Profiles in Medicine 09-07-2016 by Anton Community Newspapers

MEDICINE PROFILES IN

AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016 ADVERTORIAL

Palumbo Wealth Management Group

UBS Financial Services Inc. Philip G. Palumbo Senior Vice President-Wealth Management | Senior Portfolio Manager CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ 1055 Franklin Avenue | Garden City, NY 11530 Tel. 516-408-5848 | Fax: 855-244-1843

In this challenging economy, many successful families are in complex financial situations or are just unhappy with the advice they are receiving from their financial advisor(s)—it’s not uncommon. We have found that a majority of high net worth investors would value a second opinion on their finances. In order to help people achieve their financial goals, we have created our complimentary Second Opinion Service. We are pleased to offer you and your family the same expertise and guidance that the clients of Palumbo Wealth Management Group have come to expect.

Working with a team that redefines wealth management Ask 10 investors to define wealth management. Actually, ask 10 “wealth managers” to do so. You’ll almost certainly get 10 different answers, and most are likely to be heavily focused on investing. As a client of Palumbo Wealth Management Group however, you benefit from a disciplined, experienced team that has a clear and comprehensive vision of wealth management.

Our consultative process We approach each new engagement with a time-tested, collaborative process. This allows us to have an open dialogue in which we learn about your values and goals, while working with you to tailor a plan to help meet them.

What to expect from the Second Opinion Service Our first meeting will be a discovery meeting, which is focused on gaining a clear, in-depth understanding of your values and goals. After the meeting is concluded, our team will conduct a comprehensive analysis of your current situation to identify any gaps in your current plan. We will then invite you back for a second meeting where we will address any issues that we identified through our analysis, as well as some solutions to consider. Hopefully, we can confirm you are on track to meet your goals. If needed, we will suggest ways in which we can help, including recommending someone else if we are not a good fit for your needs. Either way, you will receive both a Total Client Profile and personalized analysis of your current situation—a value in excess of $5,000.

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Important information about Advisory & Brokerage Services: It is important that you understand the ways in which UBS Financial Services Inc. (UBS) conducts business and the applicable laws and regulations that govern the firm. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an investment advisor and a broker-dealer, offering both investment advisory and brokerage services. Though there are similarities among these services, the investment advisory programs and brokerage accounts UBS offers are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. It is important that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures UBS provides to you about the products or services offered. While UBS strives to ensure that these materials clearly describe the nature of the services provided, please do not hesitate to contact your Financial Advisor team if you would like clarification on the nature of your accounts or services you receive from us. For more information, please visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees provide tax and legal advice. Please consult your legal and tax advisors regarding your personal circumstances. Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM and CRPC® are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning®. Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM and AAMS® are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning®.

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Your financial health. Our global resources. Advice you can trust starts with a conversation. Palumbo Wealth Management Group

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UBS Financial Services Inc. Philip G. Palumbo Senior Vice President-Wealth Management Senior Portfolio Manager CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ 1055 Franklin Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 Tel. 516-408-5848 Fax: 855-244-1843

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Things To Consider When Choosing A Hospital BY ROBERT SILVERMAN specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Few experiences are more difficult than having to endure a hospital stay. But unlike in years past, you can now educate yourself on both healthcare providers and facilities, much like you would for any product or service. These days, free online resources allow you to compare hospitals across a wide range of criteria, as well as read patient reviews. That, along with federally-mandated healthcare quality report cards, have hospital administrators making great strides in the quality of care they provide. This is where a hospital’s physical design becomes a crucial element of patient health, comfort and well-being. “The biggest risks for patients during a hospital stay are exposure to possible infections, medical errors and falls,” said Joan Suchomel, president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Academy of

About Us… TLC Companions was created by health care professionals with over 30 years of experience. Our company provides high-quality services to the elderly, handicapped, or anyone in need, while allowing them to receive exceptional care in the comfort of their own home or rehab facility. We believe in addressing all of the individualized needs of our clients. As an additional service, we are more than happy to assist with referrals regarding transportation, long-term care insurance, and any and all needs of a homeowner. Our services will help to ensure the highest level of comprehensive care & convenience to the various needs of our clients and their families. We provide Life Assist Medical Alert systems at no charge for equipment or installation. You pay a monthly monitoring fee directly to Life Assist USA. Our Mission… At TLC, our team of compassionate professionals are united in the belief that regardless of age or one’s physical or mental condition, everyone deserves to live in the environment that they choose. Everyone can use a helping hand at times and everyone needs a little TLC. It is our mission to accommodate you and meet these needs for you or your loved one. We will provide a FREE initial in-home assessment and will choose a compatible/suitable caregiver for you or your family member.

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Architecture for Health. “Good hospital design can reduce these risks. For example, installing a dedicated hand-washing sink near the entrance of patient rooms improves hygiene. Proper lighting and layouts reduce potential distraction during preparation of medications to help prevent drug administration errors. Well-placed handrails, the space to limit clutter, and flooring materials that reduce slipperiness and unevenness will help prevent patient falls.” Others design considerations that architects employ are done to specifically address concepts for effective caregiving, reducing patient stress and pain levels, and creating safer and more hygienic rooms and healing spaces. For example, it has been proven through research that views of nature reduce stress—and patients with less stress feel less pain and don’t need as much pain medication. In addition to the capabilities of doctors and nurses, the actual space within a healthcare facility can influence patient healing rates, decrease the length of hospital stays, and even impact something as basic as a good night’s sleep. And now, hospitals are financially motivated to offer patients the best level care possible, as patients

often make decisions based on a host of ratings and reviews that are now publicly available to them.

Suchomel suggested the following questions to consider when comparing hospitals: • How does an institution perform on quality measures like success rates and patient outcomes? • Has the hospital been cited for lack of compliance in any areas? • What do patients say about their care on ratings sites? Being an educated consumer makes good financial sense if you are shopping for a car or life insurance, and the stakes are even higher when it comes to healthcare. Fortunately, there are now a multitude of resources available to arm you with the information you need to make the best decision for your particular medical condition or issue. And there has never been a greater priority placed on ensuring hospital design results in a safe, clean and peaceful healing environment. —Robert Silverman is the editor-in-chief at Statepoint

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016 ADVERTORIAL

Neograft : A New FDA-Cleared Minimally Invasive Device That Transplants Hair Without Surgery or Scars

The latest innovation in hair transplantation technology is

called FUE—Follicular Unit Extraction, which is performed by using an FDA-cleared harvesting and implantation system called Neograft®. FUE with Neograft® is automated and minimally invasive; follicular units are harvested one-by-one—eliminating the need for excising a donor strip. The hairline looks completely natural and undetectable as a hair transplant; no one will know unless you tell them. There is no linear scar, minimal downtime, less discomfort, and does not involve staples or stitches like the STRIP FUT method does. Patients are usually able to go back to work the next day. Another bene-

fit of Neograft® is that it uses pneumatic controls to precisely extract complete individual hair follicles which can be immediately transplanted to the selected areas of the scalp. In addition, it also provides exact placement, providing consistent and accurate results. The best candidates for either hair transplantation procedure have sufficient donor hair and moderate hair loss. The quality of the donor hair has much to do with the final result--the fuller and denser

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Section Head of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery North Shore University Hospital Manhasset New York Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery

the donor hair; the better the results will be once the hair is transplanted. After the hair is transplanted, the grafted hair will stay in place for approximately 2 to 3 weeks before it starts shedding which is normal and part of the new hair growth process. After that, the hair will continue to grow normally, as it had done in its original site.

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Throughout the ages, thick and healthy hair has always been a sign of both vitality and attractiveness for both men and women. Up until recently, the best method for hair replacement involved surgically removing a strip of scalp (STRIP FUT- Follicular Unit Transplantation) from the donor site, leaving behind a tell-tale linear scar that can be seen when wearing a short or buzzed haircut. Essentially, this corrects one issue and potentially causes another, leaving room for further advancement. Enter Neograft®.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016

Caring for Nassau County and Beyond

“The mission has always been to serve the underserved and those that need us the most,” said Lina Scacco, assistant vice-president of corporate outreach and development. “Moving forward, that mission became even stronger, adjusting to and more focused on the needs of an aging population.” The Parker Institute operates residential facilities providing both short-term and long-term rehabilitation care as well as a certified home health agency dedicated to helping people recuperate and transition back into their daily lives with in home care after surgery or any other medical event. The institute’s home health care division is licensed in seven counties including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Westchester County. The institute offers outpatient services like the medical home visits program Parker At Your Door, providing treatment for acute and chronic illnesses, care coordination and 24-hour telephone access to care specialists. “We try to keep people in their homes as long as possible and as long as it’s safe,” said Scacco. “Our goal is to take care of people wherever they live and we know the best care for that person emotionally is in their home where they feel most independent.” Although they strive to keep patients in their homes the institute also works to make short-and long-term residential care at its facility as comfortable and pleasant as possible for residents, patients and their families, where Scacco said safety is the top priority. The Parker Jewish Institute has provided years of service to the community. “When someone needs long-term care and they turn to us, I think they realize we have that kind of experience and compassion,” said Scacco.

“We understand that sometimes people can’t be cared for in their home because it may be unsafe and we offer that as an alternative.” As part of its continuum of care, in early September the institute will offer its residents and other participants health care services through its Social Adult Day Care program, Parker On Madison, located in Hempstead. The program is designed to help the elderly and participants with early-stage dementia who are unable to stay at home by themselves while their family member and primary caregiver is at work or away. The program allows participants time for social interaction with activities like music therapy and yoga. It also offers nutritious meals and access to transportation, and acts as a respite for caregivers who can be assured their loved one is well taken care of in their absence. “Ours is exceptional; we were one of the leaders in creating an adult day program,” said Scacco. “Some individuals as they age have greater needs that a community senior center cannot accommodate, and the program is there to make the quality of life for that individual a pleasant one every day,” said Scacco. Along with its long- and short-term care facilities, the institute also provides on-site dialysis treatment to residents and the community through its hemodialysis center, Queens-Long Island Renal Institute. Licensed in Queens and Nassau Parker Institute prides itself on the quality of hospice care it provides for residents as well as in home patients, and at other assisted living and nursing facilities. With the variety of services the institute provides including medical transportation through its company, Lakeville Ambulette Transportation, Scacco said she likes to think of the institute as a “one stop shop” but also said the type of care is not one-size-fits-all and is in fact very “person centered” and catered to the individual’s needs. “It’s the individual who defines what type of care needs they have because we need to customize it for them not the other way around,” said Scacco. Also, because of the diverse community that Parker serves, Scacco said the institute also tries to be sensitive to a patient’s unique cultural needs.

To ensure residents and patients are treated by a skilled staff, Parker Institute offers many education programs and is affiliated with several medical schools including Columbia University, C.W. Post, Hofstra University, Queens College and more for programs in art therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, social work and more. With its own fellowship program, the institute offers both on-and off-site training for its staff. The institute employs its own medical team with doctors who work with medical staff at other facilities. “We are continually educating our staff and we really invest in them because they are our best assets,” said Scacco. The Nerken Center for Research and Grants is an on-site research center focused on studying emerging issues of aging. Through the research center the institute has received grants that have allowed the institute to develop various programs and

services like Parker at Your Door and volunteer programs like Willing Hearts Helpful Hands, connecting caretakers with volunteers who provide them with respite services. All the services Parker Jewish Institute provides from short- and long-term rehabilitation and home health care to dialysis treatment and hospice care is in continuum with its mission. “In our mission we strive to help the community and be that resource. It’s not for our own gain; it’s so that we can perpetuate that mission which is to keep growing and make it an organization that goes on forever,” said Scacco.

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Established in 1907 by a group known as the Daughters of Israel, the institute originally operated as a homeless shelter catering to a then-vulnerable population. Over the years the organization has grown and changed, with its facility now at 271-11 76th Ave. in New Hyde Park on the Queens-Nassau border. As it grew the institute expanded its services to include health care, adapting its mission along the way “to provide, with compassion and dedication superior quality health care and rehabilitation for adults.”

271-11 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 877.727.5373 • 718.289.2100 • 516.247.6500 www.ParkerInstitute.org

Zika Virus: Fact Versus Fear BY DAVE GIL DE RUBIO dgilderubio@antonmediagroup.com

Ever since the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern this

past February following a 2015-16 Zika outbreak, there have been legitimate concerns amid some degree of media-fueled hysteria. And with the latest development being the discovery of Zika-bearing mosquitos in the continental United States for the first time, it’s time to get to the facts behind this virus. While Zika symptoms are benign—fever, muscle aches and headache that go away after a few days to a week—it is what the virus can do to pregnant women that is truly horrifying. Babies born to mothers with Zika run the risk of a number of birth defects with the most common being microcephaly, a condition

in which an infant winds up with a malformed, small head and brain abnormalities may persist for life. And while it is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which is also responsible for the spread of dengue and chikungunya, people in the New York metropolitan area aren’t in danger of contracting Zika through a bug bite. More likely, it would happen through sexual contact or a blood transfusion/organ transplant. It’s a fact that Dr. Bruce Polsky, chairman of WinthropUniversity Hospital’s Department of Medicine and an infectious disease specialist confirms. “In our area, the mosquito responsible for transmission of Zika is not in New York because it’s not the right habitat for that mosquito,” Polsky explained. “But people can go on trips and get infected elsewhere. So someone could have been infected elsewhere, come here and then transmit it to a sexual partner.” With Zika, antibodies are able to be detected through a bloodwork screening process and transmission of the virus in our area is most likely to occur through intimate contact. Between medical experts determining that the process for

testing and approving a vaccine is 10 to 12 years away and scientists not knowing how long someone who has contracted Zika may carry it around with them, prevention and vigilance are the best ways to prevent contracting it. “Since it’s mosquito born, many of the same measures used to prevent Lyme disease, such as using the spray containing DEET and covering up, are the same despite it [Zika] being a different kind of transmission,” Polsky said. “In the case of Zika, because we now know that the virus may persist in the body after the symptoms go away, it’s particularly important to counsel women who may get pregnant or are thinking about potentially getting pregnant, about their particular risks. And also, for the men, since it can be transmitted sexually, it’s important to counsel the men in this regard as well when they return concerning their sexual behaviors that can potentially transmit the virus to their sexual partners. The scary issue is the potential persistence and the ability to be transmitted sexually, which is not the case with other mosquito-born viral illnesses.”

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016

22 PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016

e M d s n it o g The : n i d n

problems that ailed them, whether it’s gas and bloating, hormonal problems, asthma, allergies, hearing loss, poor eyesight or even heart problems. She stressed that chiropractors do not treat these problems; they simply do adjustments that can have a much greater impact. “People often take themselves off their medications on their own because they feel better,” said Mayreis. “We hear wonderful things all day long.” Mayreis noted that a person who feels fatigued or dizzy is unlikely to exercise, which can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes or other problems. “Restoring balance allows them to get moving, which can remove the whole story of medications,” said Mayreis. “It’s a snowball effect.” Adam Cantor is a licensed acupuncturist and owner of Mind Body Medicine Acupuncture in Glen Head who has also seen many patients get off their medications as a result of treatments. While also not legally allowed to tell people to stop taking the medicine their medical doctor has prescribed, he advises patients to work with their doctors and has seen numerous—and diverse—instances of healing. “Acupuncture can help regulate bodily functions so people can get

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Alternative treatments offer surprising results BY JILL NOSSA jnossa@antonmediagroup.com

It seems basic enough: when a problem arises, the doctor is called, medicine is prescribed and symptoms subside. Sometimes, the symptoms only go away when the medicine is being taken, which can be costly and could also lead to side effects. In these cases, the medicine is not treating the underlying cause of the problem. For people who are reliant on their prescription medications, there are ways to help lessen the need for using medications, whether for sinus problems, digestive issues or foot pain, or anything in between. Alternative treatments and holistic medicine are readily available, and practitioners are trained to help people find balance and get to the underlying root of the problem. Seeing a chiropractor is one way people may find an unexpected outcome. “People often come in because they have back or neck pain,” said Dr. Maxine Cappel Mayreis, a third generation chiropractor with an office in Glen Cove. “But pain in the back is the least of it.” Since the nerves control the function of every tissue, organ and system of the body, she explained that if there is an interference in the nerve pathways, problems will occur. Some are minor or might start as a minor blockage but over time could lead to

more chronic problems. “The job of a chiropractor is to restore normal function in the body,” said Mayreis. “The chiropractic approach to better health is to detect, reduce and prevent nerve system dysfunction. A physical problem needs a physical solution.” A chiropractor will adjust the spine, which encases the nerves, and allow the signals to flow from the brain. As a result, said Mayreis, people may find that they no longer have other

off the medications,” said Cantor. “A person might come in for pain management, whether it’s a pain in the neck or shoulder and—this is extremely common—the origin of the pain actually stems from someplace else, often the mind.” Cantor has seen women manage their premenstrual pain through acupuncture and are able to stop taking birth control pills and has also seen patients with psychogenic disorders who eventually go off tranquilizers like Zanax. “Our thoughts and emotions influence the bodily processes, down to a cellular level,” said Cantor. He said a growing problem he has seen in the past decade or so is the trend for western medical doctors to prescribe multiple medications, some of which are treating the side effects of other medications. “This is not to say that they shouldn’t be on certain medications, but the landscape is more difficult and complex. It is not something Chinese medicine has ever dealt with before, and we’re forced to evolve in this more complex landscape,” said Cantor. As an example, he said a patient might come in with migraine headaches, and the acupuncture might help them have fewer migraines. However, patients need to be weaned off of the medicine because the medicine itself can cause “rebound” headaches. “You take the medicine for the headache, then you get another headache at the end of the day... people feel trapped,” he said, noting that not everyone is open to acupuncture.“ Some patients find us through their insurance and come in with a different expectation. Some are not looking to do any deeper work. With natural healing and holistic medicine, it might take longer. It’s not just about managing symptoms but getting to the root of the problem.”

23 PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016

Kids Meningococcal Vaccine Mandatory

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

New York joins 27 other states that currently require meningococcal vaccination for school attendance. Grades 7 and 12 were the grades chosen for the school Beginning Sept. 1, all public and private school requirements because they align to the students entering 7th or 12th grades in New York ages at which the 1st and 2nd doses of State will be required to be vaccinated against the vaccine are recommended by the meningococcal disease (types A, C, W and Y) in U.S. Centers for Disease Control and order to attend school. Prevention. Meningococcal disease is a rare but dangerous The Serogroup B meningococcal disease that strikes without warning. It can cause vaccine is also available for teens and meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain young adults 16-23 years of age. But and spinal cord) and sepsis (blood infections). Even with treatment, an infection can lead to death the B strain vaccine is not routinely recommended for all teenagers, so it within a few hours. In non-fatal cases, permanent will not be required for school this disabilities can include loss of limbs, hearing loss fall. Rather, it is given to people ages and brain damage. 10 and up who have certain medical “Immunizing children and young adults at conditions. It may be given at the these ages is critical to protecting them from this same time as the meningococcal potentially fatal and devastating disease,” said conjugate vaccine. Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker. “We Combined, both meningococcal are fortunate to have a vaccine for meningitis vaccines protect against five strains and urge parents to stay on top of their children’s of the disease that cause about 93% vaccine requirements.” of cases of meningococcal disease The meningococcal conjugate vaccine, among U.S. teens and adults, as sometimes called the meningitis vaccine, is the well as nearly all cases of meninbest protection against the disease, which often gococcal disease in other parts of affects young people. The disease spreads easily the world. in close quarters by coughing, sneezing, kissing, For more information, or sharing utensils and cups. The meningococcal contact the New York State vaccine is 85 percent to 100 percent effective at preventing infection with the four types of menin- Department of Health Bureau of Immunization’s School Assessment and gococcal disease that cause the majority Compliance Unit at 518-474-1944. of cases in the United States. specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

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HEALTHCARE NEWS

2017 Open Enrollment The 2017 open enrollment period to enroll in Obamacare through the Healthplan Marketplace begins Nov. 1 and ends on Jan. 31. If you have not enrolled in coverage by these dates, you cannot buy Healthplan Marketplace coverage for 2017 until the next open enrollment period for coverage in 2018. You can get health insurance through the Healthplan Marketplace only during open

enrollment 2017, unless you have special circumstances. You can compare health insurance rates directly from major health insurance carriers any time throughout the year. If you are enrolled in a 2016 Marketplace plan, your benefit year will end on Dec. 31, 2016. In order to continue your coverage in 2017, you may renew your current health plan or choose a new health plan through the Marketplace during the 2017 Open Enrollment period.

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Today, more than ever, many people live in a state of continuous physical and emotional stress and are looking for alternatives to the conventional model of healthcare. Integrative Medicine offers a new model of health and wellness, one that joins patient and healthcare practitioner in a dynamic partnership with countless benefits! How we care for our families and ourselves is more critical than ever now.

The goal in Integrative Medicine is to unite the best that conventional medicine has to offer with other healing systems and therapies, giving individuals and providers many options to consider when formulating a treatment plan. Again, this approach focuses on the whole person, recognizing that the subtle interactions of mind, body, spirit and community have a direct impact on our vitality and well-being.

Integrative Medicine is the practice of medicine that makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing. In the Integrative Medicine approach, the focus is on caring for the whole person in body, mind, spirit, community, and environment, and it addresses multiple components; physical health; lifestyle as well as the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of each person. Integrative Medicine combines state-of-the-art, conventional medical treatments with alternative therapies that are evidence-based, carefully selected, and shown to be safe and effective.

Some Defining Principles of Integrative Medicine • Patient and practitioner are partners in the healing process. • Personal responsibility is accepted for one’s health and wellness. • All factors that influence health, wellness, and disease are taken into consideration, including mind, spirit, and environment, as well as the body. • Appropriate use of both conventional and alternative methods facilitates the body’s natural healing response. What to expect from the Integrative Medicine Approach Coordination of all aspects of care is the cornerstone of the

Integrative Medicine approach. One’s primary care physician will work in tandem with such practitioners as the Integrative Medicine physician, Integrative wellness health coach, Nurse practitioner, psychologist, nutritionist, massage therapist, and acupuncturist among others. Integrative Medicine also utilizes complimentary tools such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, acupuncture, massage and Reiki, for example, to supplement the conventional treatments in conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and other serious illnesses. In this way, patients are experiencing greater well-being and lasting results. And, scientific evidence supports this approach. Local Resources Finding a dedicated healthcare team who recognizes the importance of all of these aspects of care and is committed to working together in an integrated way is now possible. PRACTICE, an integrated health and wellness center that is conveniently located in the Village of Roslyn, understands that blending the science of medicine with the art of healing to support the best in clinical care is a vital component of healthcare delivery. PRACTICE has now joined with the Katz Institute for Women’s Health of Northwell Health.

Please visit the website at PRACTICEBodyMindSoul. com for a schedule of classes that includes yoga, meditation, cardiac yoga, prenatal yoga, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Reiki and massage or call (516) 8583095 for further information. About the Authors: Lisa Langer, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and the Founder of PRACTICE Wellness Center for Integrative Wellness/Katz Women’s/Northwell Health System. Lucy Gade, MD, is the Medical Director at PRACTICE, an Integrative Wellness Physician, an Ob/Gyn and holds a Master in Public Health. About the Katz Institute for Women’s Health: The Katz Institute for Women’s Health (KIWH), part of Northwell Health, is dedicated to improving all aspects of a woman’s health at every stage of her life. The KIWH Resource Center is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm to answer your questions related to women’s health or to coordinate access to the clinical programs and services offered by Northwell. Please call 855850-KIWH (5494) or email womenshealth@northwell. edu. For more information, go to northwell.edu/kiwh. 157561 C

During 2017 open enrollment, if you decide to enroll between the 1st and 15th days of a month, your healthcare coverage will begin the first day of the following month. Between the 16th and the last day of a month, your coverage will begin the first day of the second month. For example, if you enroll on May 16, your coverage will begin on July 1. You are only allowed to buy Marketplace insurance outside of open enrollment if you qualify for a special enrollment period because of a qualifying event such as loss of other health coverage, birth or adoption of a child, or a marriage. You may enroll in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid at any time. There are no limited enrollment periods for these two programs. You man apply any time. If you are qualified, you have the right to enroll immediately. If you operate or own a small business, you may start offering coverage to your employees at any time.

Important Health Insurance Marketplace Dates 2016/2017 You may generally buy Healthplan Marketplace coverage insurance at any time during the open enrollment period. The following are important days to remember: • Nov. 1, 2016: 2017 open enrollment will begin • Jan. 1: 2017 coverage will begin • Jan. 31: 2017 open enrollment will end Visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov to learn more or call 800-949-7903 to find a local agent.

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Beauty Ball For Cancer Care

Katz Institute for Women’s Health

Join our Women’s Wellness event: Break Up With Back Pain For Good Many women suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, but not all back pain is the same. If you’ve been suffering from persistent back pain, join the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at our Women’s Wellness event to: – Discover the causes of back pain and how an accurate diagnosis is made. – Learn about the latest nonsurgical and surgical treatments of common lumbar spine disorders. – Participate in light stretching and exercises to relieve or ease your back pain. Speakers: Jason Lipetz, MD Chief, Spine Medicine, Northwell Health Spine Center Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Assistant Professor, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine Michael Kamme, PT, Cert MDT Physical Therapist, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Services (STARS)

Jeff Silber, MD Associate Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery, Long Island Jewish Medical Center Chief of Division - Orthopaedic Spine Surgery, Long Island Jewish Medical Center Associate Professor, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine Northwell Health Physician Partners

Women’s Wellness Learn how to break up with back pain for good! Join us: Wednesday, September 28 7pm – 9pm Long Island Marriott 101 James Doolittle Boulevard Uniondale, NY 11553 Healthy refreshments and a light dinner will be served. All attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a gift basket!

Admission: $20 Registration required. Online: Northwell.edu/kiwh (listed under events) Phone: (855) 850-KIWH (5494)

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Mondays at Racine Cancer Care Foundation will once again host their annual fundraiser, The Long Island Beauty Ball, on Monday, Sept. 26, at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The event, which is sponsored by North Shore Hematology Oncology, will feature the health, wellness and beauty industries coming together to educate and elevate cancer care in New York. “To see leaders in the health and beauty industries come together at The Long Island Beauty Ball in support of elevating cancer care confirms that we are on the right path in creating great change in how we take care of people going through this devastating disease,” said Karla Waldron, executive director of Mondays at Racine. “This event has captured the essence of the Mondays at Racine mission and gives us the ability to provide these essential programs to more communities throughout Long Island and New York.” Guests at the Beauty Ball will be treated to a variety of interactive experiences including makeup applications, braid bars, massage stations and yoga demonstrations. New to this year’s event is a $250 VIP ticket that allows access to one of three gallery readings with renowned psychic mediums Laura Lynn Jackson, Bobbi Allison and Kim Russo. Last year’s inaugural event had 700 attendees and raised $175,000. Proceeds from the event enabled Mondays at Racine to train six additional charter salons and certify 55 new service providers, all in support of the overall mission to reduce the physical, emotional and cosmetic side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Visit www.longislandbeautyball.com to purchase tickets to this year’s event.

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016 ADVERTORIAL

The Best Prostate Cancer Treatment? IT DEPENDS ON THE PATIENT

Ask your doctor: What’s the best treatment for prostate cancer — radiation, surgery, cryotherapy, active surveillance? The most likely answer will be, “It depends — upon age, overall health, wellness and the stage of the prostate cancer and its location.” Each patient’s prostate cancer is unique and requires a treatment plan tailored to that patient’s needs and preferences. The more the patient knows about his options, the better prepared he will be to choose the treatment plan that gives him the best possible outcome. Under the leadership of Michael Herman, MD, Director of Urologic Oncology, South Nassau Communities Hospital’s Center for Prostate Health specializes in the range of proven prostate cancer treatment modalities. This includes radiosurgery using the Varian Novalis Tx™; robotically assisted, minimally invasive surgery; brachytherapy; cryotherapy; and active surveillance. The center’s patient-centered treatment plans are complemented by comprehensive education and counseling services for patients and their primary physicians. The services foster steady communication, resulting in patients’ understanding of the benefits and

the stages of the treatment plans they have selected, which is essential to achieving optimal outcomes. Dr. Herman, a former assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, is at the forefront of the diagnosis and treatment of urologic cancers. He utilizes minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgical technologies to eradicate prostate, kidney and bladder cancers. Co-author of three book chapters and more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, Dr. Herman is presently investigating and testing the use of the latest biomarkers and imaging techniques to reduce the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer. This can help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies while more accurately diagnosing aggressive prostate cancer, thereby leading to improved outcomes for patients. He also utilizes novel genetic testing to determine who is a good candidate for active surveillance, or monitoring, of their cancers.

Michael Herman, MD, Director of Urologic Oncology at South Nassau, performs a targeted prostate biopsy.

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For more information about the Center for Prostate Health or to schedule an appointment, CALL 516-632-3350 OR VISIT SOUTHNASSAU.ORG

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Michael P. Herman, MD, Director of the Urologic Oncology Program and Daniel S. McCally, MD, FACS, Assistant Director of the Urology Program at South Nassau Communities Hospital, perform a targeted prostate biopsy.

We’re hitting the prostate cancer target — better! South Nassau Communities Hospital is among the only hospitals in Nassau County to offer MRI-Ultrasound Targeted Biopsy — an innovative new technology for more precise and accurate detection of prostate cancer. BENEFITS OF MRI-ULTRASOUND TARGETED BIOPSY: • Makes biopsies up to 30% more accurate • Reduces unnecessary, repeat biopsies • Improves diagnosis, which leads to better treatment options • Helps to better monitor men with prostate cancer • Makes it easier for focal therapy, which reduces side effects from treatment To learn more about prostate care services, including MRI-Ultrasound targeting technology, call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.

One Healthy Way at Merrick Road in Oceanside. Call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit southnassau.org.

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FILE NAME: 66260_02 SNCH ProstateCancer_PA

28 PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016

Medical Marijuana Program Expanding BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF

Authorizing Nurse Practitioners to Certify Patients

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

The New York State Department of Health recently announced that, based on a statewide needs assessment, it will implement numerous recommendations through new regulations and guidelines to enhance its Medical Marijuana Program. The recommendations, which will improve access for patients suffering from severe, debilitating and life-threatening conditions, include authorizing nurse practitioners to certify patients for the program, allowing for home delivery service of medicine, expanding the financial hardship waiver for patients and caregivers who apply for registration, and modifying the state’s data management system to make it more user friendly for certified patients and caregivers. “New York’s Medical Marijuana Program has rapidly progressed, certifying more than 7,000 patients across the state and registering more than 675 physicians in just the first seven months,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Since launching the program, the Department has worked closely with doctors, patients and registered organizations to gather information relevant to strengthening the program in anticipation of the required two-year report. We are constantly evaluating the program to make it more effective for patients and practitioners, and we believe that the implementation of these recommendations will do just that.”

Authorizing nurse practitioners to certify New Yorkers for medical marijuana is consistent with their current authority to prescribe controlled substances (including opioids). Allowing them to issue such certifications will help more patients suffering from severe, debilitating or life-threatening conditions, particularly in many rural counties where far fewer physicians are available to treat such ailments. “The report’s first recommendation acknowledges that nurse practitioners have the necessary education, preparation and experience to diagnose patients as suffering from a serious condition,” said Stephen Ferrara, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, executive director of The Nurse Practitioner Association NYS. “Allowing nurse practitioners to participate in New York’s program will provide greater access to New Yorkers of all ages and health conditions, since these New Yorkers are increasingly choosing a nurse practitioner as their health care provider.”

InspIrIng Women™ a free community health education program

“every step you take…” Fall preventIon awareness Falls can change your life. Please join us for an informative evening that can help minimize your risk. Topics include: the medical impact of a fall, plus identifying risks surrounding medications, clutter and sleep disturbances. Speakers include: Alexander Axelrad, MD, Chief of Trauma at Winthrop Carmela Avena-Woods, PharmD Diane Landau - Certified Relocation & Transition Specialist Olivia Kitzen, RPSGT, Sleep Disorder Center at Winthrop Program will include information from supportive community resources.

Thursday, September 22, 2016 7 PM Winthrop’s Research & Academic Center 101 Mineola Blvd. (Corner of Second Street in Mineola) Admission is free, but seating is limited For reservations: Please call (516) 663-3131 or email: inspiringwomen@winthrop.org

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Proposing Additional Regulatory Amendments The department is also proposing additional regulatory amendments to enhance the Medical

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Healthy Living Anton’s monthly feature devoted to all things health related - from nutrition and exercise to the latest medical news. This popular section appears in all local Anton editions.

Remaining 2016 Dates... • September 14 • October 12 • November 9 • December 14 157139 C

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Allowing Delivery Service The department will also begin allowing registered organizations to offer home delivery services. In many cases, patients with serious health conditions cannot leave their homes and have difficulty accessing medical marijuana products.

Reviewing Chronic Pain The department has already begun conducting a review of evidence for the use of medical marijuana in patients suffering from chronic intractable pain. Identification of literature for the review process is already underway, and it is anticipated that a decision will be made within the next 90 days.

Expanding the Hardship Waiver

Marijuana Program by streamlining manufacturing requirements and broadening the capability for registered organizations to advertise their participation in the program.

The department will immediately expand the financial hardship waiver for the $50 patient and caregiver application fee for registration, and will post additional information in this regard within the coming weeks. This will help alleviate the financial burden for a number of patients, helping them move one step closer to obtaining medical marijuana products.

Making Program More User-Friendly DOH will work to enhance the practitioner, patient and caregiver certification and registration

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“Look to Daleview” for Rehab

system, including the Medical Marijuana Data Management System.

Expanding Testing of Medical Marijuana Products The department is also looking at ways to encourage independent laboratories in New York to apply for the state’s Environmental Laboratory Approval Program certification to perform testing of medical marijuana products for the registered organizations.

Increasing Ability to Locate Practitioners The department is exploring additional ways to ensure that patients can locate registered practitioners. This includes the possibility of adding a public list of practitioners registered with the program to the department’s web page and enhancing the list of registered practitioners currently available through the department’s Health Commerce System.

Continuing Federal Outreach The department will continue its outreach efforts to encourage the federal government to relax restrictions on scientific research relating to medical marijuana, as well as the registered organizations’ ability to conduct financial transactions and establish traditional banking relationships. Visit www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana for more information about the two-year report for the Medical Use of Marijuana Under the Compassionate Care Act.

Look to Daleview for Rehab

When it comes to subacute short-term rehabilitation, Daleview can provide the individualized attention you need. Deciding where to go for rehabilitation following surgery, an illness or an injury may be a daunting task.

Cherian, director of occupational therapy. “ We can be more attentive and hands-on.”

Some items to consider when you make a decision on a rehab facility: • Does the facility offer aggressive therapy? • Does the occupational therapy staff work closely with the physical therapy staff ? • Is there communication with the nursing staff so a plan of care can be followed? • Are families involved in the plan of care? • Is education provided to the resident and the family regarding what to expect for recovery? • How big is the facility? • How much rehabilitation does the facility provide to each resident?

Daleview also has a physiatrist on staff who evaluates and follows every rehabilitation resident at Daleview. “A physiatrist is a doctor of rehabilitative medicine whose goal is to restore maximum function lost through injury, illness or disabling conditions. Daleview is very proud to have Dr. Su on staff. Our Rehabilitation Team consisting of therapists, physical, occupational and speech, are quite experienced and produce wonderful results. Dr. Su’s expertise enhances the outcomes we provide to our residents,” noted Mary Kochaniwsky, administrator. “We welcome prospective residents to come in to tour our facility.” Daleview has been serving the residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties for over 50 years. Daleview provides Complex Medical Care, Post-Surgical Care, Short Term Rehabilitation (Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies), Long-Term Care, Wound Care, Comfort/Palliative Care, Respiratory Care & Tracheostomy Care, IV Therapy, Enteral Nutrition, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care and Intensive Rehabilitation Services. For further information or a tour please contact Admissions at 516-6949800 ext. 237 or visit www.daleviewcarecenter.com.

Complex Medical Care • Post-Surgical Care • Short Term Rehabilitation Physical & Occupational Therapy 7 days/week • IV Therapy Speech Therapy 5 days/week • Intensive Rehab • Long-Term Care Wound Care • Respiratory Care and Rehabilitation • Tracheostomy Care Enteral Nutrition • Comfort/Palliative Care • Dementia Care

www.daleviewcarecenter.com

516-694-9800 Conveniently located near major roadways! Daleview Care Center: 574 Fulton Street, Farmingdale

574 Fulton Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735 www.daleviewcarecenter.com

• 516-694-9800

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When looking for rehabilitation, look to Daleview Care Center. Their newly expanded Rehab gymnasium offers state-of-the-art equipment, and their small facility enables staff to provide individualized attention to each resident. “Our staff knows each resident and can easily see changes right away so goals can be adjusted,” noted Jeremiah Lopez, director of physical therapy. “With the small facility, we can spend more time with our residents and their families,” added John

30 PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016

Modern health care is changing by the minute. At NuHealth, we’re changing to meet the demands of a dynamic and diverse community, where the need for top-quality, yet affordable, health care services has never been greater.

Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP President/Chief Executive Officer

We’re absolutely committed to being the health care institution that makes the full spectrum of world-class services available to all of Nassau County’s residents, from the newborn to our senior citizens, for our families and for our workers, for those who can afford it and for those who cannot. You already know us as Nassau County’s premier Level One Trauma Center, with over 72,000 visits to our emergency room each year, 22,000 patient admissions, and more than 300,000 ambulatory visits to our hospital and outlying family health centers. What you may not be aware of is all of the amazing improvements to our facilities and our services that are changing us for the better — changing to make us a leading provider of primary and tertiary care services that rival the best in the country. Now that many of these improvements are either complete or underway, it’s time you took another look at NuHealth and some of the major improvements we’ve made, and will continue to make, at our flagship Nassau University Medical Center. 157590 C

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”

Things are looking up.

NUMC has changed for the better. So I’m feeling better. Sweeping, hospital-wide improvements are enhancing the health care options for all of Nassau County.

”

Yes, the differences are astounding — across many segments of the hospital — structural, technological Heart Attack Heart Failure Pneumonia Surgical Care VTE Perinatal Care

and clinical enhancements that have elevated NUMC to world-class stature. Our vision of bringing a greater level of health care to central Nassau has clearly taken shape, and our commitment to upgrading the quality of care is ongoing. • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit • Emergency and Level One Trauma Center • Hypertension, Diabetes and Vascular Care Center • Cardiac Care Center Including State-of-the-Art Cardiac Catheterization Lab • Neurosurgery/Stroke Center • Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber • Primary Care Center • Maternity and Newborn Center

Stroke Center

• Oncology Center • Orthopedic and Spine Center • Burn Center

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Heart Center

516.572.0123 • www.numc.edu Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP, President/CEO • Michael B. Mirotznik, Esq. Chairman, Board of Directors

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Now Available Without A Prescription For those who yearn to break their cigarette addiction but don’t fancy a trip to the doctor’s office, the ability to get the nicotine patch without a physician’s prescription may be just what the doctor ordered.

Less than 10 years ago, the nicotine patch was available by prescription only. However, since 1996, nicotine drug products for use as “stop smoking aids” have been available without a prescription. In February 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the “switch” of Nicorette gum to over-the-counter (OTC) status. In the summer of 1996, the FDA also approved the prescription-to-OTC switch of two transdermal nicotine patch products (Nicotrol in July 1996 and NicoDerm CQ in August 1996). Switches of other nicotine patch products followed (Prostep in December 1998 and Habitrol in November 1999). In October 2002, the FDA approved Commit, the first lozenge dosage form containing nicotine. The patch, gum and lozenge join more than 700 other OTC drugs that would have required a prescription only 20 years ago, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), which represents the leading manufacturers and distributors of OTC medicines and nutritional supplements. The 700-plus products are now available without a prescription because the FDA, in cooperation with panels of outside experts, determined they could be used safely and effectively without a doctor’s supervision. The FDA has given OTC approval to drugs with such household names as Children’s Advil and Children’s Motrin (ibuprofen), Orudis KT and Actron (ketoprofen), and Aleve (naproxen sodium) for pain relief and fever reduction; Femstat 3 (butoconazole nitrate) for vaginal yeast infection; Pepcid AC (famotidine), Tagamet HB (cimetidine), Zantac 75 (ranitidine hydrochloride), Axid AR (nizatidine), and Prilosec OTC (omeprazole magnesium) for heartburn; Rogaine (minoxidil) for hair growth; and Claritin (loratadine), the first non-sedating antihistamine. The FDA believes that there is an important trend toward consumer

participation in their own health care. It’s part of the agency’s mission to keep up with consumers’ wish to be more involved. Switches have a huge impact on the health care economy. The greater availability of medicines over the counter saves approximately $20 billion each year, according to a 1997 study by the CHPA. The $20 billion takes into account prescription costs, doctor visits, lost time from work, insurance costs and travel.

The Switch Process The original Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 made no clear-cut distinction between prescription and OTC drugs. The 1951 Durham-Humphrey amendments to the act set up specific standards for classification. The amendment requires that drugs that cannot be used safely without professional supervision be dispensed only by prescription. Such drugs may be deemed unsafe for nonprescription use because they are habit-forming or toxic, have too great a potential for harmful effects, or are for medical conditions that can’t be readily self-diagnosed. All other drugs can be sold OTC. A drug must be made available without a prescription if, by following the labeling, consumers can use it safely and effectively without professional guidance. The process of reclassifying drugs from prescription to OTC status is referred to as an “Rx to OTC switch.” Drugs are commonly switched one of two ways: under the “OTC drug review,” or by a manufacturer’s submission of additional information to the original new drug application. The OTC drug review, which began in 1972, is an ongoing assessment of the safety and effectiveness of all nonprescription drugs. In the first phase of the OTC drug review, panels of non-government experts review active ingredients in marketed

OTC drug products to determine whether they can be classified as safe and effective. The panels also review prescription ingredients to determine whether some are appropriate for OTC marketing. About 40 former prescription-only drug ingredients have been switched by this process. The second common path to OTC approval is under the new drug application process. Under this process, manufacturers submit data to the FDA showing the drug is appropriate for self-administration. Data are submitted in a new drug application or a supplement to an already approved drug application. Often the submission includes studies showing that the product’s labeling can be read, understood, and followed by the consumer without the guidance of

a health care provider. The FDA reviews the new data, along with any information known about the drug from its prescription use. Under the new drug application process, some drugs are approved initially as OTC drugs, but most are first approved for prescription use and later switched to OTC. In almost every case for the first drug switched in a drug category, the agency has sought the recommendation of a joint advisory committee made up of members of the agency’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and another advisory committee with expertise in the type of drug being considered.

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For example, because Rogaine is for conditions of the hair and scalp, representatives of the Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee participated. While not bound by the advisory committee’s counsel, the FDA almost always follows its recommendation.

Benefit-Risk Comparison When considering an Rx-to-OTC switch, the key question for the FDA is whether patients alone can achieve the desired medical result without endangering their safety. No drug is absolutely safe. There are risks associated with every medication, so the FDA does a benefit-to-risk comparison to determine whether it is appropriate for consumers to self-medicate with a drug for a certain use. On the safety side, the agency looks at the drug’s toxicity—its potential for poisonous effects— when the drug is used according to its labeled directions, and also from foreseeable misuse of the drug. The FDA weighs a drug’s safety against its benefit to patients. The agency considers whether consumers will be able to understand and follow label directions,

whether patients can diagnose the condition themselves—or at least recognize the symptoms they want to treat—and whether routine medical examinations or laboratory tests are required for continued safe use of a drug. No easy risk-benefit formula exists. The FDA does a case-bycase review of each drug because each drug raises unique issues. Concerns about side effects can sometimes be managed by approving OTC drugs at lower doses than their prescription counterparts. The drugs must still be effective for the shortterm symptoms for which they’re intended. The issue of whether a condition can be self-diagnosed was a central one for the advisory committee reviewing Rogaine. Most OTC drugs are intended for treatment of symptoms that can be easily recognized, like headache or upset stomach. Others, though, are intended to treat diseases like asthma or vaginal fungal infections, which cannot be consumer-diagnosed.

Consumer-Friendly Labeling Labeling is an influential element in the OTC risk-benefit comparison. The decision about a drug’s safety for OTC use can’t be made in a vacuum, by looking only at the drug ingredients. Every drug, used improperly, can cause adverse reactions. Even appropriate use can lead to side effects (antihistamine use may cause drowsiness, for example). And some drugs can be dangerously unsafe or ineffective if taken while using certain other drugs. Labeling can alert consumers to such potential problems. Labeling of all drugs must be clear and truthful. For OTC drugs, the intended uses, directions and warnings have to be written so consumers, including individuals with low reading comprehension, can understand them. In March 1999, the FDA finalized regulations to increase the readability of OTC labels by making the language more consumer-friendly and standardizing the format, including where important information is placed. The FDA believes that, in some cases, consumers can get more information in the OTC labeling than they would get from their doctors. For the nicotine patch, the package contains not only a drug that relieves withdrawal symptoms, but also behavioral modification information. The package provides an element of support

that studies showed some people weren’t getting from their doctors, by telling them when they’ll most likely feel the urge to smoke, what they can do in place of smoking, and where they can go for support.

A Popular Alternative Under the law, OTC drugs may be advertised directly to consumers without the many restrictions placed on prescription products. OTC status provides a greater opportunity for direct communication with the consumer, not only by advertising in magazines and on television, but also with packaging, brochures and retail displays. Today’s emphasis on self-care fuels the popularity of nonprescription drugs. But OTC products are intended to supplement the medical options of the consumer, not substitute for a prescriber’s medical knowledge. If a health problem persists or worsens while using an OTC drug, consult a health care provider. People must be in a partnership with their health care providers for optimal health. Many situations aren’t appropriate for self-treatment, and others may require professional guidance for self-treatment. If you do choose OTC treatment, heed this warning: Drugs aren’t candy; they aren’t risk-free. You have to follow the label and take appropriate responsibility for your own self-care. —Courtesy of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)

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Uncertainties About Clinical Trials Keep Patients From Enrolling BY JENNIFER CASTORO

specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Nearly every cancer treatment available today exists because of a clinical trial. At Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), more than 900 cancer clinical trials are currently under way. Most people are aware of how necessary these research studies are and how they can lead to lifesaving breakthroughs—but are nevertheless unlikely to participate in them. In fact, studies have shown that only four percent of all patients enroll in clinical trials for cancer each year. According to a comprehensive survey of more than 2,000 Americans including nearly 600 doctors, conducted on behalf of MSK, just 40 percent said they have a positive overall impression of clinical trials, and only 35 percent said that they were likely to enroll in one. These are sobering statistics given that the vast majority of advances in cancer research and treatment come as a result of clinical trials. In order to keep making progress toward ending the disease, these studies must continue and patients must enroll. “When it comes to advancing cancer

care, clinical research is the rocket fuel for better treatments, more accurate diagnoses and, ultimately, cures,” said MSK Physician-in-Chief José Baselga. “If this trend of low enrollment continues, we will face a crisis in cancer research and discovery. Further education is the key to participation and progress.” The upside is that once the respondents in MSK’s survey were given more information about how clinical trials for cancer work, almost half said they would enroll. The challenge for healthcare professionals is to bust the myths and misconceptions surrounding cancer clinical trials and educate patients about how beneficial they can be—both for themselves and for future patients.

Lack of Knowledge Drives Low Enrollment

Study participants cited a range of concerns as barriers to participation in clinical trials, with worry about side effects (55 percent) and uncertainty about insurance and out of pocket costs (50 percent) topping the list. They also noted inconvenience of trial locations (48 percent), concerns about getting a

trials with patients early enough in their treatment or to explain clearly to them what participation in a trial entails.

Education Can Increase Participation in Trials

Medical oncologist Margaret Callahan is leading clinical trials at MSK that are studying immunotherapy treatments, which use the body’s own immune system to attack cancer. placebo (46 percent), skepticism of the treatment (35 percent), and worries over feeling like a “guinea pig” (34 percent) as being potential reasons they wouldn’t participate in a trial.

Misconceptions Exist for Doctors, Too

Adding to the challenge of low enrollment is that healthcare professionals themselves often fail to discuss clinical

Changing attitudes and increasing enrollment in cancer clinical trials primarily requires education for patients and doctors alike. “I really did not have any awareness of clinical trials at all,” said Jennifer Carrieri, who participated in a cancer clinical trial for multiple myeloma as a patient of MSK medical oncologist Pamela Drullinsky. Once she received information about the trial and felt comfortable that she knew what was involved, Carrieri said, “I was very comfortable enrolling...there was nothing to be afraid of.” Visit www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/ clinical-trials/search to search MSK’s database of trials that are currently enrolling new participants. Also visit www.clinicaltrials.gov for more general information about clinical trials and how to find other trials being hosted by other companies and organizations. —Jennifer Castoro writes for Memorial Sloan Kettering

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When making sure your home is accessible, don’t exclude the exterior. StairGlide NY provides and installs wheelchair ramps, including modular ramps that can be configured to fit any space.

Wheelchair lifts are ideal for interiors. All of our vertical platform lifts offer smooth, quiet performance, and are easily installed in a day or two by our professionals

CURVED STAIR LIFT

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A residential stair lift ensures home access for disabled individuals.The elderly, those with limited mobility and the injured maintain independence and stability when effective stair lifts are acquired. Stair lifts attach to existing staircases, allowing those with limited mobility to access all areas of their homes.

410 SUNRISE HIGHWAY, WEST BABYLON, NY 11704 • WWW.STAIRGLIDENY.COM • 631-647-8855 • 631-327-3339

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Free Health, Fitness & Sports Expo On Sept. 10 The Nassau County will be hosting a free Health, Fitness & Sports Expo on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eisenhower Park. “Nassau County is honored to host this health, fitness and sports expo which offers residents an opportunity to participate in family fun activities,” said Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. “I invite all to come out to beautiful Eisenhower Park and enjoy a day filled with activities that promote health and wellness, and I thank all of our partners for providing these free outstanding services to the residents of Nassau County.” People of all ages can enjoy an array of activities, including face painting, giveaways, bouncies and mechanical rides, sports clinics and health screenings. All activities will be held at the kite field, parking fields 6 and 6A. The expo is sponsored by Winthrop University Hospital, Hofstra University, NuHealth, New York Institute of Technology, Northwell Health and K98.3. Admission is free. For information call 516-227-9437.

• Licensed & Insured

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE • SEPTEMBER 7 - 13, 2016

Cholesterol 101

t may surprise you to know that cholesterol itself isn’t bad. In fact, cholesterol is just one of the many substances created and used by our bodies to keep us healthy. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that comes from two sources: your body and food. Your body, and especially your liver, makes all the cholesterol you need and circulates it through the blood. But cholesterol is also found in foods from animal sources, such as meat, poultry and full-fat dairy products. Your liver produces more cholesterol when you eat a diet high in saturated and trans fats. Excess cholesterol can form plaque between layers of artery walls, making it harder for your heart to circulate blood. Plaque can break open and cause blood clots. If a clot blocks an artery that feeds the brain, it causes a stroke. If it blocks an artery that feeds the heart, it causes a heart attack. There are two types of cholesterol: “good” and “bad.” Too much of one type—or not enough of another—can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. It’s important to know the levels of cholesterol in your blood so that you and your doctor can determine the best strategy to lower your risk. Making healthy eating choices and increasing exercise are important first steps in improving your cholesterol. For some people, cholesterol-lowering medication may also be needed to reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke. Use the information provided here to start a conversation with your doctor about how cholesterol affects your heart attack and stroke risk and what you can do to lower your risk.

Good vs. Bad Cholesterol Cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood. It must be transported

through your bloodstream by carriers called lipoproteins, which got their name because they’re made of fat (lipid) and proteins. The two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol to and from cells are low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, along with one-fifth of your triglyceride level, make up your total cholesterol count, which can be determined through a blood test.

LDL (Bad) Cholesterol LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result. Another condition called peripheral artery disease can develop when plaque buildup narrows an artery supplying blood to the legs.

HDL (Good) Cholesterol HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from

the arteries. Experts believe HDL acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed from the body. One-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. A healthy level of HDL cholesterol may also protect against heart attack and stroke, while low levels of HDL cholesterol have been shown to increase the risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides Triglycerides are another type of fat, and they’re used to store excess energy from your diet. High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with atherosclerosis. Elevated triglycerides can be caused by excess weight and obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and a diet very high in carbohydrates (more than 60 percent of total calories). Underlying diseases or genetic disorders are sometimes the cause of high triglycerides. People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level, including a high LDL (bad) cholesterol level and a low HDL (good) cholesterol level.

Many people with heart disease or diabetes also have high triglyceride levels.

Lp(a) Cholesterol Lp(a) is a genetic variation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A high level of Lp(a) is a significant risk factor for the premature development of fatty deposits in arteries. Lp(a) isn’t fully understood, but it may interact with substances found in artery walls and contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits. Talk with your healthcare provider about assessing your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol levels are an important factor in estimating your personal risk. Visit your healthcare provider to create an action plan that will help you make important lifestyle changes. Sometimes, medication is needed in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Visit www.heart.org for more information about cholesterol, prevention tips and treatment options. —Courtesy of the American Heart Association

SUPPORT BRIEF Brain Tumor Support Group For Patients, Families and Caregivers

Share feelings, concerns, experiences, ways to cope and more at The Brain Tumor Center’s support group for brain tumor patients, family members and caregivers on

Thursday, Sept. 15, from 4 to 5:45 p.m. at the Neurological Surgery, P.C. at 1991 Marcus Ave. in Suite 108 in Lake Success. Tina Sapienza, L.M.S.W., O.S.W-C will facilitate the support meeting. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call

Richard Van Allen at 516-4422250 for more information and to reserve a seat.

Run/Walk Against Brain Cancer

Join the Voices Against Brain Cancer on Sunday, Sept. 18, at

Sunken Meadow State Park for a 5k run and 3k scenic walk that benefits brain cancer research. Also check out the kids races, family activities, live entertainment, games, food and more. Visit www.JoinTheVoicesLongIsland. org to register.

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ADVERTORIAL

Specialized Spine Treatments THAT WORK

Sachin N. Shah, M.D., is a neurosurgeon specializing in spinal surgery, using spine fellowship-trained skills to bring the latest technology and expertise to the surgical treatment of his patients.

Sachin N. Shah, M.D.

The spine is the main structural support of the human body and is made up of a flexible column of small bones called vertebrae, each separated by a cushion known as an intervertebral disc. The bones articulate with each other by means of small joints and enclose a canal that houses the spinal cord and spinal nerves. The nerves exit between each bone to supply sensation and motor activity to the body and the limbs. Our upright stance and the various stresses imposed on the spine by a variety of activities may cause structural changes resulting in pain, arm or leg numbness and/or arm or leg weakness.

Attending Neurosurgeon Neurological Surgery, P.C.

When the condition does not respond to physical therapy, chiropractic care or pain management, Dr. Shah is able to use his surgical skills to perform complex and revision spine surgery to treat conditions such as adult scoliosis, spinal deformities, spinal cord tumors as well as degenerative conditions such as disc herniations and spinal stenosis. Performing revision surgery to correct a previously performed incomplete or inadequate surgery can be extremely challenging; however, Dr. Shah utilizes minimally invasive spine procedures to treat degenerative conditions through small incisions. He also performs cervical laminoplasty as an alternative to spinal fusion. He is very passionate about minimally invasive techniques to treat herniated discs and degenerative spinal deformities. As compared to open surgery, minimally invasive surgery results in smaller incisions and faster recovery.

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Dr. Shah provides his patients with a thorough explanation of their condition and reviews their treatment options. The various risks and benefits are discussed and a treatment plan to assure the best possible outcome is tailored to each individual. He offers a more advanced level of care with compassion.

For more information, or to seek a consultation, please call (516) 605-2720 or visit nspc.com.

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