Healthy Living is a special monthly supplement published by Anton Media Group by Anton Community Newspapers

AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL

DECEMBER 8 – 14, 2021

MEET MONTE,

THE ISLANDERS PUPPY WITH A PURPOSE Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Manage Your Holiday Stress

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2A DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2021 • HEALTHY LIVING

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HEALTHY LIVING • DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2021

Puppy With A Purpose BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

his training and local appearances. Following his puppy raising, he Guide Dog Foundation, pro- Monte will return to the Guide Dog viding guide dogs to individFoundation campus in Smithtown to uals who are blind or visually begin his formal guide dog training. impaired, is thrilled to partner again Concluding his training, Monte with the New York Islanders in their will be matched at no cost with an “Puppy with a Purpose” program. individual who is blind or visually In celebration of the foundation’s impaired. 75th anniversary, the Islanders will “It’s an absolute sponsor the training of future pleasure to partguide dog “Monte.” ner again Monte, a 9-week-old, with our male black Labrador puppy, made his debut with the Islanders on Oct. 11 during the team’s fifth annual ‘Pucks and Paws 2022’ calendar photoshoot. The calendar, benefitting the Guide Dog Foundation and supported by Canidae, is on sale now via the Islanders’ website and at home games. Monte, a black labrador, will undergo basic training and socialization with the Islanders’ staff, fans and public for the next 14 to 16 months. The Islanders will host Monte at community events and select home games to assist in raising him to be a confident and calm future guide dog. Fans can follow Monte on Instagram at @ NYIslesPup to stay up to date on specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

friends at the New York Islanders to help celebrate the Guide Dog Foundation’s 75th anniversary,” John Miller, president and CEO, Guide Dog Foundation said. “The partnership is outstanding. Ownership, coaches, the team and fans, all have embraced the program and we couldn’t be any happier to continue this life changing program with the team.” Monte is the third dog the Islanders have partnered with the Smithtown-based organization to raise and train. In June, the Islanders and America’s VetDogs, sister organization to the Guide Dog Foundation, placed service dog-in-training, Tori, with retired U.S. Navy veteran and FDNY Lieutenant Chris Roberto. The Islanders’ first dog, Radar, was successfully placed as a guide dog in August 2020 with gold medalist Paralympian swimmer and Long Island native Anastasia Pagonis. It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one assistance dog; however, all of the VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations and service and fraternal clubs.

MEET PUPPY RAISER LISA ROSSANO When not volunteering her time with America’s VetDogs and the Guide Dog Foundation, Monte’s puppy raiser Lisa Rossano, keeps busy with her two sons, and husband of 34 years Ernie. Rossano started volunteering at the Guide Dog Foundation 15 years ago when her boys were volunteering their time running and playing with the dogs in the kennel on weekends. Prior to taking on this experience, Rossano volunteered in the nursery socializing newborn puppies, is a member of the speaker’s bureau and adoption team, and is an area coordinator for Long Island puppy raisers. The first dog Rossano and her family raised was Toby. That experience has since led the family to raise 10 dogs, with Monte making it 11. Six of their dogs have been placed with veterans and or visually impaired clients. Rossano and her family currently have four dogs at home; Guide Dog breeder Mikey, two released dogs, Bliss and Olympia and of course little Tori. “I think raising the Islander puppy with a purpose for the Guide Dog Foundation is going to be my best adventure and a great privilege and honor,” Rossano said. Visit www.GuideDog.org to learn more about the organizations.

4A DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2021 • HEALTHY LIVING

Tips To Help Manage Holiday Stress BY DON STANGLER

health care programs that can range from caring for your mental health to treatment for substance abuse, with a goal of helping improve your overall well-being. For example, Sanvello® offers clinically validated techniques and tools to reduce stress, anxiety and depression within a single app. Sanvello is free to download from the app stores and you can do an instant eligibility check in the app. • Enjoy, even if it’s virtually. In the flurry of holiday activities, we sometimes forget what we’re celebrating, so remember to savor the time with people you love. If you or others you know are unable to meet in person, use a phone or set up a Zoom call to celebrate and spend time together. It’s important to minimize any feelings of isolation. • Talk to your doctor. If it feels like you’re not able to get a handle on your stress, talk to your doctor. She or he may recommend a counselor who could help you find other ways to help reduce or manage the unhealthy stress in your life. Visit UHC.com for more health and wellness information. Don Stangler is the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare of NY

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

eeling stressed? You’re not alone. Stress levels are rising due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the numerous disruptions in our daily lives. The American Psychological Association recently reported that “we are facing a national mental health crisis that could yield serious health and social consequences for years to come.” And it’s not just adults who are feeling it. The report reveals that our children are “facing unprecedented uncertainty, are experiencing elevated stress, and are already reporting symptoms of depression.” A quick chat with your doctor can help remedy holiday stress. Although a modest amount of stress is normal, high levels of stress can be • Learn to recognize your holiday getting away to take a brief walk can dangerous to your health and may stress triggers and relievers. give you time to unwind and recharge. contribute to serious health problems Financial pressures and personal de• Make time for your health. In the such as high blood pressure, heart dismands are two common triggers. Also, holiday rush, don’t let your well-being ease, diabetes, anxiety and depression. beware of unhealthy stress relievers. fall by the wayside. Try to stay on your Therefore, make sure to keep a close eye Holiday stress may cause some people normal sleep schedule, incorporate on your well-being and the well-being to fall into bad habits such as smokhealthy foods and get regular exercise. of your loved ones during the holidays. ing, drinking or eating too much. If you can’t find a 30-minute chunk of It’s true, there is no magic bullet to time for exercise, break it up into three • Give yourself a break. While doing make stress disappear forever, but we 10-minute sessions spread throughthings for others, it’s easy to forget to can take action to help reduce stress. out the day. take care of ourselves. If you feel stress Here is a list of tips that may reduce • Check your health plan benbuilding up, take a break for a few your stress and lead to a more enjoyable minutes. Listening to calming music, efits. Some insurers, such as holiday season. UnitedHealthcare, offer behavioral taking time to watch a movie, or just

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6A DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2021 • HEALTHY LIVING

SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder

More than a case of the winter blues

inter invokes happy memories of watching holiday movies and building snow forts for some, but for others, the season can create added mental health woes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that typically surfaces during the fall and winter, can wreak havoc on sufferers’ overall well-being. This rings especially true against the backdrop of a global pandemic, when many already feel emotionally fatigued from being cooped up in their homes. “The symptoms of seasonal depression vary from person to person. Some may have difficulty concentrating and feel exceedingly anxious, stressed or sad. Others may isolate themselves and stop participating in activities that once brought them joy,” said Lisa Westerson, LCSW, director of residential services at Mountainside Treatment Center with facilities in Huntington, Manhattan, Chappaqua, Connecticut and New Jersey. “For those who struggle with seasonal depression, these symptoms will typically diminish during the warmer months when the sun is out and the days are longer.” In addition to a general lack of light

Light box therpy eases the winter blues. and shorter days during the colder months, the onset of SAD—a more intense form of the “winter blues”—can be largely attributed to an individual’s genetics and stress levels. Another risk factor is major depressive disorder, with the National Library of Medicine noting that 10 to 20 percent of those who struggle with this disease also experience SAD. Some research, such as a 2017 study in psychiatry research, likewise points to an overlap between seasonal depression and alcohol use disorder, though drawing a definitive correlation

between the two remains difficult. “Because stress can weaken the immune system, sufferers may find themselves feeling physically ill,” Westerson said, “Other physical signs of seasonal depression can include wanting to stay in bed or overeating— by reaching for sweets or carbohydrate-rich foods in particular. People struggling with seasonal depression often have low serotonin levels and therefore crave carbs because they contribute to the production of serotonin, which elevates mood.” Establishing healthy coping

mechanisms for handling seasonal depression is especially dire during the COVID-19 era. While having a strong immune system is top of mind for many, maintaining wellness can prove challenging in the face of unprecedented stress. In adjusting to a “new normal,” individuals can still pursue teletherapy and should prioritize maintaining a routine consisting of regular sleep, exercise and mindful eating. “Treating both the body and the mind is critical for managing symptoms of seasonal depression,” Westerson said. “One can start by consulting a mental health professional, trying light box therapy and eating healthier foods.” Visit www.mountainside.com/ beat-holiday-stress to register for Mountainside’s free, virtual holiday season workshop for tips on coping with mental health concerns during the winter holidays. Visit www. mountainside.com/holiday-support if you struggle with addiction or mental health disorders throughout the winter season and need someone to talk to or dial the center’s holiday helpline at 833-200-6665. —Mountainside Treatment Center

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HEALTHY LIVING • DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2021

Single Source Exposed Thousands To Hepatitis

ultiple news agencies recently reported that in early November, a New Jersey Starbucks employee who handled food tested positive for hepatitis A and may have exposed thousands of customers to the virus. In October of this year, a hepatitis A outbreak was reported in three restaurants in Roanoke, VA. Fifty people were diagnosed with the viral infection and three died. The source of the infections was an infected employee who worked at all three restaurants yet was without symptoms. So far this year in New York state, excluding New York City, there have been more than 500 reported cases and more than 300 of these cases required hospitalization. Hepatitis A is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the United States. It is caused by a virus that infects and can damage the liver. Anyone, regardless of age, who has not been previously infected or who has not been vaccinated against hepatitis A can become infected and ill from the hepatitis A. The older you are, the sicker you can become. The hepatitis A virus enters the body through the mouth and is passed through the stool. It can be

THE SPECIALIST David Bernstein, MD

carried on an infected person’s hands and spread through direct or indirect contact. For example, eating food that was prepared or transported by an infected individual. This is the reason restaurant food handlers are frequent vectors of disease transmission. In some cases, it can be spread by sexual contact, usually rectal contact or by consuming contaminated water or food (e.g., raw shellfish, fruits, vegetables). New York City has seen a significant increase in cases of hepatitis A among bisexual or men who have sex with men. People with hepatitis A usually complain of fatigue, poor appetite, fever and nausea. Less commonly, vomiting and abdominal cramping can occur. Urine may darken followed

by yellowing of the eyes and jaundice may appear. The symptoms usually present 15 to 50 days after exposure; most often, the symptoms appear within four weeks. Most people recover in a few weeks without any complications. Infants and young children tend to have very mild symptoms and are less likely to develop jaundice than are older children and adults. Infected adults are at higher risk of severe infection and either not surviving or needing an emergent liver transplant. There are no special medicines, antibiotics or over-the-counter therapies that treat hepatitis A. Health care providers will usually recommend rest, good nutrition, fluids and treatment of symptoms. Infected people should avoid alcohol and medications that can harm the liver such as acetaminophen. Some people might need to be hospitalized for the illness, mostly for the inability to eat or the development of easy bruising or confusion. The good news is that once an individual has recovered from hepatitis A, he/ she cannot get it again and poses no health risk to others. Hepatitis A can be prevented with careful hand washing after using the toilet, changing diapers or before

eating or preparing food. People should avoid eating raw shellfish taken from potentially contaminated waters. Infected people should not handle foods during the contagious period. Hepatitis A is preventable by obtaining a vaccine. Hepatitis A outbreaks continue to occur fairly frequently across the country, the majority of which are caused by an infected food handler in a restaurant. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children, travelers to certain high-risk regions such the Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia and for people at high risk of getting infected with the virus. I would encourage anyone who has previously been infected with hepatitis A and who has not vaccinated against this virus, to go out and get vaccinated. The vaccine consists of two injections given six months apart and are readily available from many health care providers and pharmacies. David Bernstein, MD, FAASLD,FACG, AGAF, FACP is the vice chair of medicine for clinical trials and chief of hepatology at Sandra Atlas Bass Center for Liver Diseases. He is a professor of medicine and education.

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