Healthcare news December 2017
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
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Westchester Medical Center celebrates 100th anniversary PAGE 4
December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
By William H. Frishman, MD Director of Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth)
As Westchester Medical Center celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is about to embark on a new era of health care with the construction of a stateof-the-art Ambulatory Care Pavilion, the largest project of its kind in the Hudson Valley. On September 27, WMCHealth celebrated the height of construction on the new facility in a “topping off” ceremony attended by representatives of WMCHealth, Westchester County and the Hudson Valley community. The 280,000-square-foot facility will include an Advanced Imaging Center, an Ambulatory Surgery Center and a Heart and Vascular Institute, and a 20,000-square-foot private-room expansion for Westchester Medical Center, plus an additional 75,000 square feet for physician offices. Westchester Medical Center has surely come a long way from its humble beginnings, first as a county almshouse and later a U.S. Base Hospital caring for more than 1,000 sick and wounded soldiers returning from World War I. The hospital’s rich and storied history is truly a microcosm of the tremendous medical developments achieved over the past 100 years. The hospital’s early years of growth after its founding in 1917 can be traced to the 1920s and 1930s when new facilities were built to treat tuberculosis and polio, which had become rampant. During World War II, the hospital suffered a shortage of physicians and nurses as a large number of staff went overseas to serve in Army and Navy hospitals. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteer physicians from the community, the hospital kept providing care to patients here at home. After the war, the hospital began to evolve into a major medical institution, serving not only Westchester, but also counties as far north and west as Albany. Programs were started in emergency medicine, surgery, cancer and cardiology, and a cardiac catheterization laboratory was constructed. In the 1960s, the hospital launched the region’s first open heart surgery program and its first dialysis center. In the late 1960s, planning began for a new, high-technology hospital facility that would be known as Westchester County Medical Center. And in the mid-1970s, the hospital entered into an affiliation with New York Medical College, a relationship that still lasts today. Major faculty recruitment took place in the 1970s and 1980s that would transform Westchester County Medical Center into a quaternary care facility for the entire lower Hudson Valley region.
One of the county’s first round-the-clock emergency angioplasty-stent programs was established in the 1990s and the first liver transplant was performed in 1996. Two years later, the hospital became a public benefit corporation, dropping the word “County” from its name and becoming Westchester Medical Center. With the switch to public benefit status, the hospital no longer receives extraordinary support from the County. As an academic medical center, major advances were taking place in cardiovascular diagnosis, treatment and research. The faculty has received national recognition for their innovative research in cardiac regeneration and stem cell therapy, hypertension and vascular biology. The hospital continued to grow with the opening of the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in 2004. A new emergency room and trauma center also opened, and in the early 2000s, the hospital underwent a remarkable financial turnaround. In another milestone achievement, Westchester Medical Center became the second largest heart transplant program in the state, and the largest site for employing left ventricular assistive devices. It also opened one of the first cardiovascular hybrid operating rooms in the nation. In addition to the heart transplant program, Westchester Medical Center also offers state-ofthe art evaluation and treatment for patients who require kidney, liver, corneal and bone marrow transplants. Westchester Medical Center also is home to a highly robust kidney transplant program, the fifth largest pediatric corneal transplant program in the nation and New York State's second busiest bone marrow transplant program. Westchester Medical Center entered a new phase of growth over the past five years, with the affiliation in 2014 of St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, now known as MidHudson Regional Hospital. In 2016, the hospital system expanded again, now including six new health care facilities north of the Valhalla campus – Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley in Kingston, Margaretville Hospital in Margaretville and St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick. Together with Westchester Medical Center and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, they form the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), a 1,700-bed healthcare system headquartered in Valhalla serving three million people in eight counties in the Hudson Valley region with a medical staff of 3,000 physicians.
In 2016, the hospital broke new ground with the launch of its telemedicine-driven eHealth program, an initiative to enhance patient care throughout the Hudson Valley. In 2017, more than 50 medical professionals from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital successfully separated 11-monthold twin girls, who were conjoined at the lower back, during a rare and complex 21-hour procedure January 17-18. Westchester Medical Center has grown from an alms house to a nationally recognized academic medical center, while still maintaining its primary care responsibilities. It is the medical center of choice for community hospitals that refer their advanced care patients. Physicians join Westchester Medical Center to be part of a remarkable patient care experience, attracting clinical staff from the most prestigious clinical institutions in the nation. And with the opening soon of the new Ambulatory Care Pavilion, Westchester Medical Center is positioned to be a leader in the great advances in medicine that are yet to come. Congratulations to Westchester Medical Center on its 100th Birthday! It is truly a national and regional treasure, and I am proud to be part of it. For more information about Westchester Medical Center, please visit www.wcmc.com.
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Many Years of Experience Protecting the Legal Interests of the Elderly & Special Needs Populations Advising Families about:
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ELDER LAW • TRUSTS & ESTATES • TAX ADVOCACY • MEDIATION • EMPLOYMENT LAW
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December, 2017
OUR VIEW
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Resource Directory
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By Nancy Sorbella
GENERAL MANAGER
It is with much gratitude that we close out 2017 here at Healthcare News. It has been a memorable year and we couldn’t publish every month without our dedicated audience and valued advertising partners. We sincerely hope that you’ve enjoyed the changes we’ve made and appreciate what has stayed the same. It is our goal every day to bring you fresh and accessible health and wellness content that you can use, or share with those around you as we all strive to live our healthiest best life in this region. We hope you see our commitment to the communities we serve, the charities that we support and that we are out and about every day, getting to know you, listen to you and be a steady, calming and informative resource for your life at every age. You have our unending gratitude and we look forward to you joining us on our journey in 2018. Warmest wishes for a healthy, happy and safe holiday season. Contact us at info@healthcarenewspaper.com.
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Next Month in Healthcare News New Year—New You! Set your health and fitness goals Healthy Eating Habits
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Healthcare News - Westchester, New York edition Vol. 10 No. 12 - is published monthly, 12 times a year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Postage Paid at New Windsor, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Healthcare Newspaper, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY, 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication.
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Beat the Winter Blues National Winter Sports TBI Awareness Month
Westchester Medical Center Celebrates 100th Anniversary Page 4
Tranquility Spa A Therapeutic Oasis in Westchester Page 8-9
Arthritis 101: Part 1 By Carolyn Winuk, PT, SSF, TCR Page 14
8 Healthy Holiday Food Swaps Eating Healthy during the season Page 16-17
Monthly Book List Page 18
Q&A Procrastination Coach Dr. Christine Li Page 20
SPA & Salon Directory Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
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Happy Holidays from the staff at Healthcare News
Tranquility Spa—A therapeutic oasis PAGE 8
December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
by Ralph M. Newman
“People tell us that they consider a visit to Tranquility Spa a short-term vacation,” says Stephanie Hershkowitz, General Manager of the multi-level, 21-room facility. “For over 25 years, Tranquility Spa, located since 2004 in Scarsdale, has been a destination location in Westchester for a calming, lifeenhancing experience, an ideal place for guests to relax their bodies, focus their minds, and get away from the stresses of daily life.” While “relaxation” is the state of mind most immediately conjured up by the word “spa,” treatments such as massage are thought to have many other benefits as well. Some people believe that such treatments produce feelings of caring, comfort and connection. Studies have indicated that massage can be effective in the reduction of stress, pain and muscle tension. Some consider massage a meaningful tool to help with their mental, emotional and physical well-being. And while such treatments are never to be considered a replacement for regular medical care, and research on this remains ongoing, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for relieving anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, stress-related insomnia, myofascial pain syndrome, soft tissue strains /injuries, sports injuries, temporomandibular joint pain and other conditions. At Tranquility, Fertility Massage, used with several women who were having trouble conceiving, is believed to have assisted in the achievement of pregnancy for a number of them. “Massage” is the common, inclusive term for a variety of ways to press, rub and manipulate one’s skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons, ranging from light stroking to deep pressure. There are many different types of massage, with a wide variety offered by Tranquility, including the classic Swedish, plus Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Sports, Reflexology (foot massage), Pregnancy, Aromatherapy and Soothing Stone Therapy. Other services offered by Tranquility include Waxing, a wide array of Spa Facial Treatments, Body Treatments, Dermaplaning, Microabrasion, and Laser Skin Therapy, Photodamage Therapy, Vascular Vein Therapy and Hair Removal. On the “fun side” there are ‘Massages for Two” that couples may enjoy together, and spa parties for groups and celebrations of all manner and sizes, including Day-Of-Pamper, Bride-To-Be, Sweet 16, Mommy-To-Be, Make-His-Day (for men) and custom events.
Body Treatments relax, cleanse, energize, nourish and revitalize the skin, and can help improve one’s mood and appearance
in Westchester
Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
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“Massage for Two” allows couples to enjoy the benefits of massage together
Tranquility Spa’s serene environment helps guests get away from the stresses of daily life
Spa Facials can help relieve a number of skin issues and conditions, including on the face, back and shoulders
photos provided
“There are numerous benefits offered by the large size of Tranquility Spa,” explains Hershkowitz, “and the size and level of expertise of our staff. Much of the staff has been here 15 years or more, so there is a high degree of comfort arising from their relationships with our clients, who speak of Tranquility as a ‘home away from home.’ Every massage and facial is given from a warm, ‘caring place’ that far transcends the common kind of session. And, because we have so many rooms, we can usually accommodate virtually any appointment request, and often even last minute appointments and walk-ins, when clients have something bothering them and an immediate need.” Skin care is another major component of what Tranquility offers its clients, beginning with a general European spa facial, to maintain the cleanliness of one’s pores and experience the exhilarating feeling of exfoliation. Teen facials, designed for children with acne issues, can help youngsters boost their self-esteem, feel less awkward among their peers, and help reduce long-term scarring. Offered procedures include Dermaplaning to help manage fine lines, Microdermabrasian, which additionally helps to lighten spots, and Hydrafacial, using vortex suction, for clients who are sensitive to manual extraction and enjoy infusion of their skin with moisture, especially during the dry winter season. “But now,” continues Hershkowitz, “in addition to Tranquility’s legacy massage, facial and skin care offerings, we are excited to have introduced
Laser Treatments by Cutera. Considered the highest state of the art in skin care, these allow for treatments and outcomes not possible with any manual procedure.” Laser Genesis Skin Therapy remolds the collagen underneath the skin and helps plump it from the inside, providing enhanced texture, tone, pore minimization and ultimate management of fine lines and acne. Limelight Photodamage Therapy is ideal for addressing sun damage, and, while some call it a “photo facial,” it can be used on any part of the body, including for removal of dark spots on the décolletage area and hands, among the most obviously-visible signifiers of age. Vascular Vein Therapy helps eliminate spider veins in areas such as the nose, ankles and legs, while Laser Hair Removal is by far the most effective approach to this need. “But, ultimately,” says Hershkowitz, “at Tranquility, it’s not only about the variety and quality of the services and products. From the moment you walk through the door here, you immediately experience what I call ‘relaxed energy,’ a certain kind of feeling. People describe it as welcoming, warm, comforting, completely devoid of judgment and self-consciousness. The whole environment feels like a family, and that energy carries through the entire space.” Tranquility Spa is located at 917 Central Park Avenue and is open 7 days. Gift Certificates for all services are available online. TranquilitySpa.com. (914) 713-0066.
For seniors, Tranquility offers a number of treatments to help manage fine lines, lighten age spots, and relieve dry skin during the winter season by infusing it with moisture
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Angelface Day Spa is celebrating their 22nd Anniversary with some special offers for you! Types of Services Save 10% on any prepaid services of 6 or more treatments
Facials for Men and Women
Men's Services
Acne Treatment Age-Defying Eye Treatment Organic Green Tea Facial Beyond Complex C Chemical Peel Micro-Dermabrasion Facial Papaya & Bromelain Peel Relaxation Facial, Ultimate Facial Vitamin C Peel
Body Scrub Cleansing Back Treatment Power Cleanse Quick Men's Cleanse Waxing
Finishing Touches
The Color of You - Professional Makeup Waxing - Natural Soybean Depilatory
Spa Parties
Body Treatments
Back Rejuvenation, Body Scrub Sunless Tanning
Massage Therapies
Deep Tissue Massage Energizing Leg & Foot Massage Hot Stone Massage, Pregnancy Massage Reflexology, Swedish Massage
Nail Enhancements The Pampered Hand The Pampered Foot
Contact our spa coordinator to create a specialized package for any event or occasion for your group.
Giſt Certificates
The perfect way to treat someone to the giſt of well-being. Available for any service, package, or monetary value. Valid for one year aſter the date of purchase. Available for purchase online at www.angelfacespa.com or at Angelface.
Angelface is now featuring: Intimate Cafe and Outdoor Garden
Complement your spa experience with a healthy lunch or an assortment of smoothies and other refreshing beverages. Escape to the serenity of our outdoor patio, pond and garden area. Choose from one of our selected seasonal services, or simply relax and enjoy the setting.
Couples Room
Share your spa experience in the luxury of our exclusive couples room, finely appointed with a fireplace and private shower.
Private Locker Room with Steam and Shower
Access is available, without charge, to clients with spa packages. Clients wishing to upgrade individual services or use separately are subject to charge.
Spa Parties photos provided
Contact our spa coordinator to create a specialized package for any event or occasion for your group. For personal assistance, please contact one of our spa specialists at 914-245-1084.
SPA & Salon Directory Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
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Quality Spas In Your Area
Adriana Spa 212 Main Street Eastchester, NY 10709 (914) 395-1555
Angelface Day Spa 322 Underhill Avenue Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 914-245-1084
Facelogic Spa 145 Kisco Avenue Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 (914) 241-3223
Mirianna Day Spa 590 Commerce Street Thornwood, NY 10594 (914) 773-2300 Park Avenue Med Spa 495 Main Street Armonk, NY 10504 (914) 730-3333
Spa For Beautiful Skin 300 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10601 (914) 285-7217
Stefanou Salon and Spa 25 Old Kings Highway Darien, CT 06820 (203) 656-5656
Tatiana Day Spa 670 White Plains Road Tarrytown, NY 10591 (914) 631-6111 Tranquility Spa 917 Central Park Avenue Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914) 713-0066
Miriana Day Spa 590 Commerce Street Thornwood NY 10594 914 773 2300 www.MirianaDaySpa.com We are dedicated to providing our clients with the most relaxing and restful experience that a Day Spa can provide. Utilizing Eastern and Western therapies, we cater to Men, Women and Couples. Enjoy. Relax. Unwind.
Gift CertiďŹ cates are available at the spa
The Perfect Gift for the Holidays!
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Westchester Financial Center 50 Main Street, Suite #1000 White Plains, NY 10606 Email: Info@ejrosenlaw.com
Tel: (914) 816-2900 www.ejrosenlaw.com
The law firm of Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, PC, achieves impressive results for clients in the areas of elder law, trusts and estates
Ely J. Rosenzveig and his son, Ariel, are proud to lead a respected elder law firm in White Plains serving families throughout the tri-state area. However, the family feel extends past father and son. The law firm of Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, P.C treats every client like family. “My dad and I are very involved in our clients’ lives, especially during difficult times,” Ariel Rosenzveig said. “We become close to them and we enjoy the relationships that we build. We value those relationships and are always attentive to our clients to help them with all of their needs. We take special pride in being there for our clients and their families through thick and thin.” Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates practices in all areas of elder law, including trust and estate planning, administration, and litigation, tax counsel, asset protection and special needs planning, Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security disability benefits, guardianships, long term care planning, Medicaid spousal recovery claims, and Medicaid lien resolutions. Father and son pride themselves on an unyielding commitment to the advocacy of their clients’ interests. Estate planning is one of the most important steps any person can take to make sure that their final property and health care wishes are honored, and that loved ones are provided for in their absence. A comprehensive estate plan can resolve a number of legal questions that arise whenever anyone dies. The firm has achieved impressive results for clients on a host of Medicaid related issues, from getting Medicaid approvals for coverage of home care and institutional care benefits, to very accommodative resolutions of Medicaid spousal recovery claims, where the office of Medicaid aggressively pursues a claim for reimbursement for Medicaid benefits provided from the non-institutionalized (i.e., or “community”) spouse.
“Our firm has a thorough understanding of Medicaid and the experience to advocate aggressively and effectively for you and your family,” said Ely Rosenzveig, who has been an attorney for nearly thirty (30) years. “It is very rewarding work and we work tirelessly for our clients.” Elder law is very important. Appropriate estate and asset-protection planning can help preserve assets, reduce taxes, and help individuals qualify for Medicaid. As you or your loved one grows older, the quality of care you receive becomes increasingly important. At some point, it becomes necessary to make plans for the future to make sure that your needs and desires are met. When this time comes, it is important to enlist the experience of Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, so the process of planning for the future is stress-free for your family. This can be critical in the process of maintaining the well-being of you or your loved one. At Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates, father and son have the opportunity to help clients plan across the span of many years. Often, it leads to advising multiple generations of the family, which Ely and Ariel Rosenzveig find rewarding. Over the course of time, they help clients as their lives and needs change, from naming the guardians of their minor children in their Wills, to planning for retirement, to protecting assets when in need of a skilled nursing facility or home care. Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates builds a relationship with clients, which is built upon years of assisting them, often in difficult times in their lives, and helping them move beyond those times and provide them with peace of mind and financial security. Our firm is certainly proud to build these types of relationships with families such as yours.
Attorney advertising • Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Heart-Healthy Cheesy Potatoes
Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
MAKES: 12 SERVINGS PREP: 15 MINS BAKE: 1 HR 5 MINS TO 1 HR 10 MINS 350°F STAND: 10 MINS
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Ingredients
1 10 3/4 ounce can reduced-fat and reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup 1cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces) 1/2 cup fat-free milk 1/2 cup light dairy sour cream 1/3 cup finely chopped onion or 2 tablespoons dried minced onion 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 30 ounce package frozen shredded or diced hash brown potatoes, thawed 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or crushed wheat cereal flakes Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2-quart rectangular baking dish; set aside. In a very large bowl, combine soup, cheese, milk, sour cream, onion, and pepper. Stir in potatoes. Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish.
Cover and bake for 45 minutes; stir potatoes. Sprinkle with cornflakes. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes more or until heated through and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Source:www.bhg.com/recipe/vegetables/heart-healthy-cheesy-potatoes
Appealing Self-Insured Benefits Denials
Big corpora'ons are no stranger to selfinsuring their employees. When an em ployer only contracts with an insurance carrier for insur ance services such as enroll ment, claims processing and provider networks with a third party administrator, the employer is agreeing to be the party to payout any med ical bills incurred by their employees. Keep in mind, that a selfinsured employer doesn’t even have to con tract with an insurance company to administer such services and can selfadminister their selfinsurance.
To look up if your employer is selfinsured check out this list h(ps://www.dol.gov/owcp/dlhwc/lscarrier.htm, made available by the United States Department of Labor. The page also includes authorized insurance carriers. But I believe that there are many selfinsured companies missing from this list. Make sure to ask your employer directly.
How SelfInsured Companies Pay for Medical Bills Selfinsured companies usually set up a trust fund to earmark money, from corporate and employee pre mium contribu'ons to pay incurred claims and pur chase stoploss insurance that kicks in once claims reach a specific dollar threshold to protect against unpredicted or catastrophic claims.
But what happens if a selfinsured employer doesn’t have a fungible trust or a stoploss insurance plan? I recently ran into a case where a selfinsured company refused to pay out the medical bills of an employee and the questions started to swirl: who does the employee contact, why wasn’t it covered, can they appeal the denial, who do they appeal to, what does it mean for their work rela'onship…
The Affordable Care Act put in place a range of plan design and coverage obliga'ons for employer plans but exempted selfinsured plans from a range of requirements, like the essen'al health benefits clause and replaced it with a required minimum value for the health plan. As a result of the requirement exemp tions, companies of all sizes have converted their coverage to selfinsured plans. From 2011 to 2015 research from the Employee Benefits Research Ins' tute found that selfinsured employers increased: Employers with fewer than 100 employees increased selfinsurance from 11.9% to 14.2% and employers with 100 to 499 employees increased from 25.3% to 30.1%.
Although the employer is responsible for paying their employees medical bills, when the plans are adminis tered by a third party insurance company it can seem like the third party administrator is the party who should pay and should decide any appeals. But this is not the case and the employer is at the forefront of any decisions regarding their employees medical coverage.
How Do You Appeal? ERISA provides appeal rights for all employerspon sored health plans for services that are normally cov ered under the plan. For example, if covered but denied benefits because they are determined to not be “medically necessary” the decision can be appealed and a decision must be made within 72 hours unless the services were already received and then the employer has 60 days to make a decision. If coverage is s'll denied the claimant can file a suit in a federal court to obtain coverage.
The detailed coverage benefits of a health plan should be available in the “Summary Plan Description.” As soon as a claim is denied, request a copy of the Summary Plan Descrip'on to be sent immediately. ERISA requires that an employer supply the SPD within 30 days of a request and if it isn’t sent to you within that time then the ability to appeal the decision becomes more favorable.
This is just the 'p of the iceberg for ge)ng medical coverage approved by a selfinsured employer. Contact me directly if you, your company or a loved one is have problems with selfinsured claims.
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Arthritis 101 Carolyn Winuk, PT, SSF, TCR
As a physical therapist, I applaud a proactive approach to health but, as we all know, navigating the healthcare system in search of clues to our symptoms and medical concerns can be a daunting task, filled with endless internet searches that turn up conflicting and confusing answers. In this, my debut Healthcare News column, I hope to shed some light on the prevalence of, and disability caused by arthritis, thus beginning a tradition of providing readers with user-friendly health information. From the Greek ‘arthron’ meaning joint and ‘itis’ referring to inflammation, arthritis is actually a symptom, not a specific disease, belonging to any condition that affects the joints. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are over 50 million Americans that suffer from some form of joint disease. And let’s not forget our youngest of those afflicted. According to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly 300,000 children under the age of 18 suffer from some degree of chronic arthritis. Of the more than 100 types of conditions that can affect the joints in various ways, degenerative arthritis accounts for more than 30 million adult sufferers in the United States. Known more commonly as “wear and tear” arthritis, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, this type of arthritis can affect any joint in the body, and increases in prevalence with advancing age.
Part 1
Symptoms may vary in severity, but will most likely include any combination of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, muscle weakness, limited range of motion and joint deformity due to erosion of the cushioning cartilage within the joint. Although commonplace in the joints of the hands, feet, back, neck and shoulders, arthritis is perhaps most troublesome and activity-limiting when it surfaces in the large weight bearing joints of the lower body, such as the knees and hips. Inflammatory arthritis results from a faulty immune system mistakenly attacking its own joints. In diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, to name a few, joint warmth, redness, swelling, pain and varying degrees of deformity often accompany disruption of other body systems and structures, such as skin, eyes, connective tissue, lungs and heart. Infectious (septic) or reactive arthritis is usually triggered by bacteria, but can also be viral or fungal in origin. In septic arthritis, the offending bacteria is found within the involved joint, but in reactive arthritis, the joint is reacting to an infection elsewhere in the body, as is seen with Lyme’s Disease, Fifth’s Disease, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), Reiter’s syndrome, and others. Gout, or metabolic arthritis, is due to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which in turn leads to painful crystal formation within the joint. Gout, which can be quite debilitating,
Carolyn Winuk, PT, SSF, TCR is a practicing physical therapist, an ISSA certified Specialist in Senior Fitness and a Tai Chi for Rehabilitation instructor. An active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, Ms. Winuk is currently pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy. Since moving to Mahopac in 1998, Ms. Winuk has served on the Board of Trustees of the Mahopac Public Library, and has been a member of the Mahopac Central School District’s Health and Wellness Council for over a decade. The former owner/founder of Moms In Motion Physical Therapy, PC, a women’s health physical therapy practice, Ms. Winuk now devotes her time to providing physical therapy services for older adults in long term care and assisted living environments.
is known for its remissions (no symptoms) and exacerbations (painful flares). Hemorrhagic arthritis refers to conditions that will produce bleeding into a joint, such as hemophilia or sickle cell anemia. Although this article only touches on some of the many conditions and diseases that present with joint inflammation, it is easy to see that arthritis leads the pack in the sheer number of afflictions that can produce profound disability and loss of functional independence. That said, there are many ways to manage arthritis, including, but not limited to, physician-prescribed medications; non-medication related therapies, such as physical and occupational therapies; acupuncture; exercise; thermal relief, such as ice and heat; weight management; assistive devices for ease of walking or joint protection, and surgical intervention. Check back next month for a more detailed review of some surgical and non-surgical treatment options to manage arthritis and its symptoms.
Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
PAGE 15
5K and 1K • Run or W alk • Kids Fun Run
Jolly for a Reason Westchester December 9, 2017 On-Site On Site Registrration at 8:0 8:00 00 a.m. am Run begins at 10:00 a.m. a SUNY Purchase Colllege 735 Anderson Road Purchase, NY 10577
R
at y a tod r e t egis
er t s e tch s e W / g r s.o i t i r arth 100% of you ur registration fee and fundraising efforts go to a great cause.
The key is eating healthy throughout the holiday season is making the right choices that will allow you to indulge and enjoy, yet keep you from loading up on the fatty, high-calories dishes that can quickly lead to unwanted weight gain.
Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
PAGE 17
3. Skip Store-Bought, Eat Homemade Stuffing and turkey gravy
Find low fat recipes that have less sodium and fat and more flavor. Costs less too.
4. Skip Cranberry Sauce, Eat Cranberry Relish
A third of a cup of cranberry relish made with sugar substitute has only about 25 calories. Canned cranberry sauce is full of sugar, corn syrup, and other added sweeteners.
5. Skip the Casserole, Eat Fresh Green Beans
Eliminate the soup and French-fried onions — just cut and steam fresh green beans and sprinkle them with slivered almonds before serving.
6. Skip White Flour Rolls, Eat Whole-Wheat Rolls
At 100 to 200 calories each, dinner rolls are an easy item to skip if you’re aiming for a healthy holiday.
7. Skip Eggnog, Drink Cider
Swap eggnog for a glass of hot apple cider instead, and instantly save 100 to 150 calories and all the fat.
10. Skip Pecan Pie, Eat Pumpkin Pie
Save about 200 calories by choosing pumpkin pie (300 calories a slice) over pecan pie (about 500 calories) and get lots of vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Source:www.everydayhealth.com
1. Skip Candied Yams, Eat Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Candied yams have 215 calories per half-cup. A 3/4-cup serving of sweet potatoes brushed with a little heart-healthy canola or olive oil is only 100 calories.
2. Skip Dark Meat, Eat White Meat Turkey
The dark meat in your Thanksgiving turkey has about twice the fat of turkey breast and about 40 percent more calories.
8 Healthy Holiday Food Swaps
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Reading is exercise for your brain: Our December Book List for Healthcare News Making the Rounds with Oscar; the Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat David Dosa, MD Inspiring story about a doctor who doesn’t always listen, his patients, their caregivers and a cat who understands it all and bridges all of the important moments in life. “Nothing is worth more than this day”; Finding Joy in Every Moment Kathryn & Ross Petras Pure optimism for the good times and the bad.
Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir John McCain and Mark Salter John McCain’s memoir of 3 generations of warriors and the impact their father’s played upon them. The Airbnb Story: How 3 Ordinary Guys Disrupted an Industry, Made Billions And Created Plenty of Controversy Leith Gallagher The history and backstory of Airbnb
The American Brewery: A Portable History of Beer Making Bill Yenne Detailed history of beer making from the nation’s independence to the micro-brewery boom of today.
Elements of Style: Designing A Home & A Life Erin Gates Endless design ideas and strategies for all tastes by designer and blogger Erin Gates
Living Wills and Healthcare Proxies Martin M. Shenkman & Patti S. Klein Helpful and easy to understand valuable information about these critical decisions.
Late to the Ball Gerald Marzorati An inspiring account of the author’s pursuit to become a nationally ranked tennis player at the age of 60. photos provided
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Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
Business Card Directory Angela DeAngellis President—Founder Info@Angelfacespa.com A mind-body-spirit approach to health and healing.
Somesh N. Kaushik, ND, BAMS, MPH, E-RYT 500
angelfacespa.com 322 Underhill Avenue Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
914-245-1084
Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Physician
Angelface Day Spa Excellence in Esthetics
Yellow Monkey Village 792 Route 35 Cross River, NY 10518
914-875-9088 clinic (M. T, W) 646-670-6725 cell DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com www.DrKaushik.com
We offer a wide range of services for small businesses including: angelfacespa.com Database/Record Management
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Reiki Master Teacher-RMA Recreational Therapist Intuitive Reader Crystal Worker
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Professional Head Lice Removal Service Good Riddance!
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WANTED: Your Business Card Please call Nancy Sorbella at 845-534-7500 Ext. 219 for more information.
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Q& A
1) Who procrastinates? In my view, anyone who reaches a point where their tasks, obligations, and to-dos cause them to feel overwhelmed will likely procrastinate. This can mean that they feel they do not have enough time, enough talent, or enough motivation to gmove ahead. So in other words, practically everyone can at some point procrastinate.
2) Why do people procrastinate? I believe people procrastinate for many different reasons, often deeply personal ones. Procrastinators may delay their work for fear of embarrassment, judgment, uncertainty, or loss of control. Generally, there is some sort of fear underlying the decision to procrastinate.
3) Why is procrastination a bad habit? As many of us know, procrastination can function much like an addiction, where the procrastinator starts procrastinating innocently enough, but then finds themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of stress and delay, feeling like there is no way out. Procrastination can lead to losses of all kinds, including in the areas of health, finances, and relationships.
4) How does procrastination affect our health? When we procrastinate we tend to stay in place. We don't get the benefit of new experiences and opportunities or the positive feeling of getting something accomplished, learning a new skill, or meeting a new person. In the absence of those kinds of positive experiences, more negative thoughts and self-beliefs tend to take root. We begin to feel bad about ourselves when we don't show up or behave as we should. When we procrastinate we invite stress to be a daily companion in our lives. Stress is a known danger to our well-being.
5) How does procrastination manifest in most people? Procrastination can look very different from person to person. I have noticed that procrastination tends to occur when we choose thought and anxiety over action. Overthinking, overanalyzing, overworking, predicting negative or catastrophic outcomes are just some of the ways that procrastination shows up. 6) How are our lives and health improved by overcoming procrastination? I believe our lives and health are dramatically improved when we learn to overcome procrastination. When we learn to live in conjunction with time instead of behind it, we give ourselves the benefit of having time on our side. We work with sharper focus and purpose. We avoid distraction in order to fulfill our priorities. We engage with others with our full selves instead of feeling like we don't measure up. The wins keep pouring in once you leave procrastination behind.
Procrastination Coach Dr. Christine Li helps procrastinators find a way back to their natural motivation and ability so they can reach their full potential in work and life. Dr. Li uses her firsthand understanding of procrastination as well as her background as a clinical psychologist to create simple, practical, and effective techniques for her clients. Her clients have reported being more self-aware and experiencing a sense of “freedom and flow” after using Dr. Li’s strategies to escape the trap of procrastination.
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Signs you aren’t getting enough sleep Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
PAGE 21
You Feel Depressed Depression and poor sleep are also closely related. Worse, they’re circular -- depression can lead to poor sleep, and the reverse can happen, too.
Focus and Memory Feel Dim Even a little less sleep -- losing just 2 hours if you usually snooze 8 hours a night -- can make you groggy and affect concentration and memory. This may make you less skilled at work -- or worse, behind the wheel of your car. More than one-third of people admit dozing off while driving.
Mornings Feel Crummy Waking up with a sore throat, dry mouth, or headache could point to a medical reason you’re sleeping poorly -- sleep apnea, snoring, or acid reflux, for example. If you notice symptoms over and over, talk to your doctor. She can figure out if medication or other treatment would help you.
You Battle Breakouts If you’re not getting good sleep, your skin may soon show it. Some studies have found a link between a lack of ZZZs and acne, perhaps related to how sleep controls hormones in your body. Sleep deprivation also hurts the immune system, leaving your body open to many different issues.
Your Eyes Don’t Look Good Redness, puffiness, dark circles, and bags -- all signs that you’re not getting enough shut-eye. The sleep-deprived tend to get more wrinkles, lines, swelling, and droopiness, studies show. Why? It may be that your body misses out on the hormone control and tissue repair that happens in deep sleep stages.
You Gain Weight When you get a good night’s rest, your body can properly control the hormones that affect how hungry you feel, ghrelin and leptin. Without them, you may feel the urge to eat more than you need, which can make you gain weight.
You Crave Junk Food After a sleepless night, you may be more likely to pick that cheeseburger and fries over a salad for lunch. A sleep-deprived brain is more likely to crave unhealthy snacks and meals. It may be that judgment and decisionmaking aren’t as sharp when you’re tired, which makes it easier for other desires to take over.
You Chug More Caffeine Not a huge surprise: If your usual 2 cups of joe just aren’t cutting it, you may not be as rested as usual. Caffeine may seem like an answer to poor sleep, but it quickly can become part of the problem. In the short term, the pick-me-up of coffee or soda may make you more alert, but in the long term, it can lead to insomnia or anxiety.
You Feel Moody Irritability is a big sign of poor sleep. One study limited people to 4 1/2 hours of sleep a night for a week. The result: More stressed, angry, and mentally exhausted people. They felt better when they returned to their normal schedules.
Get the Rest You Need Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Make sure it’s restful: • Stick to a schedule, which means going to bed and waking up about the same time each day. • Keep your room cool, quiet, and dark. • Exercise regularly, especially workouts that get your heart pumping. It may promote deeper sleep. • A good night’s sleep repairs the body and mind, which helps you function at your best. source:www.webmd.com
Rob’s
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ROB IS NOW FULL TIME! Place your orders Monday for Friday Delivery. New Arrivals Every Friday!
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Named New Business of the Week by Westchester County News!
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Healthcare News - Westchester December, 2017
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Life Settlement – Is it Right for You or your Parents…? By Andrew J. Cavaliere, CLTC
Life insurance provides solutions to meet various financial needs. Over time, however, circumstances can change and with them the need for insurance. In fact, nearly 98% of all term life insurance policies never mature in a claim. Life Settlements provide an option not previously available to policy owners.
A “Life Settlement” is a lump sum payment to the owner of a life insurance policy by one of many funding sources in exchange for the ownership of the policy. Never before have non-terminal policyholders been able to receive capital in excess of their policy’s cash or surrender value to increase their cash flow. Typically, anyone over age 70 who has $100,000 or more in life insurance coverage and who is beyond the period of contestability may qualify for a Life Settlement. Other factors to be considered are the policy’s cash surrender value and the cost of premiums. A basic principle to remember is that the older the age of the insured and/or the more health complications that exist, the higher the settlement.
The fundamentals of the Life Settlement transaction have technically been around since 1989 in the form of “viatical settlements”. Individuals at any age can qualify for a viatical settlement if they have a chronic or terminal illness such as Cancer or HIV. Viatical Settlements have always been contingent upon the health of the insured, whereas Life Settlements are based primarily upon the life expectancy of the insured. In most states, a terminally ill applicant will need to use a licensed viatical broker and/or funding source, in order to abide by state rules and regulations and to retain the tax-exempt status on the settlement. Example: An 80 year old woman owns a $1,000,000 universal life insurance policy with an annual premium of $26,860 and a cash surrender value of $14,509. In this case, the owner sold her life insurance policy for 8X the cash surrender value or $115,545. Now she is free to stop paying all future premiums and use that money for other necessities that are more important at this point in her life. Please note that often individuals are able to sell a portion of the death benefit for cash as well as retaining a significant permanent death benefit for final expenses with no future premiums being required.
According to industry reports, Life Settlement proceeds are tax-free up to the cost basis (premiums paid since policy inception). They are taxed as ordinary income from basis to cash surrender value and proceeds above the cash surrender value are taxed as capital gains. We recommend that all applicants consult their tax advisor.
Once the Life Settlement change of ownership has been recorded with the insurance company and the policy owner has received their money, the Life Settlement funding source will continue to pay premiums for the life of the insured. Most types of life insurance qualify including: Whole Life, Universal Life, Convertible Term Life and Survivorship Life. Keystone Financial Advisors provides this appraisal free of charge and there is no obligation to accept a settlement at any time. For more information about Life Settlement appraisals please call Andrew J. Cavaliere, CLTC at 914-682-2190 or toll free at 877-676-9900. Andrew is certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC) from the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification, Inc. Andrew is a member in good standing of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), which is the premier Association of financial professionals nationally. Andrew’s offices are located at 50 Main Street, White Plains, NY 10606 and at 263 Tresser Blvd, 9th Floor, Stamford, CT 06901.
A s k A n E x p e r t
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December, 2017
Healthcare News - Westchester
Resource Directory
Chiropractors
Westchester Spinal Decompression Center Dr. Jonathan Donath, DC, MS 222 Westchester Ave. Suite 405 White Plains, NY 10604
914-421-1502
www.westchesterpainrelief.com
Nursing & Rehabilitation
VICTORIA HOME Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Person- Centered Care on a Riverview Estate Since 1916.
Entertainment
Victoria Home is a New York State Licensed Nursing Facility. Please contact us for more information or to schedule a tour. 25 North Malcolm Street Ossining, New York 10562 (914) 941-2450 Fax: (914) 941-2962 www.victoriahome.org
A unique movie-going experience is coming this May. RIVERTOWNS SQUARE SAW MILL RIVER PKWY & LAWRENCE ST. 1 Livingstone Ave., Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 914.348.7002 ipic.com
Hospitals
Burke Rehabilitation Hospital 785 Mamaroneck Ave. White Plains, NY 10605 914-597-2268
Life & Health Insurance
KEYSTONE FINANCIAL ADVISORS
Keystone Financial Advisors 50 Main Street, Suite 1000, White Plains, NY 10606 Tel: 914-682-2190 • Fax: 914-931-8400 Toll: 877-676-9900 www.Keystonefa.com • acavaliere@Keystonefa.com ANDREW J. CAVALIERE, CLTC Life Insurance Health Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Long-Term Disability Insurance Guaranteed Fixed Annuities Medicare Supplements Life Settlements
Residential & Health Care Services • 24- Hour On-Site Nursing Services • Attending Physicians/ Medical Director • IV Therapy/ Wound care • Dental/ Podiatry • Mental Health/ Social Services • Registered Dietitian & Specialized Diets • Full Service Dining-Room • Housekeeping & Laundry Services • In-House Beauty Parlor • Therapeutic Recreation • Exercise Program/ Nursing Rehabilitation • Palliative & Comfort Care • Specialized Residence For Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Rehabilitation Services • Physical/ Occupational & Speech Therapy • Short Term Stay Available • Surgical Recovery • Cardiac Recovery • Pulmonary Care • Orthopedic Recovery & Care • Neurological Recovery & Care • Medically Complex Care • Disease Management Education
All Listings are also available online at www.healthcarenewspaper.com. Click on Resource Directory on the top right side. To include your business in our next edition call Nancy at 845-534-7500 ext. 219 or email Nancy@healthcarenewsmagazine.com
Westchester County Health Services
Health Insurance Access Program (NY State of Health) Free or low-cost health insurance for all children and teens under 19 years of age. he Westchester County Department of Health has 8 IPAs/Navigators available in 25 ocations throughout Westchester County and the Bronx. To schedule an appointment to meet with a Navigator or for more information about Program services, contact the Health Department at hnav@westchestergov.com or call (914) 995-6350, 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby By calling 2-1-1, pregnant women can get help to connect to prenatal care, apply for insurance coverage for prenatal care and receive care for themselves and their baby.
WIC Program Supplemental food, nutrition education and referrals for health care for eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women and for nfants and children to age five.
How to Apply Westchester County WIC Offices are located at the Health Department District Offices in Yonkers, and Port Chester. To find out more about the WIC Program or to schedule an appointment, contact one of the offices below. Yonkers WIC Office 20 South Broadway, 2nd floor Yonkers, New York 10701 Phone: (914) 231-2510 Port Chester WIC Office 1 Gateway Plaza, 1st floor South Main Street Port Chester, NY 10573 Phone: (914) 813-7244
Complaint Bureau Call (914) 813-5000 for public health emergencies 24 hours a day; call for referrals and public health information weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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Or visit MVPcanhelp.com The annual election period for MVP Health Care Medicare Advantage health plans is October 15–December 7, 2017. MVP Health Plan, Inc. is an HMO-POS/PPO/MSA organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in MVP Health Plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. The Formulary and provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. Y0051_3593R1 Accepted 10/2017 M
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