Profiles in Medicine February 2015

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

PROFILES IN

MEDICINE AN AN ANTON ANTON MEDIA MEDIA GROUP GROUP SPECIAL SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT •• FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 18 18 -- 24, 24, 2015 2015

Be Proactive With Your Health 15 essential screenings for men & women Immunizations for Adults Check-Up Checklist Measles Outbreak Update We’re the only lI hospItal to score top aWards for nursIng excellence, patIent safety & qualIty.

Who are We? See page 20B to find out.

66073A_SNCH Q1 Quality Awards_v2.indd 1

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

A Better Kind of Cancer Care

“At Winthrop, not only are all the cancer services in the same location, so are the physicians.”

Dr. Eva Chalas is Winthrop’s Director of Clinical Cancer Services and Chief of Gynecologic Oncology. She joined Winthrop upon completing her fellowship at a major cancer center in New York City. A nationally recognized leader in women’s health and gynecologic cancer, Dr. Chalas was named a “Physician of Distinction” by the American Cancer Society.

“Most individuals diagnosed with cancer require multimodality therapy – surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. So there’s real value when a patient’s entire care team is in regular, face-to-face contact, tailoring the best treatment plan for the patient.

“Most of our physicians have trained at some of the nation’s top institutions. I like to say I am surrounded

by A+ people. The administration here is committed to making sure our cancer services are the absolute best they can be. I’m proud that Winthrop is the only Long Island hospital named on the Becker’s List of 100 hospitals in the United States that provide excellent cancer care.”

259 First Street, Mineola, New York 11501 • 1.866.WINTHROP • winthrop.org

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

At Winthrop, No Man Is An Island The American male is notoriously hesitant to seek medical treatment, especially in non-urgent situations. Providing comprehensive, coordinated men’s services, Winthrop-University Hospital makes it easy for the men of Long Island to receive multispecialty preventive care and medical management.

“Men have been shy about going to their physician in the past, largely because they’re worried about abnormal findings,” said Aaron E. Katz, MD, Chairman of the Department of Urology at Winthrop-University Hospital. “Men have unique health concerns and need to go to their physicians earlier and more frequently. Winthrop-University Hospital has established a comprehensive men’s health service line to accompany its women’s health services and provide the individualized screening and treatment men need with a more personalized approach.”

Collaboration is essential to providing optimal men’s health services at Winthrop, and the streamlined construction greatly benefits patients. As part of the program, the Division of Urology works in concert with the Division of Cardiology, as well as other disciplines, to provide first-rate services and care for a host of medical conditions.

“We offer expert care for everything men are at risk for,” noted Jeffrey T. Schiff, MD, Attending Urologist at Winthrop-University Hospital. “The ability to coordinate care between multiple specialties facilitates efficiency and expediency.”

If patients are experiencing potential signs of heart disease or other heart-related conditions, they can easily be referred to a member of Winthrop’s cardiovascular team, an endocrine physician or a Board Certified cardiologist. Because many risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, activity level, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking, are modifiable, Philip Ragno, MD, FACC, Director of Cardiovascular Health and Wellness at Winthrop-University Hospital, President of Island Cardiac Specialists, emphasizes education as a preventive strategy.

“I stress that if men optimize their modifiable cardiac risk factors by the age of 50, the likelihood of suffering from a cardiovascular death prior to age 90 can be reduced to as low as five percent,” noted Dr. Ragno. “A little effort on their part can have a dramatic impact on heart risk over the course of their lifetimes.”

At Winthrop, patients have access to the gamut of leading edge diagnostic capabilities, including echocardiograms, stress testing, nuclear stress testing, echocardiographic stress testing and CT coronary angiography to pinpoint cardiac disease progression and assess its severity.

While men receive care for all aspects of their health at Winthrop, prostate cancer remains a focal point, as approximately 230,000 new cases of the disease are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Men with early stage cancer confined to the prostate can benefit from CyberKnife radiosurgery performed by experts at Winthrop’s CyberKnife Center in Mineola (or Winthrop’s new CyberKnife Center in Manhat-

tan). The CyberKnife Radiosurgery System uses technology similar to that used in cruise missile guidance systems to deliver radiation with pinpoint accuracy.

When surgical intervention is indicated, urologists at Winthrop offer a number of minimally invasive options, from laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy (a minimally invasive procedure that involves small incisions and a small camera to aid in removing the prostate for treatment of prostate cancer) to leading edge ablative modalities (direct local application of thermal energy to destroy cancer cells). One of the least invasive methods available is cryotherapy, a modality that uses argon gas to create small ice balls that kill the cancerous prostate gland.

“For patients looking for an option other than radical surgery or radiation, focal cryotherapy is an excellent treatment option,” said Dr. Katz, who is an internationally recognized expert in the field of prostate cryosurgery. In fact, he was recently elected to serve as the President of the American College of Cryosurgery.

Cancer isn’t the only condition that causes problems in the prostate. If the gland grows, it can affect the urinary tract and cause a wide range of complications.

“As the prostate gets bigger, it can cause obstructive or bothersome urinary symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, weak stream, incomplete emptying or getting up in the middle of the night to urinate,” Dr. Schiff explained.

“Typically, these patients are treated with medical therapy, but that’s a lifelong commitment with associated side effects and cost concerns. In the past, when patients chose against medicinal intervention, we would offer resection treatments to remove some of the obstructive prostate tissue. Before UroLift was approved, that’s all we were able to offer.”

The recently FDA-approved UroLift, available at Winthrop, is the first permanent implant to open the urinary tract and restore urine flow for men 50 and older.

“UroLift is a procedure in which we essentially ‘pull back the curtains’ of the obstructive tissue without resecting it,” Dr. Schiff said. “It’s akin to the function of a belt and suspenders in that it holds the tissue in place, out of the way of the urinary tract, with minimal side effects.”

As many as 30 million men in the United States suffer from Erectile Dysfunction (ED), according to the American Urological Association.

Winthrop-University Hospital’s comprehensive men’s services include managing such issues, which often arise as men age. Staff urologists counsel patients using a stepwise approach that includes conservative approaches with medications as well as surgical implants if needed.

“There is a need for one place where men can come to get help with diet, cancer screenings, genomic testing, heart health and other matters – and that’s Winthrop,” said Dr. Katz.

For more information about Men’s Wellness at Winthrop-University Hospital, call 1-866-WINTHROP or visit www.winthrop.org.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

MRI/PET: gy lo The Radio e Answ r r to Cance

This may be your most important S E LFI E .

• MRI/PET combines PET with multiple powerful MRI scans into one single 45 minute test.

• Reduces radiation by about 100 chest X-rays compared to PET/CT. • First outpatient unit in the United States.

- - - - - (516 631) Z W A N G E R

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015 ADVERTORIAL

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology recently introduced the 3D Automated Breast Ultrasound System (3D ABUS) at its offices in Plainview and Stony Brook. 3D ABUS will complement other breast cancer screening tests - including Digital Mammography, 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis), and Breast MRI - as part of Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology’s ongoing commitment to detecting breast cancer at the earliest possible stage.

3D ABUS is a new approach to performing an ultrasound (or “sonogram”) of the breasts.

During a painless examination that takes approximately 15 minutes, the 3D ABUS device acquires ultrasound images of the breasts, covering each breast in its entirety. Instead of a small handheld probe, 3D ABUS uses a large curved panel that can typically cover all of the breast tissue in three quick sweeps.

The images are then reviewed by a radiologist on a 3-dimensional work station. The radiologist is able to look through hundreds of images from multiple angles and see through layers of breast tissue to find cancers which might otherwise have gone undetected. The radiologist can compare the 3D ABUS findings to the patient’s mammogram, as well as to prior ultrasound examinations.

Why is 3D ABUS important? Mammography is a very powerful tool for detecting breast cancer, but it is not perfect. Approximately 40% of women have dense breasts, and mammography can miss up to 30% of cancers in dense breast tissue. 3D ABUS is not a substitute for mammography, which is still the single best screening test for breast cancer.

However, adding 3D ABUS as a screening test for patients with dense breast tissue can improve cancer detection.

Because 3D ABUS uses sound waves, there is no radiation exposure. Any patient with dense breast tissue, including those with prior breast cancer, breast surgery or implants, can benefit from 3D ABUS.

www.zwangerpesiri.com (516) z-w-a-n-g-e-r 9 9 2 6 4 3 7

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

Immunizations Aren’t Just For Kids

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Did you know that adults need vaccines and boosters too? If you didn’t, you are not alone. Many adults are not aware of recommended vaccines and booster shots and that means they are not taking advantage of the best protection available against a number of serious diseases.

Vaccines contain the same germs that cause disease. (For example, measles vaccine contains measles virus and Hib vaccine contains Hib bacteria.) But they have been either killed or weakened to the point that they don’t make you sick. A vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease. After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease without having to get the disease first.

Some vaccines contain only a part of the disease germ. Unlike most medicines, which treat or cure diseases, vaccines prevent them.

According to the 2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS): • Only about one out of five (21 percent) adults 19-64 years old with high-risk medical conditions had received a pneumococcal vaccination.

• Only about one out of four (24 percent) of adults 60 years and older had received a shingles vaccination.

• Only about one out of six (17 percent) of adults 19 years and older had received a Tdap vaccine in the last eight years to provide protection from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

Who Needs A Vaccine?

The Center for Disease Control

(Photo by Douglas Demaio) (CDC) recommends that all adults get the following vaccines: • Influenza vaccine every year to protect against seasonal flu.

• Td vaccine every 10 years to protect against tetanus.

• Tdap vaccine once instead of Td vaccine to protect against tetanus and diphtheria plus pertussis (whooping cough).

• Other vaccines you need as an adult are determined by factors such as age, lifestyle, job, health condition and vaccines you have had in the past. Vaccines may include those that protect against: shingles, human papillomavirus (which can cause certain cancers), pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox (varicella),

and measles, mumps and rubella.

• The CDC recommends people with asthma, COPD or other conditions that affect the lungs get a yearly influenza (flu) vaccine and a pneumo­ coccal vaccine, once as an adult before age 65 years of age and again at age 65.

• People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis B can be spread through sharing of blood glucose meters, finger stick devices or other diabetes care equipment such as insulin pens. Adults with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) ages 19 through 59 should receive the hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after being diagnosed with diabetes.

• Diabetes, either type 1 or type 2,

can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight the flu. People with diabetes, even if well managed, are more likely than those without diabetes to have complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization.

The CDC also recommends people with diabetes get a pneumococcal vaccine, once as an adult before age 65 years of age and again at age 65 years, and a yearly influenza (flu) vaccine and a hepatitis B vaccine series if they’re between the age 19 and 59.

• People with heart disease or those who have had a stroke have a higher risk of serious medical complications from the flu, including worsening of their heart disease. People with heart disease are at almost three times higher risk of being hospitalized with influenza than those without heart disease.

People with heart disease should receive a pneumococcal vaccine and a yearly influenza (flu) vaccine.

Special situations make receiving vaccines critical including: •C ollege students and military recruits • Health care workers • Pregnant women • Th ose with history of disease and allergies • International travelers Before you travel internationally, ensure that you are up-to-date on all your routine vaccines, as well as travel vaccines. More Americans are traveling internationally each year. In fact more than a third of Americans have a passport, an increase from only 10 years ago. It is important to remember that some types of international travel, especially to developing countries and

see IMMUNIZATIONS on page 13B

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015 ADVERTORIAL

Jason B. Karp, MD, FCCP, FACP has joined North Shore-LIJ Medical Group

Board certified in pulmonary disease and internal medicine, Dr. Karp has served the community for over 25 years. He specializes in the treatment of a full range of pulmonary and respiratory conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. Though trained in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine, his practice primarily focuses on pulmonary medicine in the office and all hospital consultations.

With over 20 years of experience in private practice, Dr. Karp has received numerous awards including Top Doctors: New York Magazine, 2006, Castle Connolly Top Doctors, 2006, 2008 and

2009; Compassionate Doctor Award, 2009–2012; Patients’ Choice Award, 2009–2012, and Patients’ Choice Promptness Award, 2009. He is dedicated to providing strong patient-physician communication. Utilizing the extensive resources of North Shore-LIJ Health System and working in collaboration with each patient’s entire healthcare team, Dr. Karp provides expert, compassionate care for optimal patient wellness.

North Shore-LIJ Medical Group is a multi-specialty group practice with more than 2,200 world-class physicians who provide exceptional care utilizing the extensive resources of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. The clinical excellence of their physicians is complemented by their connection to The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, enabling their doctors to be at the forefront of innovation, research and education. With nearly four million patient visits a year to their physicians, North Shore-LIJ Medical Group provides patient-centric care for people of all ages.

Their services span the continuum of healthcare from primary care to advanced surgery and treatments at easily accessible facilities throughout the New York metropolitan area. For more information, please visit www.nslijdocs.com.

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Dr. Karp is pleased to announce that he has joined North Shore-LIJ Medical Group and has moved to a new location at 800 Community Drive, Suite 308, Manhasset, New York 11030. This convenient location is just north of the intersection of the Long Island Expressway Service Road and Community Drive. The new phone number for Dr. Karp is (516) 365-5357.

World-Class Pulmonary Care Close to Home Jason B. Karp, MD, FCCP, FACP has joined North Shore-LIJ Medical Group.

Board certified in pulmonary disease and internal medicine, Dr. Karp has served the community for over 25 years. He specializes in the treatment of a full range of pulmonary and respiratory conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension.

Call now for an appointment: (516) 365-5357

Utilizing the extensive resources of North Shore-LIJ Health System and working in collaboration with each patient’s entire healthcare team, Dr. Karp provides expert, compassionate care for optimal patient wellness.

Convenient location and office hours Most insurance plans accepted Translation services available Handicap accessible

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Learn more about Dr. Jason B. Karp and North Shore-LIJ Medical Group.

North Shore-LIJ Medical Group Jason B. Karp, MD, FCCP, FACP 800 Community Drive, Suite 308 Manhasset, New York 11030

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

ADVERTORIAL

Fidelis Care Reaching Out to Community will address the issue of premature births in Nassau County.

Those events promote Fidelis Care’s goal to help anyone who needs quality, affordable health insurance. Having a local presence helps, Diaz explains.

“Word of mouth has been important to the community office,” he says. “People who we have helped trust us and tell others.”

Diaz says building trust with members and prospective members is a day-to-day process that involves treating each customer the way you would want to be treated.

“You’ve got to be a people person, you’ve got to do things with integrity,” he says. “Those are the values of the Fidelis Care mission, but they also are the things that make your life Eduhin Diaz, a Fidelis Care Health Benefit Representative, helps a fulfilling.”

Nassau County resident enroll in health insurance.

The office serves as “The office provides convenience for a good home base for the staff, Diaz people looking for health insurance,” says says, but he finds that many prospective Eduhin Diaz, a Fidelis Care Health Benefit members prefer to meet in their homes.

Representative. “We want to help them out “Clients are more comfortable in their in any way that we can by making their own homes, and we want them to have a lives a little easier.” good experience,” he explains. “It is nice The office is less than a block away from having the office nearby, but we will go a bus stop and about five minutes from the wherever we are needed.”

Westbury Train Station on Union Avenue.

Regardless of whether the sign-ups Diaz, a longtime Freeport resident, is occur in homes or at the office, Diaz is one of the 25 Fidelis Care employees who proud to be part of a positive change in make up the office staff. Representatives people’s lives. are available to help people sign up or “I’ve had some people who have never renew health insurance. On a typical day, had insurance come in. Now they are there are four to five employees on hand covered and can receive the care they and to assist anyone who walks in. Most of the their family need,” he says. “A family staff members are Nassau County residents came to me and said ‘you have been a who are passionate about their role in the blessing to me.’ The best reward that any community. of the staff can have is to see the smile on “We team with primary care doctors, a client’s face.” pediatricians, hospitals, clinics, schools, To make sure members and prospective and churches. We’re all in this together. members are well-served, the office We are here for the community and to help has employees who speak Spanish, everybody that needs help,” Diaz says.

Russian, Creole, Hindi, and Punjabi. No The office’s outreach events have appointments are necessary. Please stop included an annual health fair at St. in to learn about your health insurance Brigid’s Church and a toy drive for the options or just to say hello. For more Martin Luther King Center. In April, information, call us at (516) 334-6588.

Fidelis Care will take part in a health fair We look forward to serving you! at the First Baptist Church in Westbury that

Here to help

Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable health insurance coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life, including: Child Health Plus Apply for enrollment anytime Almost every child under age 19 is eligible for health insurance coverage through the New York State-sponsored Child Health Plus program regardless of immigration status. Coverage may be free or you may pay a monthly premium based on family income and household size.

Medicaid Managed Care Apply for enrollment anytime The income threshold used to determine Medicaid eligibility has expanded. Many people who didn’t qualify before will find that they may now be eligible. There are no monthly premiums, and benefits are comprehensive.

NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace Apply during open enrollment Fidelis Care offers metal level products (platinum, gold, silver, bronze, and catastrophic) through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace. Open enrollment for coverage in 2015 ended on February 15. However, you may be eligible for enrollment outside of open enrollment if you have a qualifying event, such as getting married or losing your employer-sponsored health insurance.

Medicare Advantage Open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2015 Medicare Advantage products are available to qualifying seniors ages 65 and older and/or individuals with disabilities. Medicare Advantage, also referred to as “Part C” coverage, replaces Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage. Seniors can select or change Medicare Advantage coverage during open enrollment or three months before or after turning 65.

Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) Apply for enrollment anytime Fidelis Care at Home is for individuals age 18 or older who are Medicaid eligible and qualify for nursing home care. They must also be able to stay safely in their own homes with the right care and support.

For more information Call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547), visit fideliscare.org, or meet with a representative at one of Fidelis Care’s Community Offices.

Westbury Community Office 180 Post Ave. Westbury, NY 11590 (516) 334-6588 Open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 1 PM Patchogue Community Office 232 East Main St., Suite D Patchogue, NY 11772 (631) 475-7200 Open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 1 PM

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Fidelis Care’s Westbury Community Office may be in a small building, but it’s making a big difference in the lives of Nassau County residents.

Since opening its doors more than seven years ago, the office at 180 Post Ave. has strived to be an active part of the community through outreach activities, wellness events, and health insurance signups.

PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Fidelis Care offers full coverage for preventive and routine dental care for kids.

Quality service. No referrals for network providers.

And with some of the top dental providers in the area, Fidelis Care’s youngest members have a lot to smile about.

To learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

1-888-FIDELIS | fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547) •

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

Regular Check-Ups Are Important

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

It’s time to take charge of your health. Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help detect problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better.

By getting the right health services, screenings and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life. Your age, health and family history and other important factors impact what and how often you need healthcare. Lifestyle choices are equally important factors, such as what you eat, how active you are and whether or not you smoke.

Screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms.

Screening tests can find diseases early, when they’re easier to treat.

You can get some screenings in your doctor’s office. Others need special equipment, so you may need to go to a different office or clinic.

Common Screenings for Men and Women There are 10 tests that both men and women should have.

Colon Cancer Screening: Have a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50. Other acceptable methods are a fecal occult blood test, which is annual, and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.

Cholesterol testing: You should first have this test at age 20 and then every one to five years. Have it annually beginning at age 40. In addition, have your blood cholesterol checked regularly with a blood test if: • You use tobacco.

• You are overweight or obese.

• You have a personal history of heart disease or blocked arteries.

• A male relative in your family had a heart attack before age 50 or a female relative, before age 60.

Depression: Your emotional health is as important as your physical health. Talk to your health care team about being screened for depression, especially if during the last two weeks: • You have felt down, sad or hopeless.

• You have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things.

Diabetes screening: Diabetes can cause problems with your heart, brain, eyes, feet, kidneys, nerves and other body parts. Therefore, this test should be annual beginning at age 40.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Get screened one time for HCV infection if: • You were born 1945 to 1965.

• You have ever injected drugs.

• You received a blood transfusion before 1992.

If you currently are an injection drug user, you should be screened regularly.

High Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, kidney and eye problems and heart failure.

HIV: If you are 65 or younger, get screened for HIV. Lung Cancer: Talk to your doctor or nurse about getting screened for lung cancer if you are between the ages of 55 and 80, have a 30 pack-year smoking history and smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years. (Your packyear history is the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day times the number of years you have smoked.)

Overweight and Obesity: The best way to learn if you are overweight or obese is to find your body mass index (BMI). You can find your BMI by entering your height and weight into a BMI calculator (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmicalc.htm).

Sexually Transmitted Infections: Sexually transmitted infections can make it hard to get pregnant, may affect your baby and can cause other health problems. Get screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea infections if you are 24 years or younger and sexually active.

Screenings for Women There are tests that are specific to women. These include the following.

Cervical Cancer Screening (Pap Smear): Starting at age 21, get a Pap

smear every three years until you are 65 years old. Women 30 years of age or older can choose to switch to a combination Pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years until the age of 65. If you are older than 65 or have had a hysterectomy, talk with your doctor about whether or not you still need to be screened.

Breast Cancer Screening: In addition to regular breast self-exams, mammograms are recommended yearly or every other year, beginning at age 40 or 50.

Osteoporosis Screening: Have a DXA scan once after age 65 or if you are at high risk for osteoporosis (bone thinning). Have a screening test at age 65 to make sure your bones are strong.

The most common test is a DEXA scan—a low-dose X-ray of the spine and hip. You should also be screened if you are younger than 65 and at high risk for bone fractures.

Screenings for Men If you are a male, consider these screenings.

Prostate Cancer Screening: According to the American Cancer Society, starting at age 50, men should talk to a doctor about the pros and cons of testing so they can decide if it is the right choice for them. If there is a history of prostate cancer in the immediate family, men should consider screening at 45.

Abdominal Aneurysm Screening: Between ages 65 and 75, if you have a history of smoking (smoked 100 or more cigarettes in your lifetime), get screened once for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). AAA is a bulging in

your abdominal aorta, your largest artery. An AAA may burst, which can cause dangerous bleeding and death.

Take Steps to Good Health In addition to getting screened, you should also be proactive about your health with these steps.

• Be physically active and make healthy food choices. Learn how at www. healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/ nutrition-and-physical-activity.

• Get to a healthy weight and stay there. Balance the calories you take in from food and drink with the calories you burn off by your activities.

• Be tobacco-free. For tips on how to quit, go to www.smokefree.gov or call the National Quitline at 800-784-8669.

• If you drink alcohol, have no more than two drinks per day if you are 65 or younger. If you are older than 65, have no more than one drink a day. A standard drink is one 12-ounce bottle of beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

You know your body better than anyone else. Always tell your doctor or nurse about any changes in your health, including your vision and hearing. Ask them about being checked for any condition you are concerned about, not just the ones here. If you are wondering about diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or skin cancer, for example, ask about them.

As with any medical advice, schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what screenings and exams you need and when you need them.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

How to Choose the Right IVF Center Dr. Allison J. Styne

W

hen seeking caring, compassionate help in the journey to become pregnant, one of the biggest decisions is choosing an IVF center that will be your partner in the process.

There are numerous factors to consider, one of which is finding a clinic that makes use of both high and low-tech approaches in their medical treatment. While the latest and greatest tools in reproductive medicine can be of tremendous help in attaining a healthy pregnancy, there are also numerous low-tech options such as simple lifestyle changes that can lead to a happy and healthy pregnancy.

their journey towards pregnancy. Other services such as access to a personalized financial planner can help patients understand and navigate their financial options.

Access to personalized medicine with concierge service is also a tremendous benefit to consider in choosing an IVF treatment. Personalized medicine with concierge service takes away much of the stress and allows patients to focus on what’s really important – their health and

And ultimately, it is important that patients seek a clinic dedicated to compassionate care. The process can be long and difficult, and it is important to have a medical team that will care for you in the challenges that you face and celebrate your victories.

Patients should also consider factors such as whether the IVF center offers patients access to single embryo screening and transfer, egg freezing, and ovum donation, all of which can play an important role in successful pregnancy for many patients but not all of which are currently offered at all clinics.

Dr. Allison J. Styne

Dr. Eric Flisser, Director

Expert, Compassionate Fertility Care Serving The Long Island Community For over 14 years, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York proudly offers patients world-class treatment for infertility, applying the latest assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Treatments offered include: • IUI • IVF • Egg Freezing

Dr. Joshua U. Klein

• Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening • ICSI and treatment for Male Infertility • Egg Donation

Visit us in Garden City or Manhattan for a consultation or call for more information.

Manhattan 635 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 756-5777 F: (212) 756-5770

www.rmany.com

Dr. Beth McAvey

130182

Long Island 400 Garden City Plaza, Suite 107 Garden City, NY 11530 P: (516) 746-3633 F: (516) 746-3622

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

Checklist: Things to Do Before Your Next Check-Up

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

You’ve made the appointment to see your health care provider. You’ve reviewed the instructions on how to prepare for certain tests. You’ve done the usual paperwork. Done, right? Not quite. Getting check-ups is one of many things you can do to help stay healthy and prevent disease and disability.

Before your next check-up, make sure you do these four things.

Review your family health history. o Are there any new conditions or diseases that have occurred in your

screening tests based on your age, general health, family history and lifestyle? Check with your health care provider to see if its time for any vaccinations, follow-up exams or tests. For example, it might be time for you to get a Pap test, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, colon cancer screening, sexually transmitted disease screening, blood pressure check, tetanus shot, eye check or other screening.

Write down a list of issues and o questions to take with you.

Review any existing health problems

and note any changes.

• Have you noticed any body changclose relatives since your last visit? If es, including lumps or skin changes? so, let your health care provider know.

• Are you having pain, dizziness, Family history might influence your fatigue, problems with urine or stool risk of developing heart disease, stroke, or menstrual cycle changes? diabetes or cancer. Your provider will • Have your eating habits changed? assess your risk of disease based on • Are you experiencing depression, for certain diseases and conditions beyour family history and other factors. anxiety, trauma, distress or sleeping cause of how you live, work and play.

Your provider may also recommend problems?

Your provider develops a plan based things you can do to help prevent If so, note when the change began, partly on what you say you do. Help disease, such as exercising more, how it’s different from before and ensure that you get the best guidance changing your diet or using screening any other observation that you think by providing the most up-to-date and tests to help detect disease early. might be helpful. accurate information about you.

Be honest with your provider. If you Be sure to write your questions Find out if you are due for any haven’t been taking your medication down beforehand. Once you’re in the general screenings or vaccinations. as directed, exercising as much or office or exam room, it can be hard Have you had the recommended anything else, say so. You may be at risk to remember everything you want to

o

know. Leave room between questions to write down your provider’s answers.

Consider your future.

o Are there specific health issues that need addressing? Are you contemplating

having infertility treatment, losing weight, taking a hazardous job or quitting smoking? Discuss any issues with your provider so that you can make better decisions regarding your health and safety.

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According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss affects over 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States alone,

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of the scalp) and relocates the hair back into the balding areas using individual follicular units. There is always a thin linear scar after this procedure so that wearing a short or buzzed haircut can reveal that you had a hair transplant.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

IMMUNIZATIONS from page 6B rural areas, have higher health risks.

Vaccines can help protect you against a number of serious diseases, including typhoid and yellow fever that are found in some developing countries. Vaccine-preventable diseases that are rarely seen in the United States, like polio, can still be found in other parts of the world, and measles still occurs in many countries.

There were more than 120,000 estimated measles deaths worldwide in 2012 and this viral illness remains a leading cause of death among children in some developing countries. A recent measles outbreak in the Philippines has led to about 40,000 measles cases and 70 people have died from the disease.

The United States has seen importation of measles cases from about 20 countries this year. The CDC recommends that all U.S. travelers six

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Vaccines are available for all of the following vaccinepreventable diseases (unless otherwise noted): • Anthrax • Cervical Cancer (Human Papillomavirus) • Diphtheria

months of age or older be protected from measles and, if needed, receive MMR vaccine prior to departure.

Keeps Track of Your Vaccinations Keep track of your vaccines to ensure you are up-to-date and have maximum protection against vaccinepreventable diseases. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or other immunization provider for a copy of your vaccination record. Your vaccination record (sometimes called your immunization record) provides a history of all the vaccines you received as a child and adult. This record may be required for certain jobs, travel abroad or school registration.

The records that typically exist of your vaccinations are the ones you or your parents were given when the vaccines were administered and the ones in the medical record of the doctor or clinic where the vaccines were given.

• Hepatitis A • Hepatitis B • Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib) • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) • Influenza (Flu) • Japanese encephalitis (JE) • Lyme disease (Lyme disease vaccine no longer available in the U.S.) • Measles

If you need official copies of vaccination records, or if you need to update your personal records, there are several places you can look: • Ask parents or caregivers if they have records of your childhood immunizations.

• Look through baby books or other saved documents from your childhood.

• Check with your high school or college health services for dates of any immunizations.

• Check with previous employers (including the military) that may have required immunizations.

• Check with your doctor or clinic.

Most records are maintained for a limited number of years.

• Contact the New York State health department. Since 2008, New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) records have been maintained for children up to age of 18. If your vaccine provider • Meningococcal • Monkeypox (There is no monkey-pox vaccine; smallpox vaccine is used for this disease) • Mumps • Pertussis • Pneumococcal • Polio • Rabies • Rotavirus

participates in an immunization registry, ask that your vaccines be documented there as well.

If you can’t find your personal records or records from the doctor, you may need to get some of the vaccines again. Some vaccines and immunities are detected through a routine blood test at your doctor’s office.

Vaccination is simple and can help prevent diseases that could result in serious health problems, missed work, medical bills and not being able to care for your family.

Staying healthy is a priority for everyone, especially for those with compromised immune systems and chronic conditions.

Speak with your health care provider. Find out which vaccines are recommended for you. Check out the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/ vaccines for more information. Don’t wait. Vaccinate.

• Rubella • Shingles (Herpes Zoster) • Smallpox • Tetanus • Typhoid • Tuberculosis (TB) • Varicella (Chickenpox) • Yellow Fever The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provided this list.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

Long Island’s only private, physician supervised, eating disorder treatment program that understands the importance of a coordinated, on-site medical, psychological and nutritional team approach for sustained recovery.

2015 Long Island Conference on Eating Disorders

Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 at LIU, C.W. Post FREE registration at:

EatingDisorderConference.com Sign up today!

(516) 280-3544 / ED180.com 300 Garden City Plaza, Suite 312, Garden City, NY 11530 Medical Director: Dr. Jeffrey DeSarbo, Board Certified Psychiatrist

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

Dr. Jeffrey DeSarbo Discusses the Importance of the Brain and Biology When Treating Eating Disorders

By Joyce Kriss As a board certified psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, Dr. Jeffrey DeSarbo is on the front-line of eating disorder treatment. Dr. DeSarbo manages an active patient load of over 300 cases and is the Medical Director of ED-180 Eating Disorder Treatment Programs in Garden City, N.Y. “Eating disorders are probably the most misunderstood conditions in all of psychiatry,” states Dr. DeSarbo in a recent interview. “Many people think they have an eating disorder, when what most have is disordered eating. What separates the two is that an eating disorder hijacks the mind, leaving patients with these terribly distressing and all-consuming thoughts, day and night, about food, weight, calories, body image and a constant fear of being judged,” says Dr. DeSarbo. For this reason, he adds, “you cannot simply look at someone’s weight and behaviors and recognize an eating disorder because it is what is going on in the mind that truly defines it.”

Often, to make matters worse, well-meaning family, friends, physicians, and therapists who may lack a full understanding of these conditions can end up adding to the torment of the individual. Some people may say things like, “just eat,” or “they’re just doing it for attention,” when in reality the condition is anything but in their control and potentially lifethreatening in its course.

In the U.S., it is estimated that 7 to 10 million women and over one million men are afflicted with an eating disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the death rate from anorexia

nervosa alone is 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to all causes of death among females ages 15-24 in the general population. Using U.S. Census data and reported prevalence rates for eating disorders, the website LongIslandEatingDisorders. com has estimated that that there are over 13,000 males and 29,000 females with an eating disorder in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

sustaining long-term recovery. His office also utilizes many other complementary approaches to treatment as well. Program patients receive biofeedback to help them train their brain to balance sympathetic and parasymapathetic brain waves. The result is an improved ability to control impulsive behaviors and anxiety levels that can interfere with recovery. Dr. DeSarbo is also about to begin a multi-site research study using neurofeedback to determine specific brain patterns with the different eating disorders as well as potential biological treatment interventions to improve treatment outcomes.

In addition to direct patient care, one key component to improving eating disorder treatment includes better education of healthcare professionals

The Complexity of Eating Disorders “The old-school models for understanding eating disorders often focused on environmental triggers for the cause of an eating disorder and relied on traditional therapy approaches and working with a nutritionist to teach patients better habits,” explained Susan Jungman, LMHC, and Director of ED-180. “Working Interesting Facts about Eating Disorders together with the physicians at • Long Island has approximately 45,000 cases of eating disorders ED-180 has been eye-opening. including anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder.

By understanding the brain • Studies show that hereditary factors (genetics) can attribute for and neurobiology that drives 40-70% of the onset of an eating disorder..

• Eating disorders have the highest rate of mortality than any other the eating disorder process, I disorder in psychiatry. can incorporate that to better • The media, dieting, dysfunctional relationships and other understand my patients in the therapeutic setting,” Susan added. environmental factors alone do not cause eating disorders.

• Body image disturbances are caused by changes in regional brain One of Dr. DeSarbo’s special blood-flow patterns that alter brain perception. interests is with neuroscience • Up to 8% of brain tissue volume may be lost with an eating research on eating disorders. disorder, but can be restored with long-term recovery.

Most of his lecturing centers on • The average course of an eating disorder is about 7 years for a teaching therapists, non-medical female and 4 years for a male. clinicians and the public about and the general public. Traditionally eating disorder the major role the brain and biology plays with treatment rested in the hands of non-medically an eating disorder. By demystifying the complex trained individuals which resulted in even higher neuroscientific contributions that can contribute to mortality rates than exists today. Fortunately, the and sustain an eating disorder, patients and people trend to educate medical professionals is improving, in their support system stop blaming themselves although Dr. DeSarbo admits that the road ahead is and understand the nature of what their treatment still a long one expressing, “I have always felt that is about . “I explain to patients, that when they are ED-180 was not just a treatment program but must talking with me in sessions, I am often imagining also be an educational center for the Long Island what their brain is doing, as if I see it on a PET community.” To this end, he and his staff have been scan. The way they are thinking, feeling, and providing on-site training and exposure to eating behaving can correlate to different parts Three Common Eating Disorders disorder cases to the adolescent medicine resident of the brain and its functioning and then Anorexia Nervosa - characterized by an obsessional physicians from Winthrop University Hospital.

I formulate a treatment approach that drive to lose weight due to fear of weight gain, fear of ED-180 also hosts annually The Long Island works based on scientific evidence ,” says food and often disturbances in body image. Weight loss of Conference on Eating Disorders which is offered greater than 85% of expected normal weight is secondary Dr. DeSarbo. “Only some aspects of an at no charge to professionals, people who suffer eating disorder respond to psychotherapy to behaviors such as severe restrictions in caloric intake, with an eating disorder and their loved ones and behavioral nutritional counseling. For self-induced vomiting, diet pills, laxative use, excessive (free registration for the May conference is at lasting recovery, however, organic brain exercise or other methods.

EatingDisorderConference.com). ED-180 also functioning along with other biological Bulimia Nervosa - characterized by regular periods of offers free monthly support groups and they created and medical aspects must be addressed in binge eating (consuming significantly more food than LongIslandEatingDisorders.com, a webpage resource more complex ways.” one would normally consume) that occurs within a 2-hr tailored for the Long Island region. period and with a sense of lack-of-control over the eating.

Finding Novel Approaches With the growing body of medical and scientific The behaviors are then compensated for with purging or Although Dr. DeSarbo and the staff research and evidence that is coming to light in the restricting behaviors. at ED-180 rely on evidence-based field of eating disorders, it is important that anyone Binge-Eating Disorder - characterized by regular periods practices and selections of therapies that who suffers seek help from professionals who have of binge eating (consuming significantly more food than are more traditional such as CBT, ACT, specialized knowledge, substantial experience and one would normally consume) that occurs within a 2-hr and DBT, Dr. DeSarbo is one of very period and with a sense of lack-of-control over the eating, can coordinate care on all medical, psychotherapeutic however, there are no compensatory behaviors of purging few therapists experienced in existential and nutritional levels. therapy which he feels is significant in or restricting as with bulimia nervosa.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

Women’s Wellness Women’s Heart Health: Going Red and Beyond!

Register with a friend to receive $5 off each with promo code HEART.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 7:00pm – 9:00pm Long Island Marriott 101 James Doolittle Blvd.

Uniondale, NY

Did you know…

3 Know what you should do for heart disease prevention in your

30s, 40s and beyond.

3 Learn about the latest advances in the treatment of heart disease.

3 Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and what to do in a cardiac emergency.

3 Learn how to save a life with the two steps of hands-only CPR. Healthy food choices and refreshments will be served.

Attendees will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a gift basket. $20 admission fee. Registration is required: Online: KIWH.NorthShoreLIJ.com (search under events) Phone: 1-855-850-KIWH (5494)

Jean Cacciabaudo, MD Chief, Cardiology Southside Hospital

Rosemarie C. Ennis, EMT, MA Corporate Director, Community Health North Shore-LIJ Health System

Presenting Sponsor

For more information or to register, scan the QR code here.

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Speakers:

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Heart disease kills more women each year than all forms of cancer combined.

PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

Breast Cancer Survivorship and What You Should Know!

Survivorship offers its own unique challenges and survivors have their own unique needs. Close to 50% of survivors can face emotional, mental, sexual health and social issues. Studies have shown that anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, poor body image can be late and have longterm effects after breast cancer treatment. Sexuality, which is central to a woman’s wellness and self-concept, is often affected, and these effects can persist for greater than five years if they aren’t addressed.

Body image is an integral part of sexual health. It is based on one’s own mental image of the physical self but includes societal attitudes and perceptions. Unfortunately, one’s body image can be slightly skewed prior to diagnosis and perhaps more so after diagnosis. Depending on how healthy a woman’s body image was prior to diagnosis, expectations post

diagnosis may not be realistic. The media is one of the main culprits that often offer unrealistic ideals for both men’s and women’s bodies. Having an open dialogue about any of these potential issues can help to abate the potentially long-lasting effects.

In survivorship, breast cancer survivors should have a clear survivorship care plan. The care plan should include the treatments, side effects, any individual issues, and a followup schedule. Survivors should know that all preventative measures still apply. Good nutrition is a must, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Make sure to limit fat intake including highly saturated fats and trans fatty acids while increasing intake of omega 3 polyunsaturated fat. Alcohol intake should be limited to one drink per day for women. Survivors should really work to maintain an ideal weight, staying physically active and incorporating exercise can reduce the risk of recurrence. Most of all, breast cancer survivors should celebrate their survivorship and embrace their ‘new normal.’

The Katz Institute for Women’s Health The Katz Institute for Women’s Health, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, is dedicated to improving all aspects of a woman’s health at every stage of her life. The KIWH Resource Center at 855-850KIWH (5494) or womenshealth@nshs.edu is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm to answer your questions related to women’s health or to coordinate access to the clinical programs and services offered by North Shore-LIJ. Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive important health tips, the latest news and announcements and invitations to educational events and activities. For more information, go to kiwh.northshorelij.com.

130153

It seems like every day someone you know or know of is being diagnosed with breast cancer. When 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, About the Author: Janna Andrews, MD is a the numbers can Radiation Oncologist at Southside Hospital be daunting. and Assistant Professor at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

Thankfully, with early diagnosis and improved medical treatment, more women are surviving with breast cancer. Survivorship is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the balance of his or her life. 13.4 million Americans are cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors make up the largest group of survivors out of all cancer groups.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

Your Center for Customized Health Care

ADVERTORIAL

Dr. Conn Foley, a Leader in Patient Care, Teaching, and Research

A long-time leader of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation’s medical team, Dr. Cornelius “Conn” Foley, Senior Vice President and Chairman, Department of Medicine, is an invaluable part of Parker’s success in innovative and compassionate health care, and a well-regarded leader in the field of patient care, teaching and research.

Short-Term Rehabilitation Long Term Care Home Health Care Hospice Medical & Social Adult Day Care Medical Transportation Inpatient & Outpatient Dialysis Managed Long Term Care Medicare Advantage Plan

Dr. Foley helped the Institute pioneer short term rehabilitation for adults recovering from surgical procedures, stroke, amputation, injury and illness. Under his leadership, this restorative therapy program, now serving adults of all ages, has grown to be New York’s single most active program of its kind. Trained in geriatric medicine and long term care within both the European and American health care systems, Dr. Foley is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the American Geriatrics Society, the Gerontological Society of America and the New York Academy of Medicine.

He is a Board Certified Internist and Geriatrician, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Nerken Chair in Geriatric Medicine at Parker Jewish Institute, through which he conducts clinical and programmatic research.

“Without doubt, Dr. Foley’s work has been instrumental in establishing Parker as one of the nation’s leading centers for the health care and rehabilitation of older adults,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, President and CEO, Parker Jewish Institute. “The high caliber of his training, knowledge, and capacity to teach is unique.”

LAKEVILLE

AMBULETTE TRANSPORTATION

A champion of new thinking in care delivery, Dr. Foley is continually on the vanguard of technological advancement. Since 2008, Dr. Foley has served as a Board member and clinical workgroup co-chair for Continuum of Care Improvement Through Information New York (CCITI NY), a groundbreaking project to improve and coordinate care through health information exchange. Dr. Foley has also spearheaded and led the process of implementing the recommendations of Healthix, a regional health information organization, for Parker’s clinicians.

Prominent in the academic teaching of fellows, residents, medical students and other health care professionals, Dr. Foley has published and presents extensively on geriatric and long term care issues, and is often called upon by media to comment upon emerging health care issues of older adults, including transitions of care, the expanding role of electronic medical records, and the roles and responsibilities of medical directors and attending physicians in sub-acute facilities and nursing homes.

Parker Jewish Institute HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION

WHERE EXCELLENCE IS THE STANDARD

129852

271-11 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 877.727.5373 www.ParkerInstitute.org

“Above all, he is a uniquely compassionate care provider and mentor,” said Mr. Rosenblut. “Truly an uncommon thing in today’s health care environment.”

www.parkerinstitute.org

129938

“And the Award Goes To...”

PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

19B

e ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL v a S ate! A Night D e th RED CARPET Presents ON THE

Featuring Classic Casinos

BIMAL BRAHMBHATT, M.D. Physician Honoree & Past Medical Staff President

ROGER KERSTEN, D.O. Physician Honoree

MERRILL ZORN

Community Honoree

129719

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015, 7:00pm-Midnight

Crest Hollow Country Club • 8325 Jericho Tpke., Woodbury, NY 11797

For More Information, Please Contact Halina Howlett - Halina.Howlett@chsli.org or (516) 520-2303 ADVERTORIAL

ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL “Investing in Our Future – Meeting the Needs of Our Community”

As you know, for someone experiencing chest pain, moments count. This fast, non-invasive test will allow our physicians to make a diagnosis more quickly and accurately.

In addition to cardiac imaging, the new scanner offers added convenience to patients

requiring traditional CT scans.

All imaging will be completed immediately in the Emergency Department, saving vital time and providing physicians with immediate test results.

The cost to renovate the Emergency Department and acquire the new cardiac CT scanner is more than $3 million. New technology is expensive; however, the benefit for you, your family and our community at large is immense.

All proceeds from St. Joseph Hospital’s 2015 Gala will be used for the implementation of the new cardiac CT scanner. Thank you for helping St. Joseph Hospital make this important investment in our community’s health.

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Something amazing is happening in your community hospital – St. Joseph Hospital is renovating and expanding its Emergency Department, and will soon acquire a new cardiac CT scanner.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

SOUTH NASSAU DELIVERS

A HEALTHY DOSE OF QUALITY

South Nassau Communities Hospital ranked among the TOP 5 on Long Island, with 8 high-performing specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Hospitals rankings.

Serving the South Shore communities from Queens to Suffolk.

Located at One Healthy Way, Oceanside, NY 11572.

Call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit wherequalitymatters.org.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015 ADVERTORIAL

South Nassau Ranks Among Top 5 Hospitals on Long Island in U.S. News & World Report Rankings Some people call us the best-kept secret on the South Shore.

We are South Nassau Communities Hospital, an award-winning, 455-bed, acute care, not-for-profit teaching hospital located in Oceanside, serving the entire South Shore from the Rockaways in Queens to the Massapequas and beyond.

“South Nassau is Long Island’s best-kept secret in hospitals,” adds Richard Murphy, president and CEO. “We want to spread the news and let other Long Islanders in on our ‘secret’: that South Nassau delivers quality care and that we have been recognized nationally for the level of care we deliver to patients. Our staff of dedicated nurses, physicians and support personnel has done outstanding work and we are delighted that organizations like U.S. News & World Report and The Joint Commission have recognized their efforts to maintain the highest standards of patient care.”

South Nassau is the only hospital on Long Island to hold all of the following four honors for quality and services excellence: √ High-Ranking in Eight Specialties, according to U.S. News & World Report √ Top Performer on Key Quality Measures, according to the Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® √ Top Nursing Care, by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet® recognition √ Top in Patient Safety, according to the Leapfrog Group “A” Grade in Hospital Patient Safety What do these honors mean to the patients and communities we serve?

The 2014 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Rankings is proof that South Nassau has a staff of experienced, compassionate, dedicated doctors and nurses who treat our patients with personalized care and leading-edge medical technologies.

South Nassau ranks in the top tier of high-performing hospitals on Long Island in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals metro area rankings, and was rated as high-performing in eight specialties: Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Pulmonology.

As a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures, South Nassau also can be counted on for the exemplary use of clinical processes that improve care for the treatment of heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia or patients undergoing surgery.

Many patients judge a hospital at least in part on its interactions with its nursing staff, which typically spends the most time caring for patients. In this area, South Nassau’s performance has been nationally recognized for outstanding nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition. Magnet recognition means that nursing at South Nassau is about great practice, excellence in patient care and attention to overall patient needs.

South Nassau also cares about patient safety, and received an “A” grade in hospital patient safety from The Leapfrog Group in its Fall 2014 survey. South Nassau adheres to standards of safety, quality, and efficiency that are most important to you, your loved ones and neighbors.

These honors join a multitude of others South Nassau has earned for outstanding quality, including: Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award; Joint Commission Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers; and HomeCare Elite™, listing South Nassau’s Home Care as one of the top home health care providers in the United States, for the ninth consecutive year.

Visit our website at wherequalitymatters.org, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

Young Adults: Keep Blood Pressure Low It may affect future heart health

Blood pressure is more than just a number. In younger adults, it may help determine future heart disease risk. A new, longterm study published online Jan. 26 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that younger adults with higher systolic blood pressure were at a higher risk for heart disease as they aged.

“Until now, physicians have not considered isolated systolic hypertension to be bad, but this study shows higher risk,” said study author Yuichiro Yano, MD, PhD, of the Northwestern University in Chicago.

“By identifying risks in younger populations, they can be made aware of the need to maintain cardiovascular health as they age.”

Yano and team followed more than 27,000 young men and women from the Chicago Heart Association Detection Program in Industry study.

The average age of these patients was 34.

Patients were divided into five groups based on initial blood pressure readings. Blood pressure is recorded as a ratio of two numbers.

The top number, or the systolic blood pressure, records the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

The bottom number, or the diastolic blood pressure, records the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest. Hypertension was present in 39 percent of the study patients.

Hypertension occurs when one or both numbers in a blood pressure reading are consistently higher than normal.

Yano and team tracked incidences of death due to heart disease for over 30 years. Compared to those with normal blood pressure, men with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) had a 23 percent increase in

heart-related death. Women with ISH had a 55 percent increase in deaths due to heart disease. ISH occur when only the systolic blood pressure is raised above a normal level.

Treating ISH in younger adults may be beneficial in preventing future heart disease.

“Such evidence does not exist for younger and middle-age adults,” Yano said. “Further research is warranted to identify younger and middle-age adults with [ISH] who are at especially greater risk for developing cardiovascular events.”

Actions taken to prevent high blood pressure could save many patients’ lives, added Michael A. Weber, MD, of the State University of New York in Brooklyn.

“Developing a strategy to provide direction in this area is critical,” Weber wrote. “Elevated systolic or diastolic

[blood pressure] or both should clearly be considered abnormal in young adults and lead to therapy.

It is to be hoped that early management of hypertension in young adults might beneficially alter its natural history and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in later life.”

Information provided by the American Heart Association.

Measles: Blast From The Past

BY ANTONMEDIA STAFF

by a rash that spreads all over the body. About three out of 10 people who get measles will develop one or more complications including pneuThe Centers for Disease Control and monia, ear infections or diarrhea.

Prevention (CDC) received reports Complications are more common in of 288 cases of measles in the United States between Jan. 1 and May 23, 2014. adults and young children.

“We have not seen any measles This is the largest number of measles cases at the North Shore-LIJ Health cases in the United States reported in the first five months of a year since 1994. System for about two years,” said Nearly all of the measles (rubeola) cases Bruce Farber, MD, director of infectious diseases at LIJ Medical Center last year were associated with internaand North Shore University Hospital. tional travel by unvaccinated people.

“The [2014] increase in measles cas- Farber urges people to make sure they es was driven by unvaccinated people, are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

The large number of measles cases primarily U.S. residents, who got this year stresses the importance of measles in other countries, brought vaccination. Healthcare providers the virus back to the United States should use every patient encounter and spread to others in communities to ensure that all their patients are up where many people are not vaccinated,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, assistant to date on vaccinations; especially, surgeon general and director of CDC’s before international travel.

Timely vaccination is the best way National Center for Immunizations to prevent measles. Infants and young and Respiratory Diseases. children are at high risk of getting a Of the 288 cases, 280 (97 percent) were associated with importations from serious case of measles. The CDC recommends two doses of measles, at least 18 countries. mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine This year, from Jan. 1 through Feb. 6, for everyone starting at age 12 months.

2015, the CDC has reported 121 cases.

For those traveling internationally, the According to the CDC, most of these CDC recommends that all U.S. residents cases [103 cases (85 percent)] are part older than six months receive MMR of a large, ongoing multistate outbreak vaccine, if needed, prior to departure. linked to Disneyland in California.

Very few people—about three out Measles is a highly contagious of 100—who get two doses of measles respiratory disease caused by a virus. vaccine will still get measles if exposed It spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. Measles starts to the virus. Experts aren’t sure why; it could be that their immune systems with a fever, runny nose, cough, red didn’t respond as well as they should eyes, and sore throat, and is followed specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

have to the vaccine. But the good news is, fully vaccinated people who get measles are much more likely to have a milder illness, and they are also less likely to spread the disease to other people, including people who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have weakened immune systems.

People who received two doses of measles vaccine as children according to the U.S. vaccination schedule are considered protected for life and do not ever need a booster dose.

“Many U.S. health care providers have never seen or treated a patient with measles because of the nation’s robust vaccination efforts and our rapid response to outbreaks,” said Schuchat.

If you’re unsure whether you’re immune to measles, you should first try to find your vaccination records or documentation of measles immunity. If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Another option is to have a doctor test your blood to determine whether you’re immune, but this option is likely to cost more and will take two doctor’s visits. There is no harm in getting another dose of MMR vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).

For more information about the CDC’s report, visit www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

complex molecular elements contained in the naturally occurring vitamin source.

• Get your fill of essential fatty acids. Raw nuts and seeds are a good source. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration approved the following health claim for seven kinds of nuts: “Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most raw nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Omega-3 and omega-6 are considered essential because humans can’t manufacture them within our bodies.

• Eat high-quality proteins.

Seafood, eggs, beans, chicken, game meat, duck and turkey are excellent sources of essential amino acids that are the building blocks of every protein molecule, hormone, neurotransmitter, cell membranes and immune molecules. Proteins can also be obtained from grains, sprouted grains, raw nuts and raw seeds.

Vegetarians and vegans need to play close attention to combine protein sources to get the full complement of amino acids.

• Walk at least 30 minutes every day. This activity has an impact on relieving the physiologic effects of stress on the human physiology.

Exercise is good, but walking is amazing. No other single activity will more significantly or more rapidly affect the adrenal stress response in humans than walking, which probably works so well because it slows us down. And it is an incredible way to build relationships.

“Also, I recommend ingesting essential monosaccharides, which is new and unknown territory for most people,” Thompson said. “They are the simplest form of carbohydrate molecules found in the body, are essential for protein molecules and can be found in maple syrup, sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets and onions.”

—Submitted by News and Experts

Colorectal cancer or cancer of the colon remains one of the few cancers that can be prevented through the use of routine screening tests. Despite this, it remains the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and women. Each year, thousands of lives are lost to this very preventable disease.

Drs. Zimmerman, Anfang and Brunner have been working tirelessly to get this message out. They have state of the art offices with in-office endoscopy/ colonoscopy suites in New Hyde Park and Howard Beach. We are affiliated with North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park and Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.

If you’re age 50 or older, having a colonoscopy can save your life.

Regular colon cancer screening is the most powerful weapon in preventing colon cancer. Overall the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is one in twenty (5%). A recent study in the Journal of Cancer found that the rate of colon cancer in Americans 50 and older to have fallen 30% in the last decade as a result in the increase of colon cancer screening.

The process of screening has changed a great deal as well. Many patients have not been screened because of fear of the colonic preparation the night before. The preparation is now significantly easier and much more palatable. Most patients leave the office with a smile.

Besides colorectal screening, our practice is unique in many other ways.

We specialize in all diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract, including reflux, irritable bowel, colitis and painless hemorrhoid treatment.

Dr. Brunner has advanced training in hepatology and treats patients with all types of liver and biliary tract disease.

He also did an advanced fellowship in diseases of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts- a field known as Interventional Endoscopy.

New treatments available for Hepatitis C make this an ever expanding part of the practice.

Start the screening process today!

Make an appointment at one of our locations: 3003 New Hyde Park Road, Suite 306, New Hyde Park, 516-352-0022 or 157-02 Cross Bay Blvd, Suite 204, Howard Beach, 718-845-0909.

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Despite decades of medical research and public campaigns to ease the problem, heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States and throughout the Western world. One of the problems driving heart disease is the messaging, said Robert Thompson, MD, an integrative medicine specialist deemed by his peers to be in the top 5 percent of U.S. physicians. While there’s plenty of research to indicate good advice, the general public and many of his peers in the medical community are stuck with faulty conclusions Thompson said.

“Perhaps the biggest misconception is that an overabundance of calcium, which may include supplements, is very good for people, especially women. But that’s simply not true,” he said.

Thompson noted that calcium is just one of 12 substances, as well as traces of 64 other minerals, that make up our bones. Excessive amounts of calcium hurt our bodies in many ways, especially the heart and the brain, he added. “We cannot possibly replace minerals with just calcium, which hardens concrete and makes bones more brittle.”

Thompson offered the following recommendations for what individuals can start doing for better overall health in recognition of American Heart Month this month.

• Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. As a general rule, we need to drink half of our bodyweight in ounces of water daily. For a 150-pound individual, that’s 75 ounces of water.

Those who are overweight or are heavy exercisers or live in warm climates may need more. Take care to drink quality water. Get a quality filtration system at home, which can range from $200 to $3,000.

• Take ionic sea salt-derived minerals. Adults all need a diverse range of minerals. Ionic minerals are the only ones that are completely available for bodies to use because they are water-soluble and they naturally carry an electrical charge that allows them to be carried through the cell membranes. At least three grams per day of all sea salt-derived trace mineral products are recommended.

• Use only vitamin supplements made from 100 percent organic whole foods that have been vine-ripened.

Adults need supplements because contemporary food supplies lack adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals, thanks to soil depletion.

Most store-bought vitamins include just one component of the many

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Healthy Habits For American Heart Month

ADVERTORIAL

PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015 ADVERTORIAL

What to expect when you seek out treatment for varicose and spider veins

By Dr. Mark Schwartz, MD, FACS, ABPh, RPVI Over 80 million Americans have varicose veins or spider veins.

Newer, minimally invasive procedures allow these troublesome veins to be eradicated without turning to out-dated vein stripping procedures. These can all be performed in the privacy of a doctor’s office and with minimal downtime. So what are the essential steps in treating those varicose and spider veins on your legs.

• Step 1: Initial Consultation — Every patient’s condition is unique. For this reason, we offer an initial complimentary vein screening to evaluate each patient’s condition prior to beginning treatment. This allows us to recommend a customized treatment protocol for varicose veins, spider veins or both.

• Step 2: Ultrasound Evaluation/Interpretation — Ultrasound is the single most important tool used to diagnose your vein problems and recommend the appropriate therapy.

It is a mandatory initial step for every patient. While many doctors may claim to be experts, only a qualified vein specialist, who holds an RVT, RPVI or RPhS certification has the deep and broad knowledge of your venous system that will yield the most accurate assessment of the underlying causes of your vein disease.

• Step 3: Discussion of Comprehensive Treatment Plan — Vein-dedicated facilities treat the root of the problem rather than just the surface abnormalities. No two patients are alike and all require a customized approach which should be comprehensive and clearly explained.

• Step 4: Treatment Options — You’ll want to be sure that you are offered all the latest and most up-to-date treatments available for vein conditions, and that they have successfully treated many patients before you. All procedures are done with a minimal amount of local anesthesia, require minimal downtime. The treatment of varicose veins is covered by the vast majority of health insurance plans.

• Step Five: Post-Treatment Evaluation — During your post-treatment evaluation, your treated veins will be evaluated and the physician will determine if additional procedures are needed. This ensures that the results are permanent.

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For more information, contact Dr. Schwartz at the North Shore Vein Center to schedule your free vein screening: 516-869-VEIN (8346) or visit www.NorthShoreVein.com.

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Serving Long Island & Metro New York over 30 years

State-of-the-Art Medicine with Good Old Fashioned Caring

Whether it is a media report, a reality weight loss show or an initiative driven by the state or federal government, obesity is a major health issue affecting American citizens. With fast food replacing home cooked meals and video games keeping kids from getting exercise, the rates of obesity in our children are skyrocketing. Often, the combination of poor diets, where many foods are high in sugar and corn syrup, an alarming rise in the number of children with diabetes is also evident. With diabetes come health issues that affect our feet.

That is why for anyone with diabetes, seeing a podiatrist is just as important as seeing your GP, endocrinologist and ophthalmologist.

On-site Medical Shoe Store at our Mineola location offers a variety of shoe styles that will provide maximum style and comfort for your particular needs.

Why is it important to see a podiatrist if you are a diabetic? Diabetic patients have a greater predisposition to have foot problems, such as neuropathy and ulcers. This is because their vascular and neurological systems are often compromised. As part of a routine examination, a podiatrist will check the vascular and neurological status of a diabetic patient’s foot. Pulses are palpated (felt) to determine if viable circulation is present in the feet. Doppler and ABI tests use computers to quantify the circulation. CVI testing is used to discover the status of a diabetic patient’s veins. The results of these tests are shared with the diabetic patient and the endocrinologist, as caring for diabetic patients requires a team approach.

A diabetic patient’s neurological status needs to be periodically evaluated. Diabetic neuropathy, or a loss of the ability to feel your feet, is a potentially dangerous side effect of diabetes. A patient with compromised nerves could step on a sharp object and not even realize it. Diabetics are, by their very nature, more brittle and more susceptible to infections, foot ulcers and amputations that could be life threatening if not treated in a timely manner. Every diabetic patient would be well served by having a skilled podiatrist periodically monitor their feet as part of their healthcare regimen.

this Me et A G nd Ad A IFT G E FRE n ntio

We offer Pinpointe Laser Treatments to alleviate fungal toenail conditions.

Shockwave therapy for pain relief and shorter healing times as well as many other advanced services that can help you reach optimal foot health and overall wellness.

155 Mineola Boulevard, Suite B Mineola, NY, 11501

If reduced blood flow is making it difficult for you to live a full and active life with the disease, take heart. There are ways you can treat poor circulation that will keep your feet feeling healthy and strong.

Poor circulation can wreak havoc on the feet of those with diabetes.

It inhibits the healing process; so a wound that may go unnoticed due to loss of sensation can quickly turn into a dangerous ulcer, lead to a serious infection, and even result in amputation. Fortunately, one can take steps to minimize possible risks and complications.

Office Hours: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

First, make exercise a part of your daily routine. Walking improves circulation, which can aid in the healing process as well as nourish damaged nerves. A warm bath or a nice massage can increase blood flow as well. You should refrain from smoking and avoid alcohol, too, which can aggravate the problem. Wear special support socks and be sure not to sit too long with your legs crossed. Finally, keeping your glucose levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure under control can help improve your circulation as well.

10:00am – 12:30pm 2:00pm – 6:00pm 9:00am – 1:00pm 3:00pm – 6:00pm 10:00am – 12:30pm 8:30am – 12:30pm CLOSED

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To learn more about proper foot care and health for both diabetics and non-diabetics, visit www.countryfootcare.com to learn more.

www.countryfootcare.com 516-741-3338 (FEET)

Serving Long Island & Metro New York over 30 years

Office Hours: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:

3:00pm – 6:00pm 9:00am – 1:00pm CLOSED 9:00am – 1:00pm CLOSED 8:30am – 12:30pm CLOSED

www.countryfootcare.com 516-741-3338 (FEET)

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

Flu: Are You At Risk?

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that from the 1976-’77 season to the 2006-’07 flu season, flu-associated deaths ranged from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. As we reach the peak of a severe flu season, the CDC has already reported 26 flu-related deaths amongst children in the U.S. Influenza, commonly called the “flu,” is a contagious viral infection that mostly affects the respiratory system: your nose, throat and lungs.

Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea.

While the flu can make anyone sick, certain people are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia and bronchitis, which can lead to hospitalization or even death.

These groups considered to be at high risk include: • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old • Adults 65 years of age and older • Pregnant women • American Indians and Alaskan Natives • And people who have medical conditions including: asthma, neuro­ logical and neurodevelopmental conditions, including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve and muscle, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy or seizure disorders, stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy or spinal cord injury, chronic lung disease (such as COPD and cystic fibrosis), heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease), blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease), endocrine disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS or cancer or those on chronic steroids), people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving longterm aspirin therapy and people who are morbidly obese Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 40 or greater.

Flu-Related Complications Can Affect You Millions of Americans are impacted by longterm health conditions, but many people aren’t aware that they have one of these conditions. For

example, diabetes affects about 29 million Americans, but it is estimated that one in four people with the disease don’t even know they have it. It’s important to ask your doctor whether you have a health condition that makes you more vulnerable to complications from the flu. In addition to those with chronic health conditions, many others are at high risk for flu complications because of their age or other factors.

Are You Vaccinated?

Have you gotten your flu vaccine yet? If you haven’t, there is still time.

As long as flu is circulating and causing illness, getting a flu vaccine is still beneficial. Yearly vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting against flu and it is recommended that almost everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated each year. It’s your best defense against influenza and its possible complications. The flu vaccine is safe and it can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, missed work due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. The flu shot—not the nasal spray—is recommended for people with chronic medical conditions. It takes about two weeks for the body to develop an immune response.

Influenza activity is currently increasing in the United States and is already high in some states.

So far this season, influenza A (H3N2) viruses have been most common. Over half of H3N2 viruses analyzed this season are different from the H3N2 virus in this season’s

flu vaccine. This may reduce how well the vaccine protects against those H3N2 viruses. However, given that many different influenza viruses circulate and the vaccine protects against three or four different viruses, the CDC continues to recommend flu vaccination as the best way to protect against the flu and reduce flu-related ER visits. Vaccination may still provide some protection against the circulating H3N2 viruses that are different from the H3N2 vaccine virus, lessening severe flu-associated outcomes like hospitalization and death.

Additionally, the CDC advises if you are at high-risk for flu complications, ask your doctor about getting a pneumococcal vaccination too. Pneumococcal vaccine can be given at any time during the year and may be given at the same time as the flu vaccine.

While doctor’s offices and health departments continue to provide vaccinations, vaccine is also available at many pharmacies, workplaces, supermarkets and other retail and clinic locations.

Treatment The CDC issued a health advisory urging people who develop flu symptoms to contact a healthcare professional immediately for treatment with flu prescription medicines. This is especially important for children 5 years and younger.

If you have a high-risk condition and you get the flu, early treatment with flu antiviral medications is important. Antiviral drugs are prescription medications that can be

used to treat the flu. Rapid treatment with antiviral drugs in someone with a high-risk condition can mean the difference between experiencing mild symptoms at home instead of suffering a very severe illness that could result in a hospital stay. Studies show that these drugs work best when they are started within two days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be helpful, especially if the sick person has a high-risk health condition or is very sick from the flu.

Antiviral medications are not a substitute for vaccination. Annual flu vaccination is the first and best way to prevent the flu. But if you do get sick with the flu, antiviral medications are a second line of defense to treat the flu. Antiviral medicines can be prescribed by a doctor to help make flu illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. Data also shows that antiviral drugs may prevent serious flu complications. If you have a highrisk medical condition and develop flu-like symptoms, check with your doctor promptly.

If you are currently living with a chronic health condition like heart disease, diabetes or asthma, certain behaviors are probably part of your daily routine, like watching your diet or glucose levels, taking your prescribed medications or keeping your inhaler on hand. Make getting an annual flu vaccine another part of your health management routine—it’s your best defense against the flu and related complications. Since the flu is contagious, it’s also important that all of your close contacts are vaccinated.

PROFILES IN MEDICINE • FEBRUARY 18 - 24, 2015

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World Class Orthopaedic Care at our State-of-the-Art Facility: 761 Merrick Avenue Westbury 516.357.8777 Manhattan | Brooklyn | Queens | Nassau | Suffolk

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110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY, 11746. 631.425.5720 | ©2015 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM THE SPONSOR. CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, AND NUMBER OF BEDROOMS ARE DEEMED RELIABLE, BUT SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY. PHOTOS SHOWN MAY HAVE BEEN MANIPULATED. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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