By Chandra Wilson It’s American Heart Month, and there’s no better time to raise awareness of the signs of hypertensive heart disease (HHD), which is better known as hypertension, or elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because, as reported by the American Heart Association (AHA), nearly half of all Americans have hypertension, and many don’t even realize it. The facts are clear. HHD is the leading cause of death for all Americans. For African American men and women, the risk for developing HHD is even higher, as roughly 40 percent are estimated to have high blood pressure. The condition increases with age, and if not properly managed can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, kidney failure, and other serious health issues.  However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, hypertension is reversible. Ruth Caballero, RN, a public health nurse with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York for more than two decades, provides home...

Governor Kathy Hochul delivers remarks at the first meeting of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns in East Greenbush. -Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul New York State Police, NYPD, ATF and More Than 50 Multi-State Law Enforcement Representatives Met to Share Data and Resources to Stop the Flow of Illegal Guns   NYSP Will Also Convene Local Law Enforcement Agencies Across New York As Part of Collaboration    Governor Hochul led the first meeting of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns.  The multi-state consortium convened to share intelligence, tools, tactics, and strategies to combat gun violence, especially as it relates to the trafficking of firearms between states. Among other things, the State Police discussed the latest tools and technologies available as well as analysis of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and other data sources in furtherance of this endeav...