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Let’s Get Everyone Covered.
To Learn More: Call
Questions About Health Insurance?
Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable health insurance for qualifying children and adults of all ages through Qualified Health Plans and the New York State-sponsored Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Medicaid programs. We want everyone to know that learning about quality, affordable health insurance is just a call, click, or visit away.
Enrollment Timeframes:
1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) 1-800-421-1220
TTY
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Apply Through: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov For those who are eligible
Visit
For those who are eligible
Starting November 1 — December 15, 2017
fideliscare.org/offices
for coverage that begins January 1, 2018 for Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health
All Year Long
for Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, Medicaid (New York State-sponsored health insurance) Individuals must be eligible to apply for Medicaid
To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans 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)
TTY: 1-800-421-1220
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Washing Your Hands Of The Flu BY JOSEPH CATRONE Jcatrone@antonmediagroup.com
It comes around this time every year, and often throws a wrench into people’s plans. The holidays? College midterms? Nope—flu season. The flu is the type of virus that can be unpredictable in terms of how it affects its victims—symptoms can be mild or severe, and can include fever, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, chills, body aches, headaches and, in more serious cases, vomiting and diarrhea. The good news is that there
are plenty of precautions one can exercise to keep their year flu-free. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) encourages everyone to follow these tips for flu prevention. The Sink Is Your Best Friend It sounds obvious, even silly, but nonetheless, it’s all too easy to take for granted—washing your hands is a must. A quick rinse under cold water won’t suffice against harmful bacteria. The NYSDOH advises that a thorough wash of at least 20 seconds, under hot water and with plenty of soap, is the safest bet. It’s also best to carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer for when soap and water isn’t readily available.
THE AMSTERDAM LIFESTYLE IS
The NYSDOH recommends products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol. Mind Your Manners, And Your Germs There’s a reason “spreading like the flu” is such a widely used expression. By practicing improper hygiene, the virus can be passed from person to person at a rapid pace. Last year, there were 12,912 flu-related hospitalizations and eight pediatric flu deaths in New York State alone. A big part of keeping the flu contained is stopping the spread of germs, which is why the NYSDOH reminds everyone to cover all sneezes and coughs with a tissue. Not only is it the polite thing to do, it’s the safe thing to do. Get The Shot It pinches for a few seconds, but a flu shot can spare us from several days of discomfort. The department identifies adults aged 65 and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women as holding the highest risk for serious flu complications, which can result in hospitalization and even death. The flu shot is especially recommended for anyone older than six months of age who’s deemed high-risk, but as NYSDOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker points out, even those
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who aren’t considered highly susceptible would be wise to get vaccinated. “The single best way to protect against the influenza virus is to get a flu shot every year,” said Zucker. “Getting vaccinated even when you’re not at high-risk will protect family and friends.” Be Mindful Of Age Unfortunately, when it comes to the flu, age isn’t just a number, as New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen explains. “Immune systems are more easily compromised as we age, and older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions, have an increased risk of developing serious complications from the flu,” said Olsen. As such, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests adults older than 65 years of age seek medical advice early on in the event that antiviral drugs are required to treat their flu symptoms, since such medications tend to be more effective when given early. Patients in the aforementioned age range who contract the flu are also at greater risk of developing pneumonia, and are encouraged to get a pneumococcal vaccine. Visit www.health.ny.gov/diseases/ communicable/influenza/seasonal to learn more.
ABSOLUTELY ENERGIZING. As a gerontologist, Dr. Constance Miceli spent her career working with seniors. When it was time to choose a community for herself, she chose The Amsterdam for the valuable social support system and the fun, rewarding lifestyle. Dr. Miceli’s advice to those considering making the move? See what Nassau County’s only Life Care community has for you. Ask about our A-List Club and experience The Amsterdam while you wait for your perfect apartment.
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St. Francis Hospital To Provide Residents With Free Health Screenings
North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the North Hempstead Town Board are proud to announce that Project Independence, the town’s innovative “aging-in-place” initiative, is once again partnering with St. Francis Hospital’s Community Outreach Program to provide residents with free health screenings. “Project Independence along with the St. Francis Hospital Community Outreach Program is proud to be hosting free health screenings for our residents,” said Bosworth. “We hope by including locations throughout the town we are able to provide access to high quality healthcare to the local community” The screenings, which will be offered at the St. Francis Outreach Bus, will include a brief cardiac history, blood pressure screening, a simple blood test for cholesterol and diabetes screening with appropriate patient education and referrals as needed for clients above the age of 18. Visit the following locations for a screening: Thursday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Great Neck
St. Francis Hospital’s Community Outreach Bus will be offering free health screenings to seniors throughout North Hempstead. Social Center, 80 Grace Ave., Great Neck; Thursday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Manhasset
Valley Residence, 155 East Shore Rd., Manhasset; and Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sid Jacobson
Before You Head To The Doctor, Ask Alexa
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The next time there’s a medical emergency, ask Northwell before heading out the door. With the Northwell Health skill for Amazon Alexa, users can find the shortest wait time and locations of Northwell’s hospital emergency departments and GoHealth Urgent Care centers. The Northwell user interface, available for free in the Alexa skills store, allows anyone using an Alexaenabled device to say, “Alexa, ask Northwell,” along with a corresponding question. For example, “Alexa, ask Northwell for the shortest emergency department wait time.” To refine the search to a specific region, include the zip code. To find immediate emergency care, users would specify “emergency department” for a hospital or “urgent care” for a GoHealth clinic. “We’re looking at new ways to solve old problems. Integrating emergency department wait times into a skill for Amazon Alexa is just one example of how
Northwell wants to make the health care experience a seamless part of your everyday life,” said Ramon Soto, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at Northwell. “Connecting with our patients—and the broader community—where they live and interact is a core value. While technology will continue to evolve, our commitment to the patient experience remains constant.” Northwell web developers created the Alexa skill, in part, by integrating another popular Northwell innovation—its emergency and urgent care wait times portal, which analyzes checkins at Northwell EDs and updates them every 15 minutes. Enabling the function with Alexa helps patients get care quickly and efficiently, pulling data from more than 50 urgent care centers and emergency rooms throughout the New York metropolitan area. —Submitted by Northwell Health
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THE CANCER CARE YOU NEED, RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE. COMMACK ROCKVILLE CENTRE At our Commack and Rockville Centre locations, we work to ensure every patient gets the personalized treatment he or she needs. That’s why with targeted radiation, tailored care plans and more, we offer choices few other hospitals can match. At MSK, we determine the right treatment options for you, in the location that’s right for you.
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From Sweet Tooth To Clean Teeth Oral health tips for post-Halloween trick-or-treaters
Halloween may be one of the few nights out of the year when parents are a little more lenient with candy consumption. While the kids (and parents) are digging in on the sweets after a fun night of trick or treating, it’s important to pay attention to your oral health care practices to avoid toothaches, cavities, and other dental issues post-Halloween. For dentists like Dr. Scott Asnis, DDS, CEO and Founder Dental365, Halloween and the weeks thereafter, is the busiest time of year.
“Cavities are caused by sugar having prolonged exposure to the teeth. If you’re still exposed to candy leftovers, it’s important to try and decrease the amount of candy you are consuming as well as the amount of time sugar comes in contact with your teeth,” said Asnis. “That means, if you can’t help but to consume the candy, brush after as soon as possible.” Sugar has long been identified by dentists and oral health experts as a major cause of tooth decay and
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cavities. Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar in candy and other foods and turn it into acid. According to Asnis, this acid attacks tooth enamel and causes cavities. “To get your oral health back in check post-Halloween, there are tips to help minimalize the harm,” said Asnis, noting that most damage from eating sugary foods and candy is done immediately following eating the food. “Soft and sticky candy, along with chocolates can get stuck in the grooves and crevices of your teeth, which can be alleviated by chewing sugarless gum or brushing your teeth immediately after eating the candy.” Asnis also stated that if you are feeling pain or discomfort post-Halloween, see your dentist as soon as possible to get a check up. “It’s always best not to wait and assume the pain will go away,” he said. For safety precautions, always make sure to keep hard candy away from small children, as it is a major choking hazard. “Adults and children alike should keep from biting into hard candies, which can cause a tooth fracture, even on perfectly healthy teeth,” said Asnis of more oral health tips. And as a sweet treat, the team at Dental365 will be offering free dentistry to veterans on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in multiple locations as a thank you for their services. Services offered will include cleanings, X-rays, full-mouth debridements and comprehensive examinations. The Dental365 locations hosting the event in Long Island will be Levittown and Centereach.
“America would not be what it is today without our Veterans and the sacrifices they have made. The free dentistry day is Dental365’s way of giving back and saying thank you,” said Asnis. “At Dental365, the entire team regards Veterans Day with gratitude and great respect for the work our servicemen and women have done for this country.” Getting quality dentistry can be difficult for veterans because in order to qualify for full Veteran’s Administration dental benefits, they must be completely disabled, have been a prisoner of war or have developed a serious dental condition during their time of service. Fear, money and lack of dental coverage are all barriers that can keep veterans from getting the proper dental care they need and deserve. Dental365’s goal is to service the communities they are in with the latest technology in oral healthcare and wellness. As an added convenience, their brand new, inviting offices focus on all areas of dentistry, so patients never have to go elsewhere for dental treatment. Dental365 accepts walk-ins with little or no waiting time for adults and children and offers everything from emergency extractions to routine exams, including cosmetic restorations and implants, periodontal procedures and Invisalign all in a state-of-the-art, beautiful environment where patient comfort is a top priority. For more information, or to schedule and appointment call 844-365-3368 or visit www.GoDental365.com. —Submitted by Dental365
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We’re here to stay. As just one of our commitments to future generations, we’ve invested in the only facility on Long Island with a water birthing tub for expectant mothers. Since 1935, Nassau University Medical Center has served as the primary source of medical care for millions of Nassau County residents. Today, we continue to provide consistently sound and compassionate care to everyone in the neighborhood at every stage of life. All of us at NUMC care deeply about raising the bar for health care delivery in our growing community.
The Nassau University Medical Center Maternity and Newborn Facility
If you ask us...it all adds up.
516.486.NUMC |
Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP, President/CEO
• Designed to better serve high and low-risk mothers and their families. • The lowest rate of caesarean births on all of Long Island. • Winner of Healthgrades for Gynecological Surgery Excellence Award.
Our community. Your health.
•
2201 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow, NY
| numc.edu
Michael B. Mirotznik, Esq., Chairman, Board of Directors
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Stepping Out Of The ‘Should’ Syndrome Have you ever realized how powerless you feel when you use the word “should” in a sentence? Personally, any information followed by the words “I should” is a huge indicator to me that I am carrying out something that somebody else thinks I ought to do and adopting that idea as my own. The next time you catch yourself using the word “should”, get real with yourself by taking my theory out for a test drive. I want you to explore the true intent behind your words and your actions and get crystal clear about your reasons for doing what you do. In the event that you start “should-ing” on yourself, use the following steps to liberate yourself from the opinions of others and reconnect with what you truly desire and want to bring forth in your life.
Get Honest With Yourself
LIFE EVOLUTIONS
‘‘
Melody Pourmoradi
I want you to explore the true intent behind your words and your actions and get crystal clear about your reasons for doing what you do.
’’
Ask yourself if this idea that comes after “should” is something that you are actively choosing to do or something that you feel is being imposed on you by a force outside of yourself (mom, friend, society, etc.)? Your core feelings in that precise moment are a great indicator of your reasons for doing the things you think you should do. Feelings of disempowerment, defeat and sadness generally indicate that you are carrying out somebody else’s vision of how to move forward. Get super clear.
Challenge Your Motivation If you learn that you are in fact doing what someone else is expecting of you and not what you want
or feel is in line with your highest good, challenge the thought and make a conscious decision that is in line with your personal values. A good question to ask yourself would be “What is my reason for taking this action?” or “Is this decision in my best interest or in the best interest of someone else? This awareness is key so that you can understand what the motivation truly is behind your actions.
Choose Empowering Language If you learn that the words following “I should” are actually something that you authentically do want, change up your language so that it reflects your active participation in the idea. Other more empowering choices of words to replace “should” are “I choose/I
could/I will....” This way you are reclaiming your power and indicating that you are a willing creator of your own choices. More importantly, when you choose your actions with certainty, you are more likely to carry them out with an expression of confidence, ease and grace. How we choose to perceive our ideas and thoughts is crucial. How we present them to ourselves and to the world however is the key. By getting to the root of our purest desires, we will have the awareness to move confidently in the direction of our most authentic intentions. Melody Pourmoradi is a women’s life and wellness coach at Life Evolutions Coaching. Check out www. lifeevolutionscoaching.com to learn more.
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HEALTHY LIVING • NOVEMBER 8 - 14, 2017
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE HEALTH PLAN SEMINARS If you are Medicare and/or Medicare and Medicaid Eligible Join us for formal presentations with our licensed Senior Benefits Advisors to learn more about choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan Venue
Address
Dates
Time
Court House Eatery
115 Main Street, Hempstead 11550
Nov 21
10:30 am
Massapequa Diner
4420 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa 11758
Nov 13, Dec 5
9:30 am
Empress Diner
2490 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow 11554
Nov 13, 27, Dec 4
9:30 am
Mitchell’s Restaurant
119 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream 11580
Nov 13, 20, 27, Dec 4
10:00 am
Omega Diner
1809 Lakeville Rd, New Hyde Park, 11040
Nov 14, 28, Dec 5
3:00 pm
175 Fulton Diner
175 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead 11550
Nov 27
10:30 am
Farmingdale Diner
17 Hempstead Tpke, Farmingdale 11735
Nov 8, 22, Dec 6
2:30 pm
Lantern Diner
564 Hempstead Tpke, West Hempstead 11552
Nov 15, 29, Dec 6
9:30 am
Mineola Diner
138 Jericho Tpke, Mineola 11501
Nov 9, 16, 23, 30, Dec 7
10:00 am
East Bay Diner
3360 Merrick Rd, Seaford 11783
Nov 10, 17, Dec 1
9:00 am
Landmark Diner
1027 Northern Blvd, Roslyn 11576
Nov 20
9:00 am
Harvest Diner
841 Old Country Road, Westbury 11590
Nov 15, 29, Dec 13
10:00 am
Diner Luxe
4011 Hempstead Tpke, Bethpage 11714
Dec 7
3:00 pm
Massapequa Diner
4420 Sunrise Hwy, Massapequa 11758
Dec 1
2:30 pm
For more information and to RSVP:
718-696-0205
TTY: 1-800-662-1220 events@agewellnewyork.com agewellnewyork.com/diners Light snacks will be provided AgeWell New York, LLC is a HMO plan with Medicare and Medicaid contracts. Enrollment in AgeWell New York, LLC depends on contract renewal. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings call 866-586-8044 and TTY/TDD 800-662-1220. AgeWell New York complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. AgeWell New York cumple con las leyes federales de derechosciviles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATTENTION: If you speak Spanish, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-586-8044 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos deasistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-586-8044 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). Assistance services for other languages are also available free of charge at the number above. H4922_Diner4002 Accepted 08112017 174886 C
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6 Ways To Save Money On Your D BY VANESSA CACERES, U.S. NEWS CONTRIBUTOR
drug causes side effects you don’t like, let your health care provider know.
specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
I
t can be expensive to keep up with your diabetes medications. Many of the newer meds are expensive, thanks to all of the research and development that goes into them, and there’s no generic insulin. So, you likely empty your pocketbook to pay a portion of your medication costs. It can be scary to think about how much you need to rely on those medications for your health. For some patients, it’s a life-or-death scenario. “The pharmaceutical companies are working with a captive audience,” says certified diabetes educator PJ Pugh, program director of the Chronic Disease Management Program at Baylor Community Care Clinics in Dallas. “If you have Type 1 diabetes, you can’t go without insulin.” That said, there are a few tricks to slash your medication costs. Try the following strategies if you’re looking to save money:
Know your insurance plan’s formulary. A formulary is a list of
medications an insurance company prefers and will cover with a lower cost to you. “Ask your doctor, ‘Is this on my formulary?’” Pugh recommends. Most medical practices try to keep up with coverage ins
Speak up if you think you’ll have trouble paying for meds.
and outs for major insurance plans, so they may have the answer. You also can ask your insurance company for a copy of the formulary so you are more aware of what’s on it. One caution: Insurance companies often change their formularies, so it can be hard to stay current, Pugh says.
Use generic meds when possible. “Under federal law,
generic drugs must be chemically identical to the name-brand drug in dosage, ingredients and strength,” says David Weingard, CEO of Fit4D in New York City, which teaches people how to live better with
chronic conditions such as diabetes. “This means there are significant cost savings for non-insulin treatments.” So generally speaking, generic drugs can be a great bargain and will work just as effectively. Most patients do not notice any difference with generics, compared with the brand-name counterparts, says Evan Sisson, a certified diabetes educator and an associate professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy in Richmond. “However, just like other generic products, some patients prefer one over the other. For example, some people prefer the taste of brand-name diet soda over generic alternatives, even though the ingredients are the same,” Sisson says. Bottom line: If a generic
This is much safer than the alternative of not filling a prescription because of the price. With everyone cost-conscious these days, your doctor’s office is likely aware of prescription assistance programs, which may require proof of income but can be helpful in cutting costs. The office may even have drug samples. Also, with newer meds, pharmaceutical companies may offer special discount programs, cards or coupons for the prescribed medication, says Judy Vobroucek, owner of Discount Med Direct, a mail-order prescription business with locations in Florida, Pennsylvania and Illinois. “Those can be one-time discounts or continual, depending on the offer,” she says. In addition to your health care provider’s office, a certified diabetes educator may have some insight into these types of programs.
Buy a 90-day versus a 30-day supply of your medication to reduce your copay. A copay is
the amount of money you have to pay toward the medication when you have insurance. Still, you don’t want to order too far ahead as certain medicines, like insulin, can expire. “Have a three-month or sixmonth supply at most,” Weingard advises.
Check around online for discount information.
“Diabetes magazines, websites, blogs and social media groups are great resources for information on medication discounts and programs,” Vobroucek says.
Buy abroad. This means you
order your medications from a pharmacy that gets the medications in Canada or another country (you still usually need a prescription). Before the prevalence of ordering, people who lived close enough to
33 HEALTHY LIVING • NOVEMBER 8 - 14, 2017
r Diabetes Medications Canada would drive there to buy their insulin and return to the U.S., Vobroucek says. Now, online ordering of medications is more common. This is especially the case for those with no health insurance, a high-deductible insurance plan or a health plan with no to little prescription coverage, she says. Still, proceed with caution. “There is always a risk of receiving knockoff or fake drugs from other countries,” Weingard says. And the U.S. Food and Drug Administration frowns on this approach. “That being said, many Americans can and do order their diabetes medications from Canadian and other online pharmacies, and often at a greatly lowered cost,” Weingard says. Here are some don’ts if you’re looking to save money on your diabetes meds: • Don’t avoid taking meds that you need. This could have a huge impact on your health—Pugh has heard of some frightening scenarios that happen when patients don’t take their diabetes medications as needed. Again, even though drugs can be expensive, there are resources to help with the cost if necessary. Speak up. • Don’t skip doses. Skipping doses to save money can negatively affect your health over time and make it hard to get in the routine of taking a medication at the same time every day, Sisson says. • Don’t split pills that aren’t meant to be split. Although some pills are fine to split in half, others are not made for that purpose. “The result of trying to split an ‘unscored’ tablet can be loss of medication or irregular dosing from day to day,” Sisson says. Of course, the best way to cut your medication costs is to not need the meds in the first place—and healthy eating, weight management and exercise can help with that. “You may need less medications—but you need to take what is prescribed by the doctor,” Weingard says.
Copyright U.S. News & World Report, L.P. Reprinted with permission. Combining in-depth research and high journalistic standards, U.S. News publishes a wide variety of articles at usnews.com and in its publications that enable readers to make smart “life decisions” regarding careers, personal finance, education, health issues, and other important matters.
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Protect Your College Age Children With A Health Care Proxy
When a child turns 18 and goes to college, often away from home, what happens if he or she has a medical emergency? Perhaps, they have a serious injury, lose consciousness from an accident or are stricken with a sudden illness. Would the parents be notified about their child’s condition? To protect college age children, Jennifer Cona, Esq., managing partner of Genser Dubow Genser & Cona (GDGC), elder law and estate planning firm in Melville, advises them to sign a health care proxy naming the parents as their agent. Parents can be contacted immediately if a child is seriously injured and also have access to their medical condition and records as well as the authority to make health decisions for them. “Parents don’t automatically have the legal right to access their child’s medical information in part because of the
HIPAA rules, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996,” said Cona. Without a signed health care proxy from the student, medical professionals are required to get approval from the patient, which is not likely to happen in an emergency. GDGC will host a series of health care proxy days every
Wednesday in December and January titled “Wednesday’s for your College Age Kids,” at their office, located at 225 Broad Hollow Rd., Suite 200, for college students and their parents. Each student will leave the program with their documents and a personal medical information sheet on a USB drive, a wallet-sized
card with health care proxy information and hard copies of the documents. According to Ron Roel, a freelance journalist and author on Long Island, parents don’t think of having their children at age 18 sign this critical document. “They’re probably not viewing them as adults perhaps because they still pay for their
medical and other expenses,” he said. There have been several tragic cases that emphasize the need for a proxy. One case involved a first-year student at University of Rochester who went to the university’s counseling center because of a drug problem. Since the daughter had not given consent for her parents to be told about any aspect of her health, they couldn’t intervene and come to her aid. Before her parents knew anything about their daughter’s situation, she died tragically from a drug overdose in her dorm room. For more information or to RSVP for the Health Care Proxy “Wednesday’s for your College Age Kids” program, contact Sarah Carpenter at GDGC 631-390-5000 or email sarah.carpenter@genserlaw. com. —Submitted by Seiden Communications Inc.
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35 HEALTHY LIVING • NOVEMBER 8 - 14, 2017
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South Nassau presents: TRUTH IN MEDICINE®
Can your sweet tooth cause diabetes? Find the answer at
truthinmedicine.org
SOUTH NASSAU’S MEDICAL EXPERTS HAVE THE ANSWERS. Sooner or later, you’re going to have a question about your health. When you do, South Nassau will have the answer. Go to truthinmedicine.org and watch our award-winning team of experts set the record straight about sweets and diabetes and debunk some of the biggest health-related myths around.
One Healthy Way at Merrick Road in Oceanside. Call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit truthinmedicine.org.
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New Therapies To Decrease Bleeding Risk In Liver Disease People with cirrhosis often are noted to have a low platelet count. Platelets are essentially blood cells that are involved with clotting. While low platelets are not inherently dangerous, people with low platelets are at increased risk of bleeding when they undergo any type of procedure that involves cutting the skin, mucosa or any type of interventional procedure.
Low platelets in liver disease are a result of a combination of splenic sequestration and decreased bone marrow production. Of these two mechanisms, splenic sequestration makes up the largest percentage. The hardened liver of cirrhosis leads to decreased blood flow through the liver and back up of blood into the veins which feed the liver and blood pools
THE LIVER SPECIALIST David Bernstein, MD
Katz Institute for Women’s Health
Join our Women’s Wellness event:
Your bones and jointsA guide to healthy hands and feet Many of us have suffered a minor hand or foot injury, causing temporary pain or swelling. But sometimes, everyday wear and tear, overuse, or injury can lead to chronic pain, tingling and other symptoms. Join our experts as they discuss:
Join us:
– Why female hands and feet are different than those of our male counterparts
Long Island Marriott 101 James Doolittle Boulevard Uniondale, NY
– Common causes of hand and foot pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, bunions and toe deformities, and treatment options for each – Tips for injury prevention, including general conditioning exercises, proper footwear, and correct posture and movements Our experts will lead the group in basic exercises for hand and feet strengthening, as well as balance and stability, to help you live a healthy, active life. Speakers: Adam Bitterman, DO Orthopaedic Surgeon Foot and Ankle Specialist Northwell Health Orthopaedic Institute
Jodi Tuzzolo, DPT Physical Therapy Supervisor STARS Rehabilitation Northwell Health Rehabilitation Network
Ashley Burlage, MD Orthopaedic Surgeon Hand and Upper Extremity Specialist Northwell Health Orthopaedic Institute
Wednesday, November 15 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Admission: $20 Registration required. Register with a friend and receive $5 off each. Register online at Northwell.edu/womenswellness or call (855) 850-KIWH (5494). Use promo code: KIWH Healthy refreshments and a light dinner will be served. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a gift basket.
Presenting sponsor:
Cancellation policy: All cancellations must be confirmed in writing to womenshealth@northwell.edu or 1981 Marcus Avenue, Suite E110, Lake Success NY 11042 no later than Nov 13. No refunds will be made after this date for cancellations or “no shows.”
For more information call the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at (855) 850-KIWH (5494) or email womenshealth@northwell.edu. 22091b 9-17
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in the spleen. This is called portal hypertension. The spleen functions to take up old platelets and the number of platelets it removes from the blood stream is dependent upon the blood flow through it. The slower the flow, the more the spleen takes up. This results in a large spleen and low platelet count. People with cirrhosis are often in need of basic surgical and interventional procedures. For example, cirrhotic patients often need skin biopsies, dental cleaning and extraction, cardiac catheterizations, paracenteses, liver biopsies or surgeries such as gallbladder removal, etc. If the platelet count is below 50-70,000, as in many people with cirrhosis, the risk of significant bleeding increases dramatically and that bleeding can even be life threatening. Up to now, the only treatment that medicine had for low platelets was to give platelet transfusions before any scheduled procedure or emergency procedure. Platelet transfusion, while the gold standard, is far from golden and certainly not risk free. These transfusions increase plasma volume which can paradoxically increase portal hypertension and the risk of bleeding. Platelet transfusions can also cause systemic reactions such as fever, shortness of breath, rash and even anaphylaxis. As platelets come from human donors, the chance of passing a blood born infection is miniscule but certainly not zero. There is a lot of research into finding a replacement option for the use of platelets in patients with cirrhosis and low platelets who need elective procedures. A new class of agents are being developed called TPO agonists. These medications work by boosting the body’s ability to make platelets in a predictable and dose dependent fashion. There are several of these compounds being tested for use in liver disease and it is exciting. The have tongue twisting names such as avatrombopag, eltrombopag, lusutrombopag and romiplastin. These agents are given by either mouth or infusion. So far, they appear to be safe. The hope is that they will replace platelet transfusions and allow more patients to safely get the medical and dental treatments that they need. While several of these agents are currently available, the oral agents are still not FDA approved for use prior to elective procedures in patients with cirrhosis. I hope that very shortly, these agents will be available as they fulfill a current unmet medical need.
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HEALTHY LIVING • NOVEMBER 8 - 14, 2017
The Adelphi Breast Cancer Program helped me. A Tradition of Excellence
We can help you! Read these inspiring stories at crowdfunding.adelphi.edu/breastcancersupport
You are not alone. Speak to a hotline volunteer who has been there.
. . 800 877 8077
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At Grace Plaza Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, we are dedicated to continuing our tradition of excellence in both rehabilitation and long-term care. Our commitment to creating a homelike atmosphere and providing specialized care has made Grace Plaza the facility of choice for both Long Island and Queens families.
We welcome you to take a personalized tour of our Facility!
www.graceplaza.com 15 St. Paul’s Place Great Neck, NY 11021
516-466-3001
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HONOR N T A
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SERVE
IT’S
T H E B R I S TA L A S S I S T E D L I V I N G • W H E R E E V E R Y DAY M E A N S M O R E ®
their experiences inspiring. The Bristal salutes the many men and women Our thanks should be felt and heard, especially at this time of year.
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among our ranks who dedicated themselves to the cause of freedom.
T H OS
who served in the armed forces. Their fierce camaraderie is contagious and
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Each year on Veterans Day, our communities pay special tribute to those
H O S E RV E
LONG ISLAND EAST MEADOW | EAST NORTHPORT | HOLTSVILLE | LAKE GROVE | LAKE SUCCESS* WESTCHESTER ARMONK | WHITE PLAINS
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LYNBROOK | MASSAPEQUA | NORTH HILLS | NORTH WOODMERE | SAYVILLE | WEST BABYLON | WESTBURY
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“A year ago I couldn’t think about hitting a driver. Now after back surgery, I’m a weekend warrior again. No pain and I’m doing what I love... THANKS TO NSPC!” Michael’s road to recovery began with a call to Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC) and a same-day appointment with a member of NSPC’s team of world-renowned brain and spine surgeons. He received a personalized treatment plan that ensured the best possible outcome. Michael’s journey ended with minimally invasive surgery that restored his normal life, including hitting it straight down the fairway.
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