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13 HEALTHY LIVING • MAY 9 - 15, 2018
Get A Head Start On Mental Health
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BY JENNIFER FAUCI
JFauci@antonmediagroup.com
It is our goal to break down the stigma about mental health so people can gain a better understanding and be responsive to it.
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team here, making sure we are out there in the community connecting with our legislators, county and state officials to ensure that mental health stays in the forefront,” said Franco, who interacts with people to help mold the conversation around mental wellness. “It’s a real issue and here at MHANC, we use mental health first aid to train and educate folks on the basis and understanding of mental health so they know the language associated with it.” Franco also spoke of the stigma around school shootings, and how quick others are to judge when the term is seemingly thrown about. Statistics have shown that people with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violence and while it is a grave concern, Franco believes that it can be prevented. “There is treatment, recovery and education available. There are things that can help people learn about an issue that is so much a part of our society,” she said of mental health. “It’s something we work at for 12 months, 24/7, 365 days a year.” In honor of the month, MHANC will host several events both internally and externally to raise awareness about mental health, including an upcoming walk on May 19 at Eisenhower Park, which kicks off at 1 p.m.
The walkathon is called “Steps for Hope,” something Franco believes will help her cause when MHANC goes to Washington D.C. in June to see what kind of impact they will have there. “You’re not alone. People can come to us in a judge free zone and talk about their issues, knowing that they will receive support from other families going through similar situations.” MHANC sponsors 31 services and programs to benefit adults, children, families and the community-at-large. Current programs include daily visits for recovery, education and training workshops, adults receiving financial management and veterans service. Of the veterans, Franco noted that many of the vets are coming home from the most recent war with a host of mental issues. “We call them ‘cellar dwellers’ because before these vets went to war, they were indoors, growing up on video games,” said Franco, “When they come back home, they come back to that and it is difficult for them to leave the house. Our vets deserve this help, they have earned it.” For the 65th anniversary, Franco said that there is a big celebration in the works towards the end of the year with events throughout. More than a party, she wants to get the message across that MHANC is here to answer questions and provide support, especially for those who may not yet know how much they need it. “Mental health isn’t going away,” said Franco. “It is our goal to break down the stigma about mental health so people can gain a better understanding and be responsive to it.” The Mental Health Association of Nassau County is located at 16 Main St., Hempstead, NY. For more information, call 516-489-2322 or visit www.mhanc.org.
As MHANC is celebrating 65 years of service, we look forward to going deeper, higher and wider as we continue to advocate, educate and serve in Nassau County.
Advocate | Educate | Serve We are committed to helping individuals with mental health challenges, to live productive and meaningful lives. MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF NASSAU COUNTY, INC.
16 Main Street | Hempstead, NY 11550 | (516) 489-2322 | www.mhanc.org
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ay is Mental Health Awareness Month. Although it is a positive step in the right direction to dedicate an entire month to such a cause, mental health is a conversation that should be had year round for those who struggle with stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, death, suicidal thoughts, grief, addiction, ADHD, mood disorders and other mental illnesses of varying degrees. The Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving mental health in the community through advocacy, education, program development and the delivery of direct services. Eda Franco, LMSW, MBA is the executive director of MHANC and with almost two years under her belt in the role, she strengthens a team that works tirelessly to squash the stigma around mental health. “This is my dream job and it has been my career goal for a long time. I’ve been privileged to find an organization rich in history and commitment to Nassau County, particularly around mental health awareness,” said Franco of the organization, which is celebrating 65 years. “Being helpful in the community to address issues that impact our residents and families is of great importance, so we have multiple programs and initiatives available.” Emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness is all about connecting to the community. According to Franco, MHANC offers the support and education people need to help their loved ones by advocating for the needs of adults and children with psychiatric and emotional difficulties. “I have an opportunity to influence how people view mental health. We have a wonderful support
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14 HEALTHY LIVING • MAY 9 - 15, 2018
Prioritizing Mental Wellness
Why do we find it necessary to see our primary care physician regarding our physical ailments once a year but not our psychiatrist or psychologist? And, while primary care does an adequate job of addressing our psychological well being and assessing how we manage stress, is just a cursory assessment of our mental health advisable? After all, our psychological and CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST physical health are significantAlison Gilbert ly intertwined. It is relatively well established that significant psychological stress can Why do we find trigger underlying biological vulnerabilities to illnesses like it necessary to depression or anxiety. see our primary If we don’t consult with mental health professionals care physician annually, with whom do regarding our we share our worries? Our emotional attachments are one physical ailkey component of a healthy ments once a psychological state. When individuals no longer converse year but not our with, seek out, or have access to psychiatrist or social supports, the emotional AMSTER-043 8.5x5.5 ad.qxp_Layout 1 4/23/18 12:08 PM Page 1 burden of stress increases. In psychologist? fact social withdrawal can be
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a trigger or consequence of depression or anxiety, and it is notable that depression and anxiety are often co-travelers. Clinically significant symptoms of depression last two or more weeks, interfere with everyday functioning, and include at least five of the following: sad or irritable mood, decreased interest or pleasure in activities, significant increase or decrease in weight, significant change in sleep (sleeping too much or too little), feeling overly restless or slowed down, loss of energy or fatigue, significant feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty with concentration/memory or decision making, or recurrent thoughts about death. Anxiety may be experienced as a reaction to stress resulting in fear, apprehension or avoidance. When anxiety begins to interfere with everyday functioning including sleep, school or work routines, it is time to consider an evaluation from a mental health provider. In children and adolescents
symptoms of clinical depression or anxiety may manifest differently from adults. For example, children or adolescents who are experiencing depression may present with an increase in irritability. Children or adolescents experiencing anxiety may exhibit frequent avoidance or reassurance- seeking, as well as frequent somatic complaints including stomach aches and headaches. Family and friends can help individuals suffering from depression or anxiety by providing emotional support and validation. Inquiring about feelings, listening and being genuine and non- judgmental can go a long way towards helping someone cope. Assisting the individual with establishing or maintaining daily routines (such as regular mealtimes and sleep/wake times), and even encouraging light exercise, can help to provide relief from negative feelings and thoughts. Family or friends should ask about
whether the individual is having thoughts of suicide. If the individual is experiencing thoughts of hurting himself/ herself or others, health care professionals should be contacted. If there is an imminent safety threat it should be treated as an emergency requiring a visit to the emergency room. One of the biggest obstacles to seeking and engaging in mental health treatment continues to be the stigma of mental illness. Often, individuals minimize symptoms in order to avoid this stigma. Understanding that both the mind and body deserve our utmost attention, and letting go of judgments regarding mental illness, can help remove the barrier to accessing and engaging in appropriate care. Alison Gilbert, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine with a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from U.C. Davis.
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Breast Reconstruction: Understanding The Women’s Health And Cancer Rights Act BY CONSTANCE M. CHEN
requires group health plans and individual health policies that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction in connection with mastectomy. ational Women’s Health Week is May 13-19, Before the passage of the WHCRA, insurers could reand it serves as a time for women to take fuse coverage for reconstruction on the grounds that control of their lives and their health at any these were cosmetic procedures and not medically age. While there are many illnesses and necessary. Women had to pay for reconstruction diseases that affect women, one that stands out the themselves or forgo it. Patients, survivors, healthcare most is breast cancer. workers, and their supporters worked hard to ensure A diagnosis of breast cancer profoundly impacts a that a woman would be legally guaranteed the option woman’s life. In addition to coping with overwhelm- of reconstructive surgery following mastectomy. ing emotions, she must make important choices about The WHCRA has specific provisions for breast treatment and all of its implications. reconstruction in connection with One of those is the financial ramifications mastectomy. Insurance benefits are of her illness, particularly if she will need required to include the following: all stages surgical treatment of her breast. She will of reconstruction of the breast on which need to learn all she can about her insurthe mastectomy or lumpectomy was ance coverage. Will the breast surgeon, performed; surgery and reconstruction the anesthesiologist, the hospital, the lab of the other breast to achieve symmetry be covered? What about procedures on and balance; prostheses, if needed, and Constance M. Chen treatment of any complications of surgery, the healthy breast to ensure symmetry? And what if she elects to have breast reconstruction at including lymphedema; one home healthcare visit a later date? Fortunately, all insurance companies within 48 hours of hospital discharge; outpatient in the United States are required to cover breast reor inpatient care in a healthcare facility based on construction if mastectomy, which includes partial generally accepted criteria. mastectomy (ex. lumpectomy), is also covered, so any woman undergoing surgical treatment of her Under the WHCRA, women are legally entitled to breasts should be aware of her rights. the breast reconstruction method of their choice— In 1998, Congress passed the Women’s Health even if the woman’s chosen plastic surgeon is outside and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), a federal law that the insurer’s network. And while it is important specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
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to remember that patients will be responsible for deductible and co-insurance payments as with any other care covered by their plans, it is also true that when insurance companies have denied claims or presented obstacles to coverage, challenging those decisions, up to the state’s attorney general if necessary, can be successful with skilled patient advocates who fight for you. The WHCRA is of enormous value to women. It provides a crucial baseline benefit in helping women recover from breast cancer. The sponsors of the WHCRA in Congress understood that breast reconstruction was often pivotal for a woman’s physical and emotional well-being. In my practice, we work hard to ensure that women can focus their energies on getting well without the additional burden of financial pressure, so we do everything we can to relieve our patients of the anxiety and stress of managing the relationship with their insurers. Constance M. Chen, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City with special expertise in the use of innovative natural techniques to optimize medical and cosmetic outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction. She is Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) at Weill Cornell Medical College and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) at Tulane University School of Medicine. Visit www.constancechenmd.com for more information.
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Andrew Malekoff, Amy Cantor, Alexis Siegel, Dr. Victor Fornari, Jan Ashley and Nancy Lane
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Guidance Center Spring Luncheon Raises More Than $68,000
orth Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, the preeminent not-for-profit children’s mental health agency on Long Island, recently raised more than $68,000 to support the mission to restore and strengthen the emotional well-being of children and their families. The event, which took place at Glen Head Country Club, began with exciting games of Mahjong, Canasta and Bridge, along with unique shopping boutiques from some of Long Island’s trendiest and most charitable small business owners, including Dale’s Novelty Knits, Dash, Designs That Donate, iThrive, Kostume Klassics, Museum Coffee House and RFC Fine Jewelry, among others. Following the delicious luncheon buffet came a most informative and engaging presentation by keynote speaker Dr. Victor M. Fornari, MD, who is also the Director of the Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at The Zucker Hillside Hospital and Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center and Professor of Psychiatry & Pediatrics at the Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. He discussed the latest developments in the field of children’s mental health, focusing on the Mobility study currently being done in conjunction with the Guidance Center and others of a medication named Metformin.
Erika Ewing, Board Member Josephine Ewing, Ann Alexander and Diane Patterson (Photos courtesy of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center)
Jeryl Sletteland and Angela Anton
Ruth Fortunoff Cooper with her jewelry
“The purpose of this study is to determine if adding Metformin to a healthy lifestyle program would help children and teens control weight gain caused by certain medications,” said Fornari. He explained that a large percentage of some anti-psychotic medications for children and adolescents cause weight gain, which increases the risk of developing Type II diabetes as well as cardiovascular,
neurological and digestive conditions. Fornari cited “the courage” of Dr. Reena Nandi, the Guidance Center’s Director of Psychiatric Services, Executive Director Andrew Malekoff and other Guidance Center colleagues for playing such a central role in this study. He also said that the Guidance Center is “the most productive of all of our partners.” He also told the audience that this
is the largest pediatric psychopharmacological study ever funded by PCORI, the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. “We are proud to partner with such a prestigious and patient-outcome drive study,” said Nandi. “We’re eagerly awaiting the results, which could have a dramatic impact on the health of children and adolescents.” The luncheon couldn’t have been so successful without the hard work of co-chairs, Jan Ashley, Amy Cantor and Alexis Siegel. “For several years, these three dedicated Guidance Center supporters have taken on the formidable task of organizing this exciting and informative event,” said Malekoff. “Their dedication to our mission is unwavering.” The center is also grateful for the support of their sponsors: The Children’s Medical Center at NYU Winthrop Hospital; Ruth Fortunoff Cooper; Americana Manhasset; Nancy Lane; Andrea Leeds; Signature Bank; Amy Cantor; Fara Copell; Klipper Family Foundation; Tracey Murray Kupferberg, CBR; Power Travel; Raich Ender Malter & Co. LLP; Alexis Siegel; Linda Cronin; Ann Dorman & Kenneth Adler; Joan Grant; Carol Marcell; Nanci Roth and Carol Wolowitz. For more information about the Guidance Center, visit www. northshorechildguidance.org or call 516-626-1971.
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BY JEREMY SKOW
that, while statistically significant, Editorial@antonmediagroup.com a range of other factors will have a greater influence on a child’s academic performance, emotional wellbeing any parents have expressed and behavior than gaming. Still, few an ongoing concern that their child plays video games would disagree that endless hours spent crouched over a video-game too often. They worry that controller is not conducive to a this obsessive gameplay has not only healthy childhood. affected their schoolwork but their Parents might be surprised to ability to socialize with others in the hear that games like Fornite could physical, non-virtual, world. Fewer be socially beneficial for your child children seem interested in congrewhen used in moderation. These gating at a friend’s house or riding a multiplayer games enable you to bicycle and their parents are worried about how this will affect their future. team up with a friend, or group of friends, chat as you play and comIt was against this already troubled pete as a duo or a squad. Children backdrop that Fortnite: Battle Royale have reported playing regularly with arrived last September. classmates whom they Fortnite is a massive onhad never previously line game of elimination. socialized with and have Each round, 100 players stated that this camaraleap out of a plane onto a derie can continue when small island where they they return to school. find weapons, potions and Kids that previously had other equipment that they no reason to interact with use to fight each other uneach other discover that til only one player remains. they have something in Each of these games lasts common to talk about. around 15 to 20 minutes. Jeremy Skow This can help many chilThe adrenaline increases dren who aren’t connected in sports as more opponents get eliminated or other settings to find a social and your child gets closer to being scene. It can help kids who find it the last man standing. How popular hard to socialize to be more social. is it? Four months after its release it Consider your approach when was estimated that there are more 40 limiting playing time. Fortnite is million people playing this game. a fiercely competitive game. Your In response to growing concerns child may get angry or frustrated about obsessive video game and when they lose. Forcing a kid to turn Internet use, the World Health the game off when they’re one of Organization (WHO) will recogthe last 5 players in the game will nize “gaming disorder” in its 2018 make you immediately unpopular International Classification of so statements like “You can play Diseases (ICD version 11). Global for one more hour” can get dicey. health experts argue that there is a case for grouping harmfully excessive Unlike Call of Duty, there are no video gaming with addictions to alco- respawns. Victory is difficult and hol or drugs, however, to be classified extremely uncommon when you face a gaming addict, the addiction would 99 opponents in solo mode. It makes a loss towards the end of the game have to be so severe that it disrupts the addict’s personal life, profession- much tougher on the psyche. Taking regular breaks can help. Being in the al life and relationships for a period room with your child or having them of more than one year. Strikingly, while gaming addiction is beginning play in a shared family room might pressure them to moderate their rage to be considered a mental disease, a bit. Playing Battle Royale in teams is video games are also being explored also a nice way to mitigate the sudden as a means to treat mental disorders loss, as you can then spectate, offer like Alzheimer’s and ADHD. guidance and cheer on teammates. A recent study at Oxford found links between the amount of time a Jeremy Skow , LMHC, CASAC, MBA child spends playing video games, the maintains a private practice in Great genre of the games they played and Neck, NY. Contact him at 516-322the child’s behavior. They concluded 9133, jskow@lmhcny.com or visit however, that the risks attached to game playing are small. They reported www.mentalhealthcounselingny.com.
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RECOGNIZING STRESS
Three Ways Stress Takes A Toll On Your Body
BY RICHARD PURVIS
diarrhea or constipation. If your stress becomes chronic, you might develop ulcers or severe stomach pain. So what’s to be done? Stress is a natural occurrence in life and happens to everyone. Since you can’t avoid your job, bills, or other life experiences, the best thing to do is learn to manage stress. You won’t avoid stress entirely, but it is possible to minimize the effects by eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking care of yourself in general.
editorial@antonmediagroup.com
Did the latest challenge at work bring on a tightening in your stomach? Does constant worry about a loved one’s health make you physically ill yourself? Everyone at some point feels the effects of stress. Not everyone deals with stress in the best way, though. Often stressed-out people seek relief through alcohol, tobacco or drugs, but that just makes matters worse. Instead of relieving stress, those toxic substances tend to keep the body in a stressed state, causing even more physical problems. It’s always a good time to reflect on how the demands and anxieties of daily life put a strain not just on our minds, but on our bodies as well. Stress, of course, is not always a bad thing. It does serve a positive purpose. It can keep us alert and prepares us to avoid danger, but stress becomes a negative factor when a person faces continuous challenges without any time mixed in for relief or relaxation. As a result, people become overworked, and stress-related anxiety and illness can occur. The strain leads to headaches, upset stomach, elevated blood pressure, chest pain and problems sleeping. Examples of how stress can play havoc on our bodies include:
Musculoskeletal system
When we experience stress, it’s natural for our muscles to tense up. It’s the body’s way of guarding against injury and pain. Usually, the muscles relax once the stressful event passes. But chronic stress keeps the muscles in a constant state of guardedness. When muscles are taut and tense for long periods of time other reactions in the body are triggered. Chronic muscle tension in the shoulders, neck and head can lead to tension-type headaches and migraines.
Respiratory system
Stress causes people to breathe harder. That’s not a problem for most people. But if you suffer from asthma or a lung disease such as emphysema, getting essential oxygen can be difficult. Some studies show that acute stress events, such as the death of a
Richard Purvis
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(Photo source: www.richardpurvisauthor.com)
It is possible to minimize the effects by eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking care of yourself in general.
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loved one, can trigger asthma attacks in which the airway between the nose and the lungs constrict. Also, rapid breathing associated with stress, or hyperventilation, can result in a panic attack in some people.
Gastrointestinal system
Sometimes people who are stressed will eat much more than usual. Sometimes they will eat much less. Neither is healthy. You can get heartburn or acid reflux if you eat more food or different types of food, or if you increase how much alcohol you drink or tobacco you use. When you’re stressed, the brain sends alert sensations to the stomach. Your stomach can react with “butterflies,” nausea or pain. Severe stress can cause vomiting,
30 years of dedicated experience in nutrition, exercise, anti-aging and overall wellness. He is the current CEO of Skin Moderne Inc., and was founder of such wellness companies as Nutrimax, Nutritbrands and Skin Nutrition. He also was co-founder of Noggin Nosh.
Richard Purvis, author of Recalibrate: Six Secrets to Resetting Your Age, (www. richardpurvisauthor.com) is a health and wellness practitioner with more than
Published by Anton Media Group
KARL V. ANTON, JR. Publisher, 1984–2000 Angela Susan Anton Editor and Publisher Frank A. Virga President Shari Egnasko Director of Sales Administration Steve Mosco Editor In Chief Betsy Abraham Senior Managing Editor Jennifer Fauci Managing Editor, Special Sections Karen Mengel Director of Production Alex Nuñez Art Director Iris Picone Director of Operations Joy DiDonato Director of Circulation Linda Baccoli Director of Business Administration ADVERTISING SALES Ally Deane, Mari Gaudet, Wendy Kates, Sal Massa, Maria Pruyn, Jeryl Sletteland, Christopher Stellato
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The Most Common Liver Disease
on-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the United States, affecting more than 60 million Americans. Previously thought to be benign, it has become the leading indication for liver transplantation in adults under 50 years of age and the leading predisposing risk factor for the development of primary liver cancer in the United States. Unfortunately, its prevalence continues to rise in almost all communities. Simply put, fatty liver is a condition whereby fat gets deposited into the liver. NAFLD in the liver is a spectrum that includes just fat that is non-concerning, fat and inflammation, fat and fibrosis and cirrhosis, all of which are worrisome. Fat with inflammation or fibrosis is termed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH. NAFLD is usually associated with obesity and diabetes, although normal weight non-diabetics are not uncommonly diagnosed with
THE SPECIALIST David Bernstein, MD
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Once fatty liver is present, diet and exercise are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
HEALTH BRIEF
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this. Ninety percent of type 2 diabetics have fatty liver. Steatohepatitis can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer and physicians. Although the percentage of people with NASH who progress to cirrhosis is low, large numbers of people develop advanced disease because the overall number of people with this condition is so high. Interestingly, patients with fatty liver can develop liver cancer without developing cirrhosis and these patients should be screened yearly with an abdominal ultrasound. The diagnosis of fatty liver is usually suggested on an abdominal sonogram or CAT scan. Liver tests may be normal or abnormal. Non-invasive scores utilizing multiple variables are helpful in the evaluation. Transient elastography can determine the degree of steatosis and fibrosis. A liver biopsy is required to determine the extent of fatty infiltration and to determine if inflammation or scarring is present.
Diet, exercise and weight loss are the treatments of choice for NAFLD. Although this regimen makes overall good sense, it is hard for most people to follow. Vitamin E is used in the treatment of NASH with some success. There are many therapies for fatty liver available in clinical studies. Recent data presented at the International Liver Meeting in Paris, France held in April 2018 show significant promise that several of these therapies improve liver fat levels and lead to a decrease in fibrosis levels in periods as short as 12 weeks. People with NAFLD
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should strongly consider participation in these studies. For patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, weight gain, poor glucose control and hyperlipidemia should be addressed with weight reduction and adequate glucose and lipid control. Since there is no strong evidence to support any single treatment strategy, physicians should carefully discuss the risks and benefits of multiple therapies with their patients. The best treatment of fatty liver is prevention. Once fatty liver is present, diet and exercise are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
Parker Jewish Institute’s Lina Scacco Honored By Association Of Jewish Aging Services Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is proud to announce that Lina Scacco, Parker’s assistant vice president of Corporate Outreach and Development, received the 2018 Professional Of The Year Award from the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS). The award recognizes outstanding professionals who have made important contributions to administration, social work, nursing, marketing or development, and whose facility is a member of AJAS. “Parker Jewish Institute is proud that Lina received this prestigious award from AJAS,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker president and CEO. “Lina reflects the highest standards of professional knowledge and expertise, shows exceptional leadership, and is highly respected by the staff, residents and families served by Parker. She is truly deserving of this honor.” In her multi-faceted job, Scacco plays a critical role in the planning and implementation of Parker’s
Lina Scacco, assistant vice president of Corporate Outreach and Development at Parker Jewish Institute. marketing and communications, government relations, publicity and informational programs and events, which are integral to the organization’s mission and growth. In addition, she developed and implemented strategies designed for marketing, public relations and outreach for all Parker business units, including
Development and the Nerken Center for Research and Grants. Scacco has also integrated a marketing intelligence and census analytics solution tool, enabling Parker to manage clinical information and other patient/ resident data, while optimizing census growth, tracking sourcing patterns and streamlining reimbursements. She is also responsible for new business development, identifying and communicating potential health care initiatives which will allow Parker to create programs and services to better serve health care needs of the area’s ever changing population. In this capacity, she supervises community-based programs such as: the Parker Certified Home Health Agency, Comprehensive Community Hospice at Parker Jewish Institute, and Parker on Madison, a Social Adult Day Care Program for the Frail Elderly. Aside from the aforementioned, Scacco spends time volunteering in the community for a number of related organizations. She is an
active member of the following: Samuel Field Y, Community Business Partnership Council; Senior Activity Generational Endowment Foundation (SAGE) of Glen Cove; Senior Umbrella Network, Nassau and Queens; Services Now for Adult Persons (SNAP); Queens Interagency Council on Aging (QICA); Queensboro Council for Social Welfare (QCSW) and the Business Council. Scacco graduated from Fordham University in the Bronx with a Business Administration Degree in Marketing and Management. She lives in Glen Head, NY with her husband Gus, son Peter, who is a CPA and daughter Jacqueline, who is a senior in college. Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is located at 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park, NY. For more information, call 718-289-2212. —Submitted by Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
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