Published in Blackstone Valley Call & Times on January 27, 2026
With an upcoming winter storm forecast for New England, Michelle Clark, Executive Director of the Southern New England American Heart Association, is urging older Rhode Islanders to take extra precautions when shoveling snow. She warns that sudden physical exertion in cold temperatures may lead to an increased risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.
This historic winter storm is already impacting the South and has brought destructive ice and heavy snow across 34 states, including the Midwest and Northeast. The arctic blast has brought extremely cold temperatures to the Eastern U.S. from Sunday through the week.
According to RINewsToday, Rhode Island has receive 16.5″ of light and fluff, on average. Specifically, official observations compiled by weather services, here are some specifics: Providence and nearby areas saw around 14 5 to 16.8 inches; West Warwick (15 inches); East Greenwich (12.1 to 12.3 inches); Westerly and North Kingston (11 to 13.5 inches); North Providence (18.4 inches); East Providence (12.1 inches); and Pawtucket (13.5 to 14 inches).
Snow Shoveling Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
With heavy snow accumulation comes the responsibility of clearing sidewalks. However, shoveling snow in extreme cold can be dangerous—and even deadly—if proper safeguards are not taken.
“Older adults, especially those with a history of heart disease or major risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight or obesity, or who currently smoke, should not be shoveling snow under any conditions,” Clark says.
Snow shoveling is a physically demanding activity that can place significant stress on the heart, particularly for individuals who are not accustomed to regular exercise. Numerous scientific studies over the years have documented the dangers of snow shoveling for people both with and without known heart disease.
“The risk is especially concerning for people with cardiovascular risk factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, current or former smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, as well as those who have previously had a heart attack or stroke,” Clark explains.
Clark points to a 2020 AHA scientific statement, “Exercise-Related Acute Cardiovascular Events and Potential Deleterious Adaptations Following Long-Term Exercise Training: Placing the Risks Into Perspective—An Update,” which identifies snow shoveling as a high-risk activity that places added strain on the heart, particularly among individuals who are not accustomed to regular physical activity.
“Research has found that the strain of heavy snow shoveling can be as demanding on the heart as a treadmill stress test,” Clark says. “Shoveling relies heavily on arm work—known as isometric or static exertion—which is more taxing on the heart than leg work. While lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow, people often unconsciously hold their breath, causing increases in heart rate and blood pressure,” she notes.
Combined with the effects of extreme cold, Clark warns, snow shoveling creates “a perfect storm” for a heart-related event. “The impact can be worse people who are the least fit,” she adds.
Clark cautions older adults against viewing snow shoveling as routine household work. “The movements are extremely demanding and can cause significant spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. Cold air also constricts blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder under conditions that limit its ability to function efficiently.”
She emphasizes that warning signs—such as chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, or irregular heart rhythms—should never be ignored. “If symptoms occur, stop immediately,” Clark says. “Call 9-1-1 if symptoms do not subside shortly after stopping. If someone collapses while shoveling, call for help right away and begin Hands-Only CPR if the person is unresponsive and has no pulse.”
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Snow Shoveling
Clark recommends that individuals with known or suspected heart disease—or significant risk factors—ask someone else to handle snow removal whenever possible.
“If you must shovel, start slowly and pace yourself,” she advises. “Push or sweep the snow rather than lifting and throwing it, which requires less exertion. Cover your mouth and nose, dress in layers, and wear a hat and gloves.”
She also cautions against shoveling during windy conditions, noting that wind chills make temperatures feel colder and increase strain on the body.
When possible, Clark recommends using an automated snow blower instead of a shovel. “While caution is still necessary, research shows that using a snow blower doesn’t elevate heart rate as much as shoveling,” she says. “Snow blowing typically raises heart rate to about 120 beats per minute, compared to around 170 beats per minute during shoveling.”
Monthly Archives for January 2026
Pandemic Lessons: “Essential Caregivers Act” Can’t Wait. A Merciful, Bipartisan Bill for a Voiceless Population
Published in RINewsToday on January 19, 2026
As COVID-19 spread rapidly across the country in March 2020—entering nursing homes largely through community transmission and staff movement—the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance calling for nationwide visitor bans in nursing homes. These strict restrictions barred all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, with limited exceptions for hospice care.
According to March 29, 2025 article, “Changes in Federal and State Policies on Visitation Restrictions in Nursing Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology, 31 states enacted statewide indoor visitation bans through executive orders between March 9 and April 6, 2020, and the end dates were between 6/15/2020 and 3/24/2021. CMS would later relax its guidance, permitting indoor visitation when facilities reported no new COVID-19 cases for 14 days and community positivity rates were low.
Charlie Galligan, a licensed criminal defense investigator in Rhode Island, knows firsthand the toll those restrictions took. He and his wife, Kerry, provided daily care for his parents for 13 years—his father, Jack, who died from Alzheimer’s disease in 2022, and his mother, Audrey, who lives with a traumatic brain injury. Balancing work with caregiving became the catalyst that pushed Galligan to lobby Congress to prevent the prolonged and unnecessary isolation of nursing home residents during future pandemics, including advocating for policies that allow designated family caregivers to visit.
“Long-term care lockdowns continued well after humane safety measures were established and family caregivers had been vaccinated,” Galligan claimed, noting that countless residents died alone as a result. “Daughters were forced to say goodbye to mothers with Alzheimer’s over FaceTime—often staring at their phones as exhausted staff struggled to provide even minimal connection.”
A Legislative Effort Revisited
The initial legislative proposal—the Essential Caregivers Act (H.R. 3733)—was introduced in June 2021 to reaffirm and enforce the right of nursing home residents to receive visits from family and friends during declared emergencies. When that proposal stalled due to the absence of a Senate companion bill, a second attempt followed the next year with the introduction of S. 4280/ H.R. 8331. Political insiders say that these bills stalled due to the legislative process, timing, and competing priorities not because Congress rejected the process. Most recently, the Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 was reintroduced last month.
On Dec. 16, 2025, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced bipartisan legislation in their respective chambers to prevent a repeat of the prolonged isolation and reduced care nursing home residents faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and U.S. Representative John B. Larson (D-CT) joined them in cosponsoring the Essential Caregivers Act.
The Senate bill, S. 3492, currently with seven cosponsors, was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. That same day, the companion measure, H.R. 6766, with 35 cosponsors, was introduced in the House and referred to the Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee.
“Our movement to enact the Essential Caregivers Act is not led by professionals or lobbyists,” Galligan said. “We are simply a determined group of family caregivers—primarily brilliant, tenacious women from across the country, and one token guy from Rhode Island—who love our mothers and fathers and refuse to accept silence and separation as acceptable standards of care.”
Congressional Supporters Call for Passage
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced how dangerous and inhumane it is to isolate seniors and vulnerable patients from the people who care for them the most, say Rep. Tenney, in a statement announcing the introduction of the bill. “Families were locked out, residents declined rapidly, and farm to many suffered alone,” she said.
“The Essential Caregivers Act ensures that this never happens again,” says Rep. Tenney, noting that they are loved ones, not visitors. “They are caregivers, advocates, and lifelines. This bipartisan legislation protects dignity, safeguards patient rights, and makes sure compassion and comment sense guide our response during an future emergency,” she adds.
Sen. Blumenthal emphasized the bill’s bipartisan intent. “By allowing at least one designated essential caregiver to have safe, in-person access to their loved ones during an emergency, our legislation ensures that residents will never again face the devastating isolation experienced by so many during COVID-19,” he said.
Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, a cosponsor of the Senate bill, echoed that sentiment. “We want to keep people safe from germs, but we also want to keep them connected—because isolation can take a real toll on health,” Reed said. “Essential Caregivers Act would ensure that even during limited visitation, residents can still have in-person contact with a loved one.”
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has expressed support and is on a waiting list to cosponsor it – cosponsors are being added in bipartisan pairs. “Loneliness can take a real toll on residents of long-term care facilities,” he said. “This legislation recognizes the critical role loved ones play in supporting residents’ well-being, even during public health emergencies.”
Not yet committed to cosponsoring are Rhode Island’s two Representatives
At press time, Rep. Gabe Amo, had not yet committed to cosponsoring the bill. “I am reviewing the Essential Caregivers Act of 2025,” Amo said. “Family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system, and I remain committed to advancing policies that support patients, caregivers, families, and health care providers.”
Like his House colleague, Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI), has not yet committed to sponsoring the bill. Magaziner acknowledges the importance of allowing nursing home residents access to their loved ones and is open to considering the legislation. However, he is also working to understand what safeguards would be in place to ensure resident safety during emergencies, according to Noah Boucher, the lawmaker’s communications director.
The Nuts and Bolts
Recognizing that family members are essential to residents’ care and well-being, S. 3492 and H.R. 6766 aim to prevent the emotional, psychological, and physical harm caused by prolonged separation during public health emergencies. This bill strikes a balance protecting public health while safeguarding the wellness of residents.
The Essential Caregivers Act requires nursing facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding to participate. It guarantees that at least one designated essential caregiver may access a resident during periods of restricted visitation, provided the caregiver follows the same safety protocols as facility staff. If a resident is unable to designate a caregiver, a representative may do so on the resident’s behalf.
The legislation also affirms caregivers’ rights to advocate for residents, participate in care planning, and ensure residents’ civil rights are protected. Additional provisions address roommate rights, as well as exemptions for end-of-life and compassionate care.
Facilities must provide written justification if caregiver access is denied, with appeals overseen by state survey agencies.
The bill has been endorsed by the AARP and Consumer Voice.
Rhode Island Advocates Call for Passage
Calling for passage of the legislation, Rhode Island Long-Term Care Ombudsman Lori Light said the COVID-19 pandemic made painfully clear how critical family caregivers are to residents’ health, safety, and well-being.
“During extended lockdowns, we witnessed firsthand the profound impact isolation had on residents, including increased depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, weight loss, and loss of engagement in daily life. For many residents, family members are not simply visitors—they are essential partners in care – they provide emotional support, help residents communicate their needs, notice subtle changes in medical conditions, and advocate when something doesn’t seem right. When access was cut off, residents lost a vital layer of protection and connection. The lessons we learned during COVID-19 must guide future policy decisions,” Light said. “No resident should ever again experience prolonged isolation from the people who know them best,” said Light.
According to Deb Burton, MS, executive director of RI Elder, the isolation imposed on long-term care residents during the pandemic was devastating. While infection control was essential, she said, the complete separation of residents from their families caused profound and lasting harm. Burton, a gerontologist, noted that residents experienced rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional decline.
“Families endured anguish knowing their loved ones were frightened, confused, and alone during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Family members are not simply visitors—they truly are essential caregivers. They provide a familiar face, a steady hand to hold, and an understanding of a resident’s routines, preferences, and communication needs. This is especially true for individuals living with dementia or other forms of memory loss, for whom familiarity and connection are critical to well-being and safety,” Burton said.
Comments from the American Health Care Association
While expressing support for family involvement, the nursing home industry has raised concerns about certain provisions of the bill.
From Holly Harmon, senior vice president of quality, regulatory, and clinical services at the American Health Care Association: “While we wholeheartedly support family members taking an active role in their loved one’s care, there are certain provisions of this bill where we have concerns. Mainly, we believe each situation, including public health emergencies, requires a collaborative process among public health officials and stakeholders to determine the most appropriate way to keep residents safe and loved ones connected, rather than implementing a blanket, inflexible process for all situations. We hope to work with lawmakers to make improvements to these proposals as the engagement of loved ones is critical to our residents’ wellbeing.
“Despite our caregivers doing everything they could to step in for family members during the pandemic, we were deeply concerned about the prolonged isolation of our residents. Public health officials were put between a rock and a hard place on how to best protect those in long term care, and due to the vicious nature of the virus on our resident population, it was determined best to restrict visitors and social interactions. Nursing homes were required to follow these restrictions until March 2021, and even then, CMS and CDC had strict guidelines due to the ongoing spread of the virus.
“The best way to prevent this global tragedy again is for officials to prioritize long term care residents and staff during public health emergencies, so that they can remain protected, active, and engaged with their loved ones and the community.”
A Final Note…
The best way to prevent another tragedy is to prioritize long-term care residents and staff during public health emergencies, so they can remain protected, active, and connected to loved ones. We must learn from the painful lessons of COVID-19. No one should be forced to decline alone, grieve alone, or die alone because of a lack of clear policy, RIElder’s Burton added. She noted that the Essential Caregivers Act ensures that in the next public health emergency” when it could be any one of us in a facility” we will not be separated from the person who knows us best and stands ready to advocate for us.
Caregiver Galligan remains hopeful. “This is simply a merciful bill for a voiceless population”, he said.
(updated 1-21-26)
Veteran Lawmaker Steny Hoyer Bids Farewell After 45 Years in Congress
Published in RINewsToday on January 12, 2026
According to Ballotpedia’s tracker of incumbents not seeking re-election in 2026, 20 House lawmakers are retiring at the end of this Congress, 17 of whom are age 50 or older. Last week, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), a long-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced his retirement and now joins Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)—all of whom served in House leadership and have announced their decisions not to seek another term—in departing Capitol Hill.
On Jan. 8th Hoyer addressed the House chamber announcing to his colleagues of his plans to retire. Choking up at times during his remarks, he reflected on his 45 years of serving his constituents and expressed concern about the direction of the House.
He began his remarks by looking back at a pivotal moment in 1959 when he attended University of Maryland at College Park, that would push him into public service —hearing John F. Kennedy speak at a spring convocation. A week later after Kennedy’s speech the young college student would change his major from business to political science. Looking back, Hoyer noted that this two hour encounter led to a 60-year career in public service.
Hoyer, who has held top Democratic leadership positions including House Majority Leader, reflected on his nearly 45 years in the House, contrasting the collegial, bipartisan atmosphere when he first arrived in 1981, under the leaders of Rep. Tip O’Neill (D-MA) and Rep. Bob Michael (R-IL) with the current state of divisiveness and partisan bickering.
The Maryland Congressman, representing Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District, expressed concern that the House was failing to meet its constitutional responsibilities that the first article of the Constitution demands and warned that the nation was heading towards “smallness” and “pettiness.” He concluded by calling on his colleagues to work together to pass appropriation bills in a bipartisan, timely fashion to keep the government open, thanking his family and colleagues, and reaffirming his gratitude for his long, productive career.
Taking a Look at Aging and Health Care Issues
While serving as House Majority Leader, Hoyer played a key role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by overseeing debates, managing Democratic floor strategy and building public support. The ACA expanded access to affordable health insurance, prohibited denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions, allowed young adults to stay on parents’ plans to age 26, and greatly expanded preventive services coverage.
Hoyer would steer the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to overwhelming final approval in the lower chamber by negotiating legislative language in the bill and building bipartisan consensus. This landmark legislation, signed into law on July 26, 1990 by Republican President George H.W. Bush, prohibited discrimination based on disability and greatly expanded accessibility in employment, public service, transportation, and places of public accommodation for millions of disabled Americans.
Eighteen years later, he would lead the House efforts to pass the ADA Amendments Act, which strengthened and clarified the original law’s protections to ensure that it would be broadly as intended, benefiting millions of Americans with disabilities.
The long-time Congressman has been a strong defender of Social Security and Medicare, tirelessly opposing privatization and advocating long-term solvency to ensure benefits for current and future retirees. He supported funding and modernization efforts that improve Medicare efficiency and access to providers for seniors.
Hoyer also helped to bring major health care-related legislation to the House floor during the pandemic. He successfully pushed for passage The American Rescue Plan, that would fund COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic health responses and that now has lowered prescription drug costs of some medications.
Hoyer also hosted events and roundtables highlighting mental health care investments (like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), reflecting ongoing engagement with health challenges affecting adults and seniors.
Kudos from Legislative Colleagues and Friends
Former Rhode Island Congressman James Langevin, now Distinguished Chair of Rhode Island College’s Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies, remembers working alongside Steny Hoyer in Congress. “He was a good friend and respected colleague, but my relationship with him actually began before I was even sworn in,” he says. “He was an original author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which opened doors for people with disabilities and empowered me to run for office.”
“When I was elected, Steny worked tirelessly to ensure I had the resources and accommodations I needed to transition to Washington and succeed as the first quadriplegic member of Congress. For Steny, accessibility was personal. I always knew that whatever I needed, Steny would make it happen. His departure from the House is a great loss for the institution, but I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement,” adds Langevin.
Rhode Island’s junior Congressman Gabe Amo also praised Hoyer’s service. “Steny Hoyer has been a steadfast champion of Marylanders and the American people, serving our country and Congress with integrity and conviction,” says Amo. “He was one of the first calls I received after I won the 2023 special election, and he welcomed me with open arms when I arrived in Congress.”
Amo considered Hoyer a trusted mentor who helped guide him as a newly elected member. “He always celebrated the wins we secured for Rhode Island—especially the infrastructure funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” he notes.
According to Amo, Hoyer frequently mentioned his Rhode Island ties, sharing fond memories of his law school classmate, former Warwick Mayor Joe Walsh, and his long-time friend Congressman Langevin. “Steny is a stalwart public servant, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. He will be deeply missed in the halls of Congress,” Amo says.
Rep. Seth Magaziner offered similar praise. “Steny Hoyer is not only a congressional legend with many legislative accomplishments, he is a living reminder that politics does not have to be partisan and uncivil. He is well respected on both sides of the aisle, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve with him,” says Magaziner.
Robert “Bob” Blancato, President of Matzo, Blancato and Associates who served as former Staff Director of the House Aging Committees’ Subcommittee on Human Services, calls Hoyer one of the strongest Democratic leaders of the past 45 years. “During his time as Majority Leader, he stewarded landmark legislation—such as the Affordable Care Act—through the House and later its final passage through Congress,” he notes.
“As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, he helped ensure aging programs received priority funding even in difficult times. He was a gentleman legislator, and his level of service in Congress will be hard to duplicate,” says Blancato.
Max Richtman, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and former staff director of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, views Hoyer as a committed advocate for older Americans. “Steny has always been very accessible to the seniors’ advocacy community. He kept an open mind on the issues we care about. I have known him a very long time and personally liked him. He will be missed.”
Looking back, when President George W. Bush declared his intention to privatize Social Security after his re-election in 2004, Steny brought advocates together for regular strategy sessions to protect the program, says Richtman. “He united the advocacy community and helped orchestrate the defeat of Bush’s privatization plan. That’s a prime example of the leadership Steny provided,” he says.
Like Richtman, Robert Weiner, former Staff Director of the U.S. House Select Committee on Aging, recognized Hoyer’s effort to stop the privatization of Social Security — and helped in the regaining of the House majority as a result. “During his time in Democratic House leadership, he never lost a bill he scheduled or brought to the floor for a vote,” says Weiner.
Weiner, who served with Hoyer as national officer in Young Democrats in the 70’s, remembers Hoyer chairing weekly meetings with committee members and issue leaders to gauge party sentiments and anticipate votes, shaping House agendas. “At his recent birthday “Bull Roast” he invited me to, Hoyer discussed “bringing bills to the floor,” setting calendars, and securing votes. His foresight — and passionate House floor speeches — consistently assured favorable results.
The end of a 60-year career in public service with a dedication to senior friendly issues will keep his memory strong in Congress.
Herb Weiss 