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OCTOBER 13 - 19, 2021
OPEN ENROLLMENT TRUE FOOD KITCHEN NURSING ACCOLADES
Hourly & Daily Services Live-In Homecare Senior Care Planning NEW LOCATION COMING SOON
Medicaid Consulting Transportation Services 24/7 Emergency Services
WE ACCEPT LONG TERM INSURANCE
Friends for Life Homecare & Medicaid Consultants
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We Go Beyond Care
Proudly serving Nassau, Suffolk & Queens
516.900.1818
2A OCTOBER 13 - 19, 2021 • HEALTHY LIVING
DISCOVER THE FINEST IN SENIOR LIVING
The Bristal Assisted Living has been serving seniors and their families in the tri-state area since 2000, offering independent and assisted living, as well as state-of-the-art memory care programs. We are committed to helping residents remain independent, while providing peace of mind that expert care is available, if needed. Designed with seniors in mind, each of our communities feature exquisitely appointed apartments and beautiful common areas that are perfect for entertaining. On-site services and amenities include daily housekeeping, gourmet meals, a cinema, salon, plus so much more. Discover a vibrant community, countless social events with new friends, and a luxurious lifestyle that you will only find at The Bristal.
SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT TODAY!
For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: THEBRISTAL.COM
AN ENGEL BURMAN COMMUNITY
Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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HEALTHY LIVING • OCTOBER 13 - 19, 2021
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Tips For Health Insurance Open Enrollment BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF
specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
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s we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now more important than ever for people to prepare for their health insurance open enrollment period and select a health plan that’s best for them and their families. Starting just a couple of weeks ago, many employers have set aside a twoto three-week period when employees can select health benefits for the following year. This means that nearly 13 million people in New York may select or change their health insurance plans for 2022. Choosing health benefits can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We had a chance to speak with Michael McGuire, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of New York about this year’s changes and procedure. Here’s what he had to share:
Who needs to be mindful of open enrollment?
Enrollment periods aren’t the same for everyone, so there are key dates to keep in mind depending on their situation. Be sure to check with your employer to know your options. For the more than 2.4 million New Yorkers eligible for Medicare, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. Meanwhile, New York’s ACA exchange for 2022 plans is open through Dec. 31.
between plan designs to find what will work best for you. Many health plans now offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine.
How do we know we are making the right choices?
Despite doing this each year, like taxes, many of us guess about coverage we need for the upcoming year. This is true. Whether you’re selecting a plan for the first time or evaluating how well your current one meets your needs, it’s important to take the time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan. A good first step is to brush up on health insurance lingo, such as premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums. If you’re eligible for Medicare, as you weigh your options, make sure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you need a review, visit MedicareMadeClear. com—an online resource with answers to questions about eligibility, plan choices, cost basics, prescription coverage and more.
For most people, if they don’t make an enrollment decision, they may be locked into their current plan for another year. If anything has changed this year, either with their current plan, health status or budget, that decision to do nothing could lead to unpleasant surprises or missed cost-savings in 2022.
How has COVID affected insurance selection?
Mental health and virtual care options have seen a significant boost in utilization as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re busy juggling kids’ schedules and work responsibilities, traveling or you simply prefer to connect with a doctor from the convenience of your home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care. These visits are designed to be an easier, more affordable way to talk to doctors about common health issues, using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Managing your mental health is an important step in caring for your overall well-being. In addition to in-person care, you may now be able to access a large virtual health network of therapists and psychiatrists with many plans—including UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage for a $0
Michael McGuire copay. Some health insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, also offer advocacy services to help you find the right therapist and type of care. Michael McGuire is chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare in New York. McGuire and his team coordinate access to consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for nearly 3 million people who get their health plan individually or through small, large and public sector employers. In addition, McGuire is the board chair of the New York Health Plan Association and the Business Council of New York.
Anything particularly different or new this year that we need to keep in mind?
Though we’ve made good progress as a whole in combating COVID-19, its impacts will continue to be felt in some form or another. With a renewed focus on health, now is the time to take stock, set health goals and plan for the year ahead. If you’re expecting a significant health event in the next year, such as surgery or the birth of a child, be sure to compare the differences
Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.
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For years, they made every day special.
AWARENESS MONTH
H
Now, it’s our turn. At Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community,
days are filled with engaging activities, vibrant programming and opportunities to connect with family and friends. And should assistance ever be needed, our compassionate caregivers are here to help so our residents can continue to thrive for years . . . in a place they can call their own.
Healthcare System
Caring for Generations
Gurwin.org 631.302.7772
Our family of healthcare services includes: Long-term Care
Home Care
Short-term Rehabilitation
Palliative & Hospice Care
Advanced Care
Adult Day Programs
Memory Care
Assisted Living
Ventilator/ Respiratory Care On-site Dialysis Fountaingate Gardens Independent Living Community
Island Nursing and Rehab Center in Holtsville is now a member of the Gurwin Healthcare System. 225013 M
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Hepatoma Incidences Are Steadily Rising
epatocellular carcinoma (HCC), also called hepatoma or primary liver cancer, is the solid organ tumor whose incidence is rising the most rapidly in the United States. This type of cancer should not be confused with metastatic cancer to the liver. Metastatic cancer to the liver means that a cancer from another organ such as the lung or colon has spread to the liver. HCC typically occurs in people with underlying liver disease that has progressed to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis, from any cause, which has progressed to cirrhosis places an individual at risk for liver cancer. Therefore, conditions such as fatty liver, alcohol associated liver disease, hepatitis C, primary biliary cholangitis, hemochromatosis, autoimmune liver disease and hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer. Interestingly, all people with hepatitis B are at increased risk for developing liver cancer even those without cirrhosis although those with cirrhosis have a higher risk of cancer. As cirrhosis is often without symptoms, liver cancer is frequently found at the same time cirrhosis is diagnosed. All people with cirrhosis, regardless of cause, and everyone with hepatitis B, whether they have cirrhosis or not, should undergo screening for liver cancer with an imaging study and tumor marker, alpha-fetoprotein. When HCCs are found when small, treatment offers a high chance for cure. When found as large masses or with spread to the local blood vessels, the prognosis is poor. Once found, further imaging is indicated with either a CAT scan or MRI. PET scanning is not helpful in HCC. While doctors can screen for HCC and find cancers that are already there, ideally, the availability of simple blood markers to predict the development of liver cancer in cirrhotic patients would be very helpful. Significant research is being done to develop these markers and
10/7/21 10:20 AM
THE SPECIALIST David Bernstein, MD
we hope within the next few years to have markers that we can. The best treatment for HCC is surgical resection but unfortunately, this option is seldom an option. Liver transplantation is an excellent treatment and those with cirrhosis and liver cancer should be evaluated for liver transplantation. Once a cancer is diagnosed, there are options termed liver directed therapies that can be employed to shrink or kill the tumor. Most of these are performed by an interventional radiologist or radiation medicine doctor. Many times patients undergo these procedures to keep the tumor in check while waiting for a liver transplant. Microwave ablation, performed by a radiologist, can cure small HCCs without surgery or transplantation. Chemotherapy is nor first line therapy in HCC but is available for patients with large tumors or those that have spread outside the liver. The results of chemotherapy remain disappointing. The epidemic of liver disease in the United States, especially alcohol associated and fatty liver disease, is leading to a significant rise in primary liver cancers. The medical community has made tremendous strides in treating these cancers. The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis. Hopefully, we will continue to make significant strides in treating this dastardly disease. David Bernstein, MD, FAASLD,FACG, AGAF, FACP is the vice chair of medicine for clinical trails and chief of hepatology at Sandra Atlas Bass Center for Liver Diseases. He is a professor of medicine and education.
HEALTHY LIVING • OCTOBER 13 - 19, 2021
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PARKER CARE. THE BEST. FOR THE BEST.
THEY GAVE YOU THE BEST
NOW IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO GIVE THEM THE BEST
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271-11 76th Avenue New Hyde Park, NY 11040 | 877-727-5373 | parkerinstitute.org
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Short Term Rehabilitation | Long Term Care | Home Health Care | Hospice | Palliative Care Inpatient And Outpatient Dialysis | Medical House Calls | Managed Long Term Care | Medicare Advantage Plan
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Truer Food: You Are What You Eat True Food Kitchen’s menu inspired by health-food guru
BY CHRISTY HINKO
I
chinko@antonmediagroup.com
f you’re searching for a dining experience with a menu packed full of healthy choices, look no further than one of the newer venues, True Food Kitchen, located at the west side entrance of Roosevelt Field Mall. This healthy, but casual dining experience opened a year ago under pandemic conditions, in the space that used to be occupied by Bobby Flay’s Burger Palace. This seasonal Dr. Andrew Weilinspired menu, filled with anti-inflammatory ingredients, is sure to reset your palate. The ingredients are ultra fresh and nearly unadorned, allowing you to experience food closest to its true essence and flavor. On my visit to True Food Kitchen, I found the staff to be friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the menu and its ingredients. Local Executive Chef Seth Barton holds daily menu briefings with the staff to review popular items and ingredients for making the best suggestions to dining guests. The open-air kitchen is a great feature of this restaurant. I love the honesty of an open kitchen and that it is clean and organized
The Ancient Grains Bowl with shrimp and the movement within is well-controlled and flows gently. Under the guidance of Brand Chef Robert McCormick, the menu at True Food Kitchen fully evolves twice a year, with supplemental items added in the winter and summer months. The flavors are explosive on every food item, but with a health factor behind it. The menu is based on anti-inflammatory concepts and most dietary needs and restrictions are easily accommodated. All of the menu items are labeled with dietary features (gluten-free,organic, etc.). Calories
True’s grass-fed burger are listed. All dishes are customizable to any dietary need (diabetic, allergy, etc.).
Here are my suggestions:
Do try Andy’s Elixir. It’s a sparkling water refresher made with sea buckthorn and honey. The coloring is easily mistaken for turmeric. The sea buckthorn, with a highly unique taste, is a Himalayan berry, packed with antioxidants. The taste of honey is prominent in this beverage. For a cocktail, try either the Juniper Rose or Common Bond. The Juniper Rose is lighter and refreshing made with
rose-infused gin, lime, grapefruit and thyme. Gin, although it is a love-it or leave-it spirit with its medicinal hints, does clear the palate nicely. The great fall flavors of Common Bond with its bourbon, pressed apple, chai spice and lemon combination reminds me of my Aunt Nancy’s homemade wassail. Cocktails are $13. Refreshers and teas are $5. There is also an organic wine menu and several beer choices. I secretly love that they do not serve soda here at True Food Kitchen; it would negate the health benefits of your epicurean experience. For an appetizer, try the not-so-typically plain Brussels sprouts, roasted in a mushroom and miso sesame vinaigrette, then topped with chili threads, giving it a little zing of spice. Or, go for the edamame dumplings, with pureed filling, steamed in dashi white truffle oil and Asian herbs. Appetizers are $8 to $12. The Ancient Grains Bowl, with shrimp (or other protein choices) added is dynamic and filling. There is so much happening in this one dish, the miso sesame glazed sweet potato, turmeric, charred onions, snap peas, grilled
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516-801-0191 www.BetterWaterNY.com
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HEALTHY LIVING • OCTOBER 13 - 19, 2021
portobello mushroom, avocado and hemp seed with cilantro and pumpkin seed pesto. Salads and bowls range from $11 to $16. Still thinking lighter fare, try a personal-sized pizza like the chicken sausage pie with crushed organic tomatoes, roasted fennel and smoked gouda. This portion is about two slices of traditional pizza and is deliciously filling. Pizzas range from $13.50 to $17. The grass-fed burger topped with umami mushrooms, caramelized onions, organic arugula, parmesan and mayonnaise on a flax seed bun with a side of kale salad is sure to hit the spot. The bun is fun, full of texture and holds together exceptionally well. We haven’t seen kale on menus more than we have in the past five years or so. People have a love/ hate relationship with kale, but this side salad is delightful, tossed with lemon, garlic, parmesan and breadcrumbs. Sandwiches and burgers range in price from $14 to $17. The sea bass entree is a very popular choice at True Food Kitchen, served with roasted Brussels sprouts, fennel, golden beets, butternut squash, farro risotto, lemon, herbs and cashews. It’s a great portion. The full-grained risotto has an explosive flavor, nice pairing with the pan seared fish. Entrees range in price from $14.50 to $30.50. For dessert, do have the seasonally appropriate, airy squash (almost like
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A. Holly Patterson Director Honored At India Independence Celebration Dr. Javida Rizvon, MD, director of the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, was honored recently at Nassau County’s Office of Asian American Affairs’ India Independence Day Celebration 2021 for her diligent efforts to promote diversity and give back to the community. Rizvon proudly serves her residents, staff and community at large in her tenure as executive director at the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, which has provided exceptional long-term and rehabilitation care to Nassau County’s elderly citizens throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her guidance, A. Holly Patterson was named a top nursing home by Newsweek. The pumpkin and pumpkin is squash) pie on a thin crust with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a cup of coffee to cap off the meal. You don’t have to wait until January for new year’s resolutions to make better
facility celebrated community members its 60th anniversary who have promoted in July 2021 and diversity and given back has welcomed to the larger Nassau 11,233 residents County population. since its debut. The event was held at Additionally, Rizvon the ceremonial chamwas instrumental bers in the Theodore in the launch of the Roosevelt Executive and Asian Long-Term Legislative Building in Care Unit at A. Holly Mineola. The event was Patterson, which organized by Executive Dr. Javida Rizvon, MD debuted in March of Director of the Office 2021. The Asian Long-Term Care Unit of Asian American Affairs Farrah provides culturally informed care to Mozawalla and was supported by the Chinese, Korean, Bangladeshi and Indian American Forum, the India Indian residents. Association of Long Island, the India The India Independence Day Parade and the Friends for Good Day Celebration 2021 honored Health. food choices when dining out. Make True Food Kitchen a must-try before the holiday season shopping bustle begins. True Food Kitchen has more than 30 locations nationwide. The Garden City kitchen is located at 630 Old Country Rd.
The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating in addition to curbside pickup. A children’s menu is available (pizza, bowl, burger, etc.). Visit www.truefoodkitchen. com to view the full menu, find additional locations and see partner brands.
EAT BETTER.
We’re not the only burger game in town, but We’re definitely the option that’s better for you.
Roosevelt Field | Garden City, NY | TrueFoodKitchen.com 226635 S
OCTOBER 13 - 19, 2021 • HEALTHY LIVING
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
2021 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Join us this month as we celebrate survivorship, community and making a difference.
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