Suneel’s Light, a Western New York non-profit foundation with the mission of raising funds for research that will lead to a cure of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and to increase public awareness of the genetic disease, has announced that local philanthropist and nationally renowned restaurateur, Russell Salvatore will serve as the 2016 Honorary Chairman of Suneel’s Celebrity Gala, the Foundation’s annual “Dancing with the Stars” inspired fundraiser. Peter M. Vito, retired commissioner of Erie County Central Police Services and chairman and CEO of Peter M. Vito & Associates, Inc., and his wife Elizabeth R. Donatello, Esq. Niagara County Assistant District Attorney were also named Event Chairs. Funds raised by Suneel’s Celebrity Gala in Buffalo help this local non-profit foundation support critical research for treatments in search of a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a lethal genetic childhood disease. 

As a major initiative in fostering a healthy college environment, Daemen College has implemented a new tobacco-free policy, effective Sept. 6, 2016.

In doing so, Daemen joins more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the U.S. that have made a strong commitment to promoting the health and well-being of their college community by creating a 100 percent tobacco-free campus.

“In light of the many health risks associated with tobacco use, creating a campus environment that’s clean and free from tobacco products is key to the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors,” said Daemen President Gary A. Olson. “The courtesy and cooperation of everyone on campus will contribute to making this a successful transition, and we will provide the collegial support needed to members of the Daemen community who may find this change to be challenging.”

(ProActive Sports Rehab offers a weekly column promoting health, fitness and physical therapy. Please be sure to check back each week for a new topic!)

In response to a national public health epidemic of opioid misuse and abuse, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has launched a public education campaign, #ChoosePT, to raise awareness among patients and prescribers about physical therapy as a safe alternative for pain management.