,” Rowley said. “It mirrors patterns we’ve seen across the country where landfills and incinerators are disproportionately placed in poorer areas.”

For now, UCRRA and Ulster County officials say they’re refocusing on waste reduction. County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the need to minimize overall volume before considering any new infrastructure. Emerging technologies—such as thermal decomposition or gasification—are being watched closely, but Rowley noted that these innovations are still in the experimental stage.

There’s also a political angle to consider. A potential shutdown of Seneca Meadows—whether from political change in Seneca Falls or the site reaching capacity—would leave Ulster and several neighboring counties scrambling for alternatives. Rowley believes that any long-term solution will ultimately require coordination at the state level.

“I think this is headed for the governor’s desk,” he said. “We’re talking about an issue that affects not just Ulster, but Sullivan, Dutchess, Orange, Columbia—half a million tons of waste a year. The region will have to act together.”

 The trucks keep rolling north to Seneca Meadows, and the conversation about how to responsibly and equitably manage waste in New York continues.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 795,000 people experience a stroke each year, and it remains one of the leading causes of death and the top cause of serious long-term disability—especially among adults over 65.

But there is hope: 80 percent of strokes are preventable.

As part of National Stroke Awareness Month, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Dr. Kavita Aggarwal, a primary care physician at Optum Health specializing in internal medicine, about how residents in the region can better understand the warning signs and take steps to reduce their risk.

Dr. Aggarwal compared a stroke to a heart attack of the brain and explained the three types: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), commonly referred to as “mini-strokes.” Ischemic strokes, which make up 87 percent of all cases, occur when blood clots or plaque block blood vessels leading to or in the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, result from ruptured arteries leaking into brain tissue.

TIAs may resolve quickly, but Aggarwal called them “warning strokes,” emphasizing they require immediate medical evaluation to prevent a larger, potentially fatal stroke.

Quick response, she stressed, is everything. “Most treatments need to be administered within the first three hours of symptom onset,” she said.

To help identify stroke symptoms, Aggarwal pointed to the CDC-endorsed acronym FAST:

• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
• A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is it slurred or strange?
• T – Time: If any of these signs are present, call 911 immediately.

Aggarwal added, “Do not drive to the hospital. Call 911. EMS may be able to start life-saving treatment on the way.”

She also addressed disparities in stroke risk. “Studies have shown that African Americans are more likely to die from strokes than other racial groups, and the risk of a first stroke is nearly twice as high for Black individuals,” she noted, citing contributing factors like higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and genetic conditions like sickle cell disease. Hispanic men and women are also at elevated risk for similar reasons.

While age remains a significant factor—risk doubles every 10 years after age 55—Dr. Aggarwal warned that strokes are increasingly affecting younger adults. “One out of seven strokes now occurs in people between 15 and 49,” she said.

She emphasized that prevention should be the first line of defense: “We work hard to manage known risk factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, but also encourage healthy lifestyle changes.”

Her recommendations include:

• A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber while low in saturated fats and sodium.
• Regular physical activity—at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week for adults.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI).
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption.

Recovery after a stroke varies, but it begins immediately in the hospital. Aggarwal explained that rehabilitation may include physical, speech, and occupational therapy to help patients regain mobility and perform daily tasks.

Asked about misconceptions, she pointed to a gap in public awareness: “Most people recognize one-sided numbness as a stroke symptom, but only 38 percent are aware of all the major signs—or when to call 911.”

That’s why, she said, it’s crucial for everyone to speak with their healthcare provider. “Make sure you schedule your annual physical. That’s the foundation for preventing these serious events.”

For Dr. Aggarwal, the message is personal, too: “I actually sit down with my parents and talk to them about stroke symptoms. After this interview, I’m going to do it again.”

County leaders across New York State came together on May 21st to address the devastating toll the proposed House budget reconciliation bill could have on New Yorkers. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar has this report. 

The legacy of the Borscht Belt continues to thrive across the Catskills. This summer and fall, the Borscht Belt Historical Marker Project—co-founded by photographers Marisa Scheinfeld and Isaac Jeffreys—returns with six new historical markers and an expanded lineup of immersive cultural events.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Scheinfeld and Jeffreys about their ongoing efforts to preserve the region’s vibrant past. From Ellenville to Livingston Manor, each marker unveiling will be paired with community programs, including walking tours, art talks, and even a film screening in an original Catskills nightclub.

The season kicks off May 24 in Ellenville, with additional dedications scheduled throughout the summer and fall.

📍 2025 Marker Events

• Ellenville – May 24
• Greenfield Park – May 25
• Loch Sheldrake – July 17
• Woodbourne – August 23
• Parksville – October 5
• Livingston Manor – October 18

For full details, visit maytheborschtbewithyou.org or follow the project on social media.

Sullivan County legislators are scrambling for a new location to build a gateway housing shelter in the county. Last week, the legislature voted against scheduling a public hearing to operate a gateway housing center on Pittaluga Road in Thompson, N.Y. This follows months after heated debate between opponents and advocates for the shelter.

District 5 Legislator Cat Scott was the sole vote in favor of scheduling the public hearing. Radio Catskill’s Kimberly Izar spoke with Scott about what’s at stake amidst the county’s housing crisis.

May is National Women’s Health Month, a time dedicated to encouraging women and girls to prioritize their health through regular checkups, preventive screenings, mental wellness, and healthy lifestyle choices.

To help raise awareness, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Dr. Caroline DeFilippo, Medical Director of Primary Care at Optum Medical, CareMount in Mount Kisco, NY. In their conversation, Dr. DeFilippo highlighted the unique health challenges women face—including maternal health, menopause, and heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.

“There are a number of unique health challenges that face women that National Women’s Health Month really wants us to draw more attention to,” said DeFilippo, adding that many conditions like high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol often go undetected without routine screenings.

She emphasized the importance of holistic care: staying active, eating well, avoiding harmful habits like smoking, and most importantly—prioritizing mental health.

“So often women are juggling many things, probably more than they should be juggling, and they don’t take a second to say, what is it that I need?” DeFilippo noted.

The conversation also explored barriers in the healthcare system, particularly for underserved communities. Dr. DeFilippo advocated for making access to care easier and more streamlined—from getting screenings in a single visit to ensuring women feel safe and supported in medical settings.

Her message to women during Women’s Health Month: “Please treat your body well. Treat it kindly and take care of it—it’s all we get, and we get one shot to do this right.”

Listen to the full interview to hear Dr. DeFilippo’s advice on screenings, heart health, mental wellness, and how healthcare providers can better support women across the regio