HWF Long Island

Destined SERVE to FAT

New York State of Mind

“There is no greater cause or time spent, than for an individual, family, community, or nation to become educated, informed and active participants in caring for their health”

Rodney Folmar, Sr.

42 Insert imaged title “Oral Cancer”. Nothing prepares you for it. When it happens, you never forget it

Albert L. Granger, DDS

Ashish Sahara, DMD

Rahul Gupta, DDS

From the Publisher

FORWARD

The pandemic has touched every area of our life. We have lost loved ones and continue to wonder how many lives may still be impacted. We have learned new ways to adapt to an uncertain world. Now, it’s time to look toward to a brighter future!

It is important as we continue to move forward that we take nothing for granted. Our livelihood, as well as our lives, can be altered in the blink of an eye.

One of the most important lessons we have had to learn through these difficult times is to care for ourselves and our loved ones. Our health and wellbeing rest in our own hands. We must always be observant and willing to learn as much as we can about maintaining our health.

Pre-existing conditions that were exacerbated by COVID have taught us to be ever vigilant in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic diseases.

COVID has taught us that it’s up to us to make sure our health is managed properly. We need to continually look for ways to live healthier lives.

At Health Wellness & Fitness Magazine, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make informed choices about your health.

We offer the latest health related news, information, and resources from the area’s top healthcare professionals, and organizations. Now that our world has reopened, and we continue to adjust to a “new normal”, it is up to each one of us to use the information we have as wisely as possible.

Let’s embrace what we have learned, remember those we’ve lost, and celebrate the new opportunities we have been given to live a healthier, happier life in 2023 and beyond.

Rodney Folmar, Sr. Publisher, HWF MAGAZINE GROUP

Publisher

Rodney Folmar, Sr.

Editor in Chief

Melissa Shelby

Content Creator

Sharon Cirillo

Writers

Wendy Begay, Julia Fischer, Daine Taylor, Carolyn Tolbert, Rodney Folmar, Sr., Jasmine Wheeler. Delete Enre Leney

Advertising & Digital Sales

Will Summer

Greg Baily

Graphic Design

William Hodges

Susan Holgram

Distribution

Kathy Wilson

Photography

Anthony G. Gallegos

Gill Associates Photography

Contact us contact@gmfmediagroup.com

Fax: 973-860-4524

hwfmg

healthwellnessfitnessmag

HWFMagazine1 healthwellnessfitness

HEALTH WELLNESS & FITNESS MAGAZINES ARE PUBLISHED BY GMF MEDIA GROUP, LLC. A NEW JERSEY BASED PUBLISHING, ADVERTISING AND MARKETING COMPANY.

The information printed in this magazine has been provided as a public service. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy; however, the authenticity cannot be guaranteed. All advertisements in this magazine have been furnished by advertisers. Typographic, photographic, and printing errors are unintentional and subject to correction.

The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay in seeking it, because of something you have read or seen on our web site. Never rely on information on our web site and/or in the magazine in place of professional medical advice.

a GREAT SUCCESS!

The Nassau County Dental Society and Suffolk County Dental Society hosted the 13th annual Long Island Women’s Dental Symposium, fondly known as “Scrubs and Stilettos”

Long Island Women’s Dental Symposium T

NCDS, SCDS, Staff and Hosts: (L to R) Mr. William Panzarino, Dr. Fabiola Milord, Dr. Julie Izen, Ms. Katia Discua, Dr. Maria Maranga, Ms. Carol Deerwester, Dr. Eugene Porcelli

Dr. Julie Izen, Dr. Fabiola Milorod, & Dr. Maria Maranga

NNearly 100 women dentists from the Long Island and NYC area attended the event at the Heritage Club in Farmingdale, NY. After beginning the morning with a full buffet breakfast and omelet station, they gathered to hear keynote speaker Dr. Nicole McGrath-Barnes, founder of the Kindersmile Foundation, give a moving and inspirational presentation as well as to celebrate Dr. Reneida Elisa Reyes as the 2022 Distinguished Service Award winner.

After the presentations the attendees had a choice of attending three of twelve different round table lectures discussing such varied topics as Robotic Assisted Implant Dentistry, Using Lasers in Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics in the Digital Age, Oral Cancer detection, and Endodontics, just to name a few.

The event was co-chaired by Dr. Maria Maranga of Suffolk and Dr. Julie Izen of Nassau and the MC for the morning was Dr. Fabiola Milord of Nassau. In addition to the presentations and lectures $900 was raised for the Kindersmile Foundation, which provides at-risk underserved children with access to comprehensive dental care and educates them and their families of the importance of good oral hygiene. Also 219 pounds of food was collected and donated to Long Island Cares.

iSuffolk County Dental Society

150 Motor Parkway, Suite 123 Hauppauge, NY 11788 Tel. 631-232-1400

contact@suffolkdental.org

www.suffolkdental.org

Nassau County Dental Society

377 Oak Street, Suite 204 Garden City, NY 11530 Tel. 516-227-1112 Fax 516-227-1114

office@nassaudental.org

www.nassaudental.org

The Nassau and Suffolk County Dental Societies not only provide their members with valuable continuing education, practice management information and advocacy for the profession, but they also serve the community with such events as free oral cancer screenings and their Give Kids A Smile events.

For more information on events sponsored by the Nassau County Dental Society and the Suffolk County Dental Society please visit their websites: www.nassaudental.org and www.suffolkdental.org.

Dr. Reyes receives the Distinguished Service Award

Group: (Back row R to L) Dr. Joseph Brofsky (NCDS President), Dr. Maria Maranga, Dr. Reneida Reyes, Dr. Julie Izen. The rest are pediatric dentists and residents.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. McGrath-Batrnes

Lectures underway

How are New Yorkers coping with their mental health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

By Daine Taylor

TAKING STOCK State of Mind

of New York’s

The COVID-19 Pandemic took a heavy toll on everyone, from the financial and emotional strain, to the forced isolation and loss of friends or family. While the worst of the pandemic seems to have passed, the impact can still be felt today, leaving many New Yorkers facing a mental health crisis as a result.

“New Yorkers, and particularly communities of color, are facing unprecedented challenges that are understandably affecting their emotional and mental health,” said Health Department Executive Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hillary Kunins in a 2020 press release.

While numerous public resources were developed to aid New Yorkers statewide, the widespread increase in demand for mental health services have highlighted a need for more mental health services and therapy options.

“I would say since 2020 the number has drastically increased in terms of the amount of people who are open to considering therapy,” said Kevin Taylor, licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and founder of Flowstate Therapy.

“I think, for better or worse, the pandemic opened the door for people to think more seriously and critically about their mental health. As a result, there has been an increase in the amount of folks who actually are looking for therapy for the better.”

Within certain communities, there used to be a stigma associated with receiving psychological help. People are starting to realize how important it is to look after their mental and emotional health. Over the last 3 years, therapists have seen a massive influx of patients with depression and anxiety symptoms.

“I find depression and anxiety are probably the [main] reasons people are looking for help now. You know the pandemic has brought on [feelings of] sadness, low motivation, worry and fear for a lot of people, and that keeps them in that fight-or-flight state?” said Taylor.

The pandemic has also had a severe impact on children and teens, who in one way or another, have had their lives disrupted by the virus or subsequent stay-at-home orders. This has led to a 20 percent decline in children’s daily physical activity, according to a recent review study published by medical journal JAMA Pediatrics.

Likewise, the CDC reports about 37 percent of teens experienced poor mental health during 2020, with at least 73 percent reporting at least one adverse childhood experience, which are often associated with an increased risk of mental health problems and suicidal thoughts.

“Nearly one in every 25 New Yorkers lives with a serious mental illness, making it more difficult for them to maintain relationships with family and friends, continue education, secure employment, housing, and other basic needs,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, wife of former

mayor Bill de Blasio in a 2021 press release announcing additional mental health programs. “Despite the fact that one half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and three-quarters by the age of 24, there has never been a comprehensive system of care in our country. Too many people fall repeatedly in crisis and are disconnected from compassionate support.”

While there are still societal and economic hurdles which can impede people’s access to necessary treatment and therapy, there are now more options for mental health services than ever before.

“I think therapy is a wonderful tool for those of us who want to deepen our relationship with ourselves, improve our self esteem, and address the underlying issues causing our feelings of anxiety and depression. People should go for it, and in fact, I believe that everyone should try therapy at one point or another,” said Taylor.

“Whether we realize it or not, we all have traumas, challenges that we’ve taken from our childhood into our adulthood, [or] relationships that could be better… I think therapy is a tool that everyone should have in their back pocket to the same level of importance as needing a dentist.”

For individuals considering therapy to work through deep rooted traumas or to simply evaluate their thoughts and navigate life challenges, there has never been a better time than now.

Kevin Taylor, Flowstate Therapy

“I think, for better or worse, the pandemic opened the door for people to think more seriously and critically about their mental health”

Still STANDING

By Wendy Begay

Dr.

Sydney Pigott of Pristine Dental Solutions is celebrating 30 years of excellence in the field of dentistry. His practice has been providing dental care to patients in the neighborhood and as far away as Baltimore, MD.

Focusing on many disciplines of dentistry has allowed the practice to offer a variety of dental services including, but not limited to Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, implants, oral surgery, composite fillings, root canals and innovative smile designs.

Over the years, there have been many changes in the field of dentistry and patient care deliverables, but Dr. Pigott’s commitment to his patients remains his priority.

Dr. Pigott

| FACING CHALLENGES HEAD ON

The past few years have been very challenging for everyone, and Pristine Dental Solutions is no different. While many practices may have lost their focus and momentum, Pristine Dental Solutions continues to provide each patient with exceptional, individualized dental care.

The Pristine Dental Solutions team of reputable dentists is dedicated to providing a superior dental experience in a friendly and professional atmosphere.

| MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF CARE

Overall, the Dental team exemplifies excellence as optimum care is provided to ensure each patient’s satisfaction. Most importantly, the office is focused on

continuous improvement as it relates to dental equipment, technology, techniques and overall patient care as Dr. Pigott strives to keep abreast and remain current with emerging trends and technologies.

Each dentist has made it their personal goal to provide quality service and personalized care to every patient who visits the practice as a perfect smile and a content patient is the primary objective.

| BRINGING IN NEW FACES

As Dr. Pigott’s practice continued to grow, he realized that in order to provide the best dental care, he would need to build a team of dentists that his patients could rely on for quality care.

reputable dentists is dedicated to providing a superior dental experience in a friendly and professional atmosphere.

Providing quality care means being able to spend enough time with each patient to ensure they are comfortable and well-cared for. In order to accomplish this, Dr. Pigott added the following dentists to his team: ·

Dr. Eugene Milford ·

Dr. Alexander Sakthivelu ·

Dr. Jenneate Radix ·

Dr. Jonathan Rodney

Each associate dentist was chosen for their commitment to excellence and dedication to patients. Each dentist has years of experience in various aspects of dentistry.

| PATIENT CARE IS THE PRIORITY

Personalized patient care is the number one priority at Pristine Dental

Solutions. In the past, going to the dentist was viewed as an unpleasant and painful experience.

Today, Dr. Pigott and his team are working to change that. Through ever-changing advancements in technology, they are working to make each dental visit a comfortable and pleasant one. Educating patients and helping them to maintain their smiles are what the dentists try to achieve with each patient.

Pristine Dental Solutions offers the most advanced dental treatment options available to patients. Each member of the team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that patients feel at ease and welcomed from the minute they step through the door.

When you want the best dental care available with an emphasis

The Pristine Dental Solutions team of

Dr. Milford

Dr. Rodney

Dr. Alex

Dr. Radix

Northwell receives transformative gift from trustee Roy J. Zuckerberg to create the first cancer hospital and cancer campus on Long Island

Mr. Zuckerberg’s generosity unites cancer services by creating the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and establishing the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center

From left to right: Michael Gitman, MD, executive director, LIJ Medical Center; Michael Epstein, chair, Northwell Board of Trustees; Roy J. Zuckerberg, trustee, and his wife, Tara; Michael J. Dowling, president & CEO, Northwell Health; Richard Barakat, MD, physician-in-chief and director of cancer services, Northwell Health Cancer Institute; and Brian T. Lally, Northwell’s chief development officer.

Photo credit: Northwell Health

Leaders from Northwell Health gathered today at a ribbon-cutting event to recognize a transformative gift from trustee Roy J. Zuckerberg to create the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and establishing the ambulatory R.J. Cancer Center.

NEW HYDE PARK, NY – Leaders from Northwell Health gathered today at a ribbon-cutting event to recognize a new gift from longtime trustee Roy J. Zuckerberg to create the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital at Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center — Long Island’s first cancer hospital — and to establish the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center, Northwell’s largest ambulatory cancer center. Mr. Zuckerberg’s transformative gift will also create an endowed chair in cancer research, helping to recruit top talent in the field and is part of his long-term generous philanthropy to Northwell, where his vision and commitment to enhancing patient care have made a direct impact across the health system.

Cancer Center unite cancer care provided at LIJ and across the street at 450 Lakeville Road, a state-of-the-art outpatient facility that offers numerous cancer programs and therapies in a healing environment. The new cancer campus is the flagship of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, which seamlessly integrates the health system’s network of nationally recognized hospitals and cancer specialists, so patients across Northwell’s footprint get top care close to home.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to Roy for his visionary gift in helping to create a cancer campus, one that unifies LIJ’s superb surgical cancer care with our cutting-edge outpatient oncology programs,” said Michael J. Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health. “This is the first-of-its kind cancer campus on Long Island and in Queens, which

will help us further integrate services and deliver the highest level and best possible cancer care to patients in the region.”

As part of Mr. Zuckerberg’s gift to advance cancer care, Northwell plans to enhance or create several programs, including dedicated oncology floors so cancer patients will be paired with experienced oncology nurses; a new women’s cancer center focused on treating

The R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and R.J. Zuckerberg

Exterior of Northwell’s R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center in Lake Success, NY

women with breast and gynecologic cancers in a healing and tranquil setting; a Center for Genomic Medicine that can perform tumor profiling for all patients; and new technology to treat liver cancer. There are also plans to transfer the bone marrow transplant and CAR-T immunotherapy program from North Shore University Hospital to increase the program’s size.

The R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital, Northwell’s only cancer hospital, delivers the most complex care available and includes 164 of LIJ’s 583 beds, dedicated to treating patients with various types of cancer including breast, pancreatic, lung, head and neck, colon, leukemia, urologic and gynecologic cancers. On any given day, four to six operating rooms are used for open or robotic cancer surgery. The R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center each offer dedicated navigation programs to guide patients through every step of their cancer journey.

The 150,000-square-foot R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center, Northwell’s largest, includes 64 infusion bays and provides outpatient treatment in the specialties of medical oncology including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy; comprehensive radiation medicine; surgical and neurological consults; clinical trials; diagnostic imaging; a pharmacy; and support programs for cancer patients and their loved ones.

“With the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Hospital and the R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center we have one of our premier hospitals literally across the

street from our state-of-the-art comprehensive ambulatory cancer center, which allows us to streamline cancer services for optimal care,” said Richard Barakat, MD, physician-in-chief and director of cancer services at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute and senior vice president of cancer services. “What makes us so unique is that we provide comprehensive medical care as our standard of cancer care, meaning virtually any medical condition patients have or side effects they may experience can be treated by our specialists in one health system.”

With more than 400 physicians, Northwell Health Cancer Institute treats more than 19,000 cancer patients annually, more than any other provider in New York State.

“As the largest provider of cancer care in the state, we feel a tremendous responsibility to deliver the best treatments and therapies — and the highest quality care — for our patients who choose us to receive their care during the most challenging time in their life,” said Dr. Barakat. “This amazing philanthropic gift will assist us as we build new multidisciplinary cancer programs in a patient-centric manner, from diagnosis through treatment to survivorship, and will provide integrative medicine therapies, not only to improve patient outcomes, but to improve the quality of patients’ lives.”

Mr. Zuckerberg, who spent 31 years at Goldman Sachs and was its longest serving partner before retiring as vice chairman in 1998, was first introduced to LIJ in 1972 when he sought treatment for his 3-year-old daughter at the hospital’s hearing and speech center, now the Sandra Atlas Bass Otolaryngology Center. “I’ve had a passion for LIJ since I saw the remarkable care my daughter received there, and it inspired me to get involved in the hospital,” he said.

Mr. Zuckerberg later became a member of LIJ’s board of directors and served as the hospital’s chairman, where he helped lead the historic merger between LIJ and North Shore Health System in 1997. He also served as chairman of the North Shore-LIJ Health System.

“My inspiration for giving came from seeing my father make gifts to various causes,” said Mr. Zuckerberg. “While my father was not a wealthy

man, I saw enough to realize there are people who help people in the world. There’s nothing more important than making a sick person well, and the place to do that is in a hospital or a place where healing happens.”

Mr. Zuckerberg’s gift contributes to Northwell’s historic Outpacing the Impossible comprehensive fundraising campaign, which he co-chairs. Northwell announced last month it reached the $1 billion goal in the campaign and announced an extension to raise $1.4 billion by December 2024, with cancer care noted as a campaign priority.

“The generosity of our donors is what accelerates our ability to carry out our mission and advance care for our patients,” said Brian T. Lally, senior vice president and chief development officer at Northwell Health. “We are immensely grateful to Roy for his dedication to Northwell and for his continued commitment to providing care to the diverse communities we serve.”

Mr. Zuckerberg has been a longtime supporter of LIJ and in 2009 he made an extraordinary gift to LIJ that led to the development of a 10-story glass tower and the largest expansion in the hospital’s history. In addition to his longstanding support of Northwell, Mr. Zuckerberg has generously supported cancer research and education at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). Northwell Health and CSHL have a strategic affiliation that focuses on aligning cancer research to bring clinical trials and treatment to the health system’s network of cancer clinical services.

According to Nicole, one thing you should take advantage of in any small space is your walls. You can mount shelving on the wall for extra storage without taking up closet or floor space. Paint the shelving the same color as the wall so it feels more cohesive and less clunky. Painting an accent wall will also help create definition in the space. Choose a light color to keep the room bright and airy.

About Northwell Health

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, 850 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 80,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We’re training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu and follow us @NorthwellHealth on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn

We are living in an age where a fantastic apartment doesn’t have to break the bank on square footage alone. If you buy smart and arrange smarter, you can accommodate everything that modern urban life requires, and still have cash left to spend on yourself!

SCANXIETY, FOREV ER CHANGED

by Julia Fischer

Unexpectedly, I began to have rectal bleeding. It was constant and consistent. My annual physical was scheduled just two weeks after I began to bleed. I was concerned, so I immediately told my primary care physician about my bleeding for the last two weeks.

He looked over my lab report. He said, “Unexpectedly, I began to have rectal bleeding. It was constant and consistent. My annual physical was scheduled just two weeks after I began to bleed. I was concerned, so I immediately told my primary care physician about my bleeding for the last two weeks.

He looked over my lab report. He said, “You’re not anemic. It’s probably hemorrhoids.”

Long story short, he reluctantly referred me to the board-certified colorectal surgeon that I wanted to see. I had to wait six weeks before they had an opening, and my first appointment was with his physician’s assistant. That long wait was torturous for me because the bleeding continued every day.

My appointment day finally arrived. My husband accompanied me because he knew that I was anxious. We were called back,

I hope you never hear the words that I heard. But if you do, I hope my story will bring you strength, courage, and hope. Here’s what happened to me.

“ YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES CALL HOSPICE OF FIGHT“

and the PA asked me to tell her what had prompted my visit. I described my bleeding, and I told her that I had a benign rectal polyp 15 years before. She asked if she could do a flexible sig exam, and I consented.

My husband went with me to the procedure room. We were not prepared for what she told us, “You have a rectal tumor. I’ve already given our surgeon a heads-up

I was about to enter the unknown world of cancer treatment and experience scanxiety for the first time. And I learned that when it comes to cancer, there is no modesty.

WHAT IS SCANXIETY?

Scanxiety is the worry, angst, and apprehension over getting a medical test or imaging procedure, like CT or PET scans or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Cancer patients quickly learn that life-ordeath decisions hinge on the results of our scans. Here are some examples:

Staging scans — the scans when diagnosed to see if our cancer has spread to distant parts of our body.

Response-to-treatment — the scans during treatment to see if our tumor responds to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation.

Follow-up after treatment — the scans after our treatment ends to make sure our cancer has not come back (recurred).

SECOND MEETING WITH SURGEON

We met again to learn the results of my tests. Waiting for this appointment was sheer agony. My husband and I decided in advance that we would go out to lunch after this appointment. Why? So that we could sit down in a neutral location and “digest” the news over coffee and a nice lunch.

Appointment time is here and in comes the surgeon. He greets us warmly and asks how we are? It’s just a bit of chit-chat.

Then he says, “I’m going to cut to the chase. The CT scans show that your cancer has spread to your lungs.”

that we need to do a colonoscopy ASAP. Be expecting cancer.”

Three days later, I had a colonoscopy. The biopsy of the tumor showed cancer. The surgeon explained to us that he was ordering a CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvic and a rectal MRI.

My husband asked why I had to have so many scans. The surgeon said, “To learn more about the tumor size, if lymph nodes are involved, and if her cancer has spread.”

My heart sinks — stage IV. The scans showed 3 nodules in my right lung.

Then he says, “You have two choices. Call hospice or fight.”

And without hesitation, I replied, “I’ll fight.”

There was no way that I was going down without a fight. I felt fine, with no pain or discomfort, and my lab results were all normal.

He helped us decide on an oncologist, and he explained that most patients have

chemotherapy first to help shrink the tumor so that their surgery will be less complicated.

8 DAYS LATER

We meet the oncologist for the first time. She became a ray of sunshine — always upbeat, smiling, and compassionate. My husband suggested that I get a copy of my CT scans to bring with us if she wanted to see the actual images.

As we talked, she said, “I wish that I could see the actual lung scan for myself.” And I pulled the disk out of my purse. She took the disk and told us that she’d be back in a few minutes.

She returned with a smile on her face and said, “I disagree with the radiologist. I believe that only the largest of the three nodules is cancerous. The other two are probably scar tissue from a previous infection. If we are aggressive, we might be able to cure you.”

My husband told me later that he could see me relax when she said those words. HOPE — yes, that is what she gave me. And I said, “Sign me up.”

She laid out an initial treatment plan and told me that she would rescan me after five cycles of chemo. If my tumor shrank by about 20 %, she’d take my case to the tumor committee. Although the thought of strong chemo scared me, I was ready.

TREATMENT BEGINS

Chemo was not as bad as I thought. Scans after 5 cycles showed that my tumor was shrinking, so my case went to the tumor committee. The radiation oncologist recommended SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy) for the tumor in my lung and pelvic radiation to help prevent a recurrence. At the meeting, my surgeon believed that surgery after radiation might be “potentially curative.”

And so we followed the recommendations. Stepby-step, inch-by-inch, and day-by-day, we followed the pathway. After surgery, I did six more cycles of mop-up chemo to help prevent a recurrence.

NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE (NED)

These words — no evidence of disease — are the words that every cancer patient yearns to hear. It’s been six years, and I have scans every six months. Fortunately, I continue to remain NED.

I tell myself, “I can’t change the results. I’ll deal with whatever comes.”

That’s all that any of us can do. With our family, friends, and faith, cancer survivors not only survive, but we learn to thrive.

selling jewelry and other crafty items. There’s also a Build-A-Bear Workshop (which, much to this writer’s delight, was prominently displaying several Star Wars-themed items, including a buildyour-own Chewbacca!).

The redevelopment looks promising, though, with portions of it already begun, including the recent opening of DMK Burger Bar / Fish Bar, Goddess and the Baker, and Porkchop outposts.

SCAN.XIETY THE ANXIETY ASSOCIATED WITH CANCERDETECTING SCANS

A Good Night’s

By Jasmine Wheeler

Getting enough good-quality sleep on a regular basis is an important part of staying healthy. According to the National Institutes of Health, though, a third of adults in the U.S. aren’t getting enough hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Keep in mind that the quality of sleep you get, not just the number of hours you sleep, can affect your health and well-being. Sleep quality includes how long you sleep, as well as how much time it takes to

fall asleep and how much uninterrupted sleep you get during the night.

When you’re able to get a restful night’s sleep regularly, this boosts your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. For adults, this means getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The following tips can help you improve your sleep quality, so you don’t spend the night tossing and turning.

| Keep a Consistent Bedtime and Wakeup Time

Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day helps regulate your sleepwake cycle, which can make it easier to get a good night’s sleep. Make sure you keep your bedtime and wakeup time consistent on a daily basis, including weekends, not just during the week.

| Stop Using Screens Before Bed

Looking at screens on your TV, phone, tablet, or laptop, can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep at bedtime. Instead of checking social media, playing a game, or watching a show, put these devices away or turn them off an hour or two before you go to bed. Do a calming activity before bedtime, such as reading a book or soaking in a tub.

| Set Up the Ideal Sleep Environment

The environment you sleep in can affect your sleep quality. A bedroom that’s too warm or too bright can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night. In addition to keeping

your bedroom dark and cool, make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable to sleep on. If noise in your home or from outside keeps you up, use a white noise machine or fan to create a quieter environment.

Exercise During the Day

Getting regular exercise can help improve your sleep quality. Aim to exercise for about 30 minutes a day, and keep in mind that exercise can range from simple walks around the block to moderate aerobic workouts. Regular exercise, particularly moderate aerobic workouts, is associated with higher amounts of deep sleep. You should avoid working out too close to your bedtime, though, since this could make it more difficult to settle down and fall asleep.

| Go Caffeine-Free Later in the Day

If you drink beverages with caffeine, such as coffee to tea, avoid drinking them later in the day. Doing so might lead to a harder time getting to sleep. Drink water or other noncaffeinated beverages later in the afternoon and evening. You should also avoid filling up on a big meal close to your bedtime. Have a light snack instead, so

you can get a better night’s sleep. These tips can help you enjoy a good night’s sleep, but what happens if you continue to experience sleep problems? Talk to your healthcare provider if you still have trouble falling asleep or if you wake up frequently during the night and have a hard time falling back to sleep.

Your healthcare provider can check for underlying health problems that might affect your sleep quality or signs of sleep disorders and recommend ways to address this issue.

SOURCES

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/healthtopics/education-and-awareness/ sleep-health

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ sleep-deprivation/health-effects

https://aasm.org/seven-or-morehours-of-sleep-per-night-a-healthnecessity-for-adults/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/34610163/

https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/ features/getting-enough-sleep.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/ healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/ in-depth/sleep/art-20048379

https://www.hopkinsmedicine. org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ exercising-for-better-sleep

Dr.

Albert Granger is one of the most well-respected men in his profession and community. His list of credentials and achievements as a doctor, educator, and public servant is extensive.

He has spent most of his adult life moving forward in service to others. To his credit, for as amazing as his list of achievements is, it pales in comparison to his commitment to helping his students and colleagues reach their goals.

Dr. Granger’s past has provided him with a road map that he continues to follow and share with others.

Destined SERVE to

By Wendy Begay

| RAISED IN A CULTURE OF LEARNING

Dr. Granger admits that his success is attributed to his upbringing. His greatgrandfather came to America from Barbados and was raised by Quakers who sent him to the best schools. After graduating from medical school, he became a physician in 1889. His grandfather, Dr. Albert Reed opened the first Long Island dental practice owned by an African American in 1925 and his paternal grandfather, Augustus Turpin Granger opened his dental practice in Harrisburg, PA. Both of Dr. Granger’s parents were also dentists that practiced in Glen Cove. Dr Granger has a brother and sister that are dentists and a brother who is a lawyer. Being raised in this culture of learning allowed him to continue to pursue his education and break down any barrier that dared to stand in his way.

| EXPOSURE TO KNOWLEDGE

After graduating from Howard University College of Dentistry, Columbia University Endodontic program, and the Medical College of Georgia (Implant Maxi Course), Granger exchanged the role of student for that of educator.

After completing his residency at Harlem Hospital, he took his role as a mentor seriously. He knew that many students from underserved communities may never explore their talents or spark their passion for dentistry if they didn’t have someone they could identify with, to gently guide them in the right direction.

| NEVER GIVE UP

Part of the educational process is applying what you have learned. As Dr. Granger watched the rest of his graduating class get hired into thriving endodontic dental practices, he could not find a position. He learned another valuable lesson. If things aren’t the way you thought they should be, you can’t give up. You do things on your own and you make your own path.

Instead of waiting to be hired, Dr. Granger put his family’s drive to succeed in high gear and chose to open his own dental practice. By 1998, he opened his Endodontic practice specializing in root canals. As he continued to grow his practice, he worked tirelessly to help students he mentored to explore every opportunity they had at their disposal.

| STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Following in his family’s footsteps, Dr. Granger was always on the lookout for ways he could serve his community. He took a position on the Glen Cove City Council where he sat for 11 years. Just like his grandfather provided many local immigrants with quality dental care, Dr. Granger knew he was destined for a life of service. Whether he was working as an educator at Columbia University or Harlem Hospital, his goal was to serve his community and its residents, and he would do so in whatever capacity presented itself.

| GUIDANCE AND MENTORSHIP

From the very beginning of his career as a dentist, he realized several things. He understood rather quickly that part of the reason African American students didn’t pursue a higher level of education was that they weren’t guided toward the right opportunities. The opportunities were available, but the students lacked the guidance to push them forward.

When exposed to the right elements many students thrived and even went on to graduate and explore specialty areas of dentistry. While at Harlem Hospital and working with residents, Dr. Granger became not only their mentor but their inspiration as well. He says, «I

am proud of former mentees practicing both Endodontics and General Dentistry throughout the country”.

| FOLLOW THE TECHNOLOGY

Technology has become an integral part of dentistry and Endodontics. As students began to become more proficient with the new advancements in technology, Dr. Granger began implementing the new tools and techniques in his practice. Now, every office operates digitally. Digital charts and CBCT machines offer dental scans that allow doctors to be much more efficient than ever before. In the beginning, he learned about digital technology right along with the students he mentored. Today, implementing that technology in each of his offices allows him to offer every patient the highest quality of dental care possible.

Along with his two partners, Dr. Ashish Sahasra and Dr. Rahul Gupta, and ten associates, Dr. Granger is able to provide same day root canals on an emergency basis.

| GIVE PATIENTS WHAT THEY WANT

From the very beginning of his career, Dr. Granger has lived by three very powerful principles. “All patients, no matter who they are, want three things. They want to be respected. They want to be listened to. And they want to know they will be taken care of.” By providing his patients with these three pillars of service, he has earned their respect and their trust. Patients leave his office feeling as if they have been treated as a member of the family, not just a number on a chart.

| BUILDING A BETTER PRACTICE

Over the years, Dr. Granger has found the keys to building a better practice and used them to establish five offices in Nassau and Suffolk counties (Garden City, East Meadow,

Hicksville, Babylon, and Patchoque).

Along with his two partners, Dr. Ashish Sahasra and Dr. Rahul Gupta, and ten associates, Dr. Granger is able to provide sameday root canals on an emergency basis.

While much of his business comes from referrals, he is able to provide quality dental care to patients who require root canals to save their teeth. Each office’s ability to provide immediate care to the patients who need it, sets Premier Endodontics of Long Island above the rest.

Dr. Granger continues to look for ways to educate students, care for his patients and serve his community in any way he can.

It is a legacy that started almost 150 years ago with his great-grandfather and continues on with his wife and his children.

APPOINTMENTS PROMOTIONS &

Northwell Cancer Institute appoints chief of hematologic malignancies

Prior to joining Northwell, Dr. Gladstone served for 14 years as clinical director of the outpatient bone marrow transplantation program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD.

In his new role, Dr. Gladstone will work with physician leaders in leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, bone marrow transplant and classic hematology to enhance clinical and research programs.

“We are thrilled Dr. Gladstone has joined Northwell’s Cancer Institute to lead the division

of hematologic malignancies across our health system in the New York metropolitan region,” said Richard Barakat, MD, physician-in-chief and director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, and senior vice president of cancer services at Northwell Health. “His more than two decades of clinical expertise, cutting-edge research and academic teaching in the field of blood cancers and benign blood disorders will be a tremendous asset at the Cancer Institute as we advance programs and drive innovative approaches for cancer treatments.”

At the Cancer Institute, Dr. Gladstone will help establish an outpatient hematopoietic and cellular transplant center at Northwell, broaden the use

of CAR T-cell therapy, and explore the role of transplanting regulatory T cells, which modulate our immune response and have the potential to treat chronic inflammatory diseases and severe infections such as COVID-19.

Dr. Gladstone received his medical degree at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, completed his residency and chief residency at the University of Rochester, followed by dual fellowships in hematology and medical oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After completing his fellowships, Dr. Gladstone became further involved in clinical research, immunotherapy and in blood and bone marrow transplantation research. He is

Long Island Jewish Medical Center appoints Medical Director

NEW HYDE PARK, NY – LONG ISLAND JEWISH (LIJ) MEDICAL CENTER HAS APPOINTED

MATHEW FOLEY, MD, AS ITS MEDICAL DIRECTOR. DR. FOLEY SUCCEEDS RICHARD SCHWARZ, MD, WHO IS TAKING ON THE NEW ROLE OF VICE PRESIDENT OF MEDICAL AFFAIRS AND QUALITY AT NORTHWELL HEALTH.

Dr. Foley is an experienced clinical leader; he previously served as vice chair of emergency medicine at North Shore University Medical Center in Manhasset. Prior to joining Northwell, Dr. Foley spent stints in emergency medicine at NYU Langone and University Hospital of Brooklyn at SUNY Downstate.

Dr. Foley was vice chair of emergency medicine and an associate professor at NYU Langone Health, where he had emergency department oversight for NYU Tisch, NYU Brooklyn, NYU Orthopedic Hospital, Bellevue

Hospital and NYU Cobble Hill. Dr. Foley also led the creation of NYU Langone’s telemedicine program.

“Dr. Foley is an accomplished and respected emergency medicine physician with a wealth of experience,” said Michael Gitman, MD, executive director, LIJ Medical Center. “He is a collaborative, innovative leader and the perfect choice to succeed Dr. Richard Schwarz, who has been promoted to vice president of medical affairs and quality for Northwell Health. We welcome Dr. Foley and wish Dr. Schwarz well.”

Dr. Schwarz will play an integral role leading Northwell’s policies and procedures while co-chairing the health system’s performance improvement coordinating group. Dr. Schwarz previously held leadership posts at Huntington Hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital as well as several dialysis and medical groups throughout the region.

Both Drs. Schwarz and Foley proved to be crucial clinical leaders during COVID-19, especially during the First Wave when their respective hospitals stood at the epicenter of the pandemic.

Dr. Foley was named Physician of the Year at North Shore University Hospital in 2020-21.

NEW HYDE PARK, NY – NORTHWELL HEALTH ANNOUNCED TODAY IT HAS APPOINTED DOUGLAS GLADSTONE, MD, A LEADER IN HEMATOLOGY AND MEDICAL ONCOLOGY, AS CHIEF OF HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES AT THE NORTHWELL HEALTH CANCER INSTITUTE.

DOUGLAS GLADSTONE, MD

MATHEW FOLEY, MD

an associate professor of medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell.

Dr. Abraham Port & Dr. George Autz have created a unique patient centric Breast Imaging and Ultrasound Center on Long Island.

Complete Women’s Imaging PC, located at 990 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, is dedicated to the principle that a mammogram is NOT always enough. Every woman deserves a compassionate specialist in a caring partnership for detecting early breast cancer.

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Abraham Port, Complete Women’s Imaging PC opened its doors to provide patients, both women and men, a facility that offers access to a team of specialist, the latest in advanced technology, and the utmost patience, kindness and understanding.

Dr. Abraham Port

Dr. Abraham Port is board certified in Diagnostic Radiology. Dr. Port’s experience in breast cancer began in research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Prior to coming to Long Island, Dr. Port headed the Breast Imaging Division at Mount

Sinai Medical Center in NYC. More than 30 years after his interest in breast cancer began at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Port was able to open Complete Women’s Imaging PC, where patients would have access to both the latest diagnostic tools, as well as the physicians to interpret the results.

Dr. Port

| SURVIVAL RATES GETTING BETTER

According to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer is currently the most common cancer globally, accounting for 12.5% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide.

More women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer than any other type of cancer, besides skin cancer. Breast cancer accounts for 1 in 3 cancer cases annually in women. Approximately 2,710 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

A New Partnership Begins

In 2008, Dr. George Autz joined Complete Women’s Imaging PC as a partner. Dr. Autz is board certified in Internal Medicine and Radiology with fellowship training in breast imaging. Dr. Autz is the former director of Breast Imaging at North Shore - Long Island Jewish

Hospital. He is the former President of Long Island Radiological Society and past Chair of the Mammography section of the New York State Radiological Society.

Dr. Port & Dr. Autz along with their staff, have established Complete Women’s Imaging PC as a leader in Breast Cancer Imaging in New York.

Dr. Autz

The average 5-year survival rate for women in the United States with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer is 90%. The average 10-year survival rate for women with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer is 84%.

If the invasive cancer is located only in the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Sixtyfive percent (65%) of women with breast cancer are diagnosed with this stage.

The survival rate for breast cancer patients has dramatically improved since Dr. Port first worked at Sloan Kettering in 1975 when 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer did not survive 10 years.

“Patients diagnosed with breast cancer are living longer than ever and most are cured. These incredible statistics are due to early detection and the role imaging now plays in how quickly the cancer can be diagnosed and treated”, says Dr. Port.

“We are finding minimally invasive breast cancers, Stage 0, Stage 1, not Stage 4 and this is all due to the advances and early detection in mammography and ultrasound”, says Dr. Port.

Both doctors agree that patient satisfaction is essential in the quality of care as well as their feelings of being cared for. Dr. Autz says, “we aim very high for patient satisfaction. That’s a big motivation both in terms of quality of care, but also in the delivery of care”.

| EVERBODY LEAVES WITH AN ANSWER

Waiting for the results is the most stressful part of the mammogram experience. All patients hope for a negative outcome, unfortunately that does not always happen. Many patients experience fear, anxiety and worry while waiting for imaging test results. It’s a completely normal and understandable feeling. In fact, they even have a name for it; Scanxiety.

Dr. Autz says, “We have a large population of highrisk patients who are nervous about the exam. They want to get their results sooner rather than later”.

Dr. Port & Dr. Autz share a passion for assisting their patients to find the answers they’re looking for. They realize the need for comprehensive care and the necessity of providing accurate answers during each visit.

Dr. Abraham Port, Suzanne Farca, Dr. Autz

With Complete Women’s Imaging PC’s state-ofthe-art technology, and focus on patient satisfaction, each patient they serve leaves with the comfort those answers can bring. All results are provided to the patient by the doctors themselves during each visit.

Results are never mailed or delivered in a secondary fashion. The doctors believe that patients deserve answers in an environment where they feel at ease and can ask questions without being rushed.

The doctors and technologists are always available to the patients should questions arise during their appointment. When an additional procedure is required, it is performed by either Dr. Port or Dr. Autz onsite.

The patient wants immediate answers and the doctors work to make sure they get them. While many other cancer centers take a more distant approach by using mass screening and mailed results. Complete Women’s Imaging PC prides itself on same day results, delivered in a caring and kind environment, using the latest diagnostic technology.

Dr. Port & Dr. Autz have long and distinguished careers in the field of breast imaging. Both doctors, however, consider Complete Women’s Imaging PC and the work they are doing today their greatest achievements.

The techniques and services offered by Dr. Port & Dr. Autz at Complete Women’s Imaging PC provide women (and men) the opportunity to detect breast cancers in their earliest stages.

Once a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, Dr. Port and Dr. Autz are always there to guide the patient to the best medical team and treatment. This allows patients to receive the best possible solutions that will help them to treat their cancer.

This special and unique form of diagnostic imaging: seeing patients one at a time, providing and explaining results, and helping them move forward with caring guidance, with caring staff, is what makes Complete Women’s Imaging PC a leader in Breast Cancer Imaging.

The techniques and services offered by Dr. Port and Dr. Autz at Complete Women’s Imaging, PC provide women (and men) the opportunity to detect breast cancers in their earliest stages.

O Oral Cancer CLOSE to HOME

Nothing prepares you for it. When it happens, you never forget it. It is the moment you or a loved one hears that fateful word: cancer. In that moment, your life changes forever.

Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, P.D.M. Family Dental, knows how it feels in that terrible moment - after a gallant fight, oral cancer claimed the life of her brother Manu Dua, who was also a dentist. He was only 34 at the time with no traditional risk factors. In the years since his passing, Dr. Makkar is redoubling her efforts to identify and treat oral cancer and teach patients about this devastating disease.

Dr. Makkar says that dentists are not just cavity hunters, during routine Dental exams, Dentists are doing comprehensive head and necks exams, looking for signs of oral cancer.

By Rodney Folmar, Sr.

| About Oral Cancer

When discussing statistics, medical professionals often group oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer, which is cancer of the mouth and the part of the throat at the back of the mouth. In the United States, doctors diagnose about 54,000 cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer each year. These cancers claim approximately 11,230 lives annually.

The most common sites for oral cancer include the tongue, tonsils and oropharyngeal area, the gums, floor of the mouth, and other areas inside the oral cavity. Oral cancer may also occur in the lips.

The average age of diagnosis is 63 years, but young people may develop oral cancer. In fact, about 1 in 5 cases of oral cancer occur in people who are younger than 55 years old. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are more than twice as common in men as they are in women.

Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, P.D.M. Family Dental, Jericho, NY.

Detecting cancer early - when it is small and has not spread - often provides for a better outcome. Oral cancer can be hard to spot in its early stages, though, because it may not cause symptoms. When oral cancer does cause symptoms, they may include:

• A sore in the patient’s mouth or lip that does not heal

• Persistent oral pain

• A lump or thickening in the patient’s lips, cheek, or mouth

• A white or red patch on the patient’s gums, tonsil, tongue, or lining of the mouth that is persistent over 2 weeks

• A sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the patient’s throat, which does not go away

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Trouble moving the tongue or jaw

• Numbness of the patient’s tongue, lip, or other area of their mouth

• Jaw pain or swelling

• Dentures that become uncomfortable or start to fit poorly

• Loose teeth or pain around the teeth

• A lump or mass in the neck or back of the throat

• Voice changes

• Ear pain

Fortunately, dentists have the training, experience, and opportunity to inspect the oral cavity for signs of cancer during routine dental exams. The exam is quick, painless and noninvasive. Dentists examine the oral cavity as part of routine care for their patients. They may also use special lights to look for abnormal tissues. If the dentists suspect cancer, they take tissue for biopsy and testing in a laboratory.

Oral cancer may develop as the result of identifiable causes. Most oral cancers develop as the result of tobacco use, alcohol use, or both. Infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV) is also associated with oral cancer. Certain factors can increase the risk for developing oral cancer. Risk factors include age, as oral cancers typically develop in people over the age of 40, and sun exposure.

As with other types of cancer, oral cancer may be preventable and highly treatable. Dr. Parul Dua Makkar is determined to help patients in Nassau County and beyond avoid oral cancer and detect the disease early when it is most responsive to treatment. Cancer doesn’t discriminate against age, gender, or socioeconomic factors. Early detection is the key to earlier and more conservative treatment and better prognosis of the patient.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate against age, gender, or socioeconomic factors.

Book available on Amazon, written by Dr Parul Dua Makkar and her late brother Dr Manu Dua who passed away of Oral Cancer

FAT IF WASN’T ENOUGH

By Staff Writer

There are few things worse than being so fat that you hate looking in the mirror. Shopping for clothes that are anything besides leisure wear is painful and don’t get me started on what it’s like to get winded when you bend down to tie your shoelaces. Even if you somehow manage to find clothes that you feel slightly confident in, you’ll quickly get thrown back down to earth when you realize that you have to purchase an extra seat every time you fly.

The embarrassment of having people stare at me as the airline hostess explained that I was making other passengers uncomfortable due to my size was the most horrifying thing I had ever dealt with.

Smoking is the only health risk related to cancer that is anywhere near as dangerous as being overweight.

While it was one of those moments where I realized that the weight was too much, reading about a recent CDC study on the cancer risks for overweight and obese people was the moment I decided to change.

| The Moment When I Finally Said Enough

Did you know that 2 out of every 3 adults in the United States is overweight or obese? While we may live in a time where people are more accepting of others, no one should be okay with tipping the scales so much that they are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than slimmer people.

The everyday annoyances that come with being fat, like the inability to climb a set of stairs without losing your breath or having to shop at specialty stores for clothing are many –but what about the health risks?

In the US, smoking is the only health risk related to cancer that is anywhere near as dangerous as being overweight or obese. In addition to heart disease, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes and other debilitating health conditions, cancer is a huge threat to people who are overweight and obese.

In fact, CDC studies have

shown that people who are overweight or obese actually make up about 40 percent of the people diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. More specifically, there are 13 different types of cancer that overweight and obese people are more likely to be diagnosed with. That’s right, 13 different types of cancer. With numbers like that, I knew that I needed to make a change.

| How Can You Decrease Your Risk of ObesityRelated Cancers?

With all of the different everyday challenges I faced as a “fat” person, the wake-up call that I needed to get healthy began with that CDC study. While making healthy changes won’t transform your life overnight, gradual steps can instantly improve your overall health and reduce your risk for cancer and other obesity-related health conditions.

The American Diabetes Association has some great info on losing weight at a healthy pace. They found that just 150 minutes of exercise each week and a 5 to 7 percent reduction in body weight via healthy eating can help to reduce your risk of developing diabetes by 60 percent.

But this doesn’t mean that you suddenly have to hit the gym 6 times a week and live off of salad. I found that tracking my steps each day with an app on my phone was a great way to get moving.

| Make More Healthy Choices

After I started moving more, I decided to make better choices surrounding food as well. To kick off my healthy eating experiment, I started counting my calories. This helped me to quickly understand that even when I was eating healthy, I was eating portions that were way too big. By working closely with my doctor on a diet and exercise plan, I was able to improve my heart function and reduce my risk of developing those 13 types of cancer.

If you are overweight or obese and the daily struggles of being fat haven’t been enough to motivate you to change, then maybe the fear of cancer will. While it’s not always easy, I can guarantee you that it’s all worth it.

https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/24/ obesity-linked-to-at-least-13-types-of-cancer/ https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/ p1003-vs-cancer-obesity.html

http://www.foxnews.com/ health/2010/04/07/dangers-overweight.html

Being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer.

By Carolyn Tolbert

Being healthy or fit isn’t a fad or a trend, it’s a lifestyle.»

Living healthy shouldn’t be based on a fad or trend, it should be an ongoing, sustainable lifestyle. Diets and weight loss groups don’t work because they mass market themselves to everyone. It becomes the latest fad or trend and then everyone wants to jump on board in the hopes it will work miracles.

The problem is they don’t. People get discouraged and return to their old habits. Even though they are trying to live healthier, they often miss the mark. The stories that follow are about people who found their own healthy and sustainable lifestyle path and how they are sharing their ideas with others.

| Living Healthier but Missing the Mark?

The fact is, even though millions of Americans are taking steps to become healthier and more fit, obesity and other chronic health conditions are still a major problem among adults and children alike.

Heart disease, diabetes, and poor nutrition due to the consumption of processed/fast foods are still threatening the

lives of millions of Americans. The key is learning what works for YOU. Find your perfect fitness and nutritional plan. Learn about your body and what it needs to be vibrant and healthy.

| Find Your Motivation

EMBRACING THE HEALTH & WELLNESS IFESTYLE L

For every reason you have to work out, you can find ten more to keep yourself sitting in your chair. Making excuses only makes the problem worse. Many people get discouraged because past diets didn’t work for them. Fad diets are designed for quick results, not a sustainable lifestyle. For any exercise or fitness program to be effective several things need to be in play:

• You need to be ready to commit to being healthy

• You need to be motivated

• 3. You need to know what works for you

• Lastly, you need to be willing to work through the roadblocks that sometimes get put in your way.

If you’re ready to get healthy and create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, then the ball is in your court. Go on the offense and take control of the situation. The only person standing in your way is you. Make a conscious choice and take your first steps on your journey to health and wellness.  44

“Being healthy or fit isn’t a fad or a trend, it’s a lifestyle”

THE EVOLUTION

By Jasmine Wheeler

Wellness isn’t just a beautiful face or a strong body. It isn’t big muscles or clear skin. It is a state of wellbeing that is accompanied by a state of physical balance where the body functions as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Your body naturally strives to remain in a constant state of balance and well-being. Through bad choices, we tend to pull our bodies out of balance even though we look healthy and physically fit. In some cases, things happen outside of our control.

The demands of your job, financial restrictions, and simply a lack of motivation can cause you to become careless with your habits and behaviors. Once you begin to realize the changes that need to be made to restore your health, you need to have a guide to follow that will keep you moving forward.

MAKE A COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF

Before you start to formulate your weight loss plan and take the first steps on your journey, you need to make a commitment to yourself. Not even the best-laid plans will work if your heart isn’t in them.

You must make the conscious choice that this is what you want to do and that you will do whatever it takes to make it happen. Striving for good health and wellness will have its challenges and temptations. You have to decide how badly you want it and how hard you are willing to work for it.

CREATE GOALS WITH ACHIEVABLE MILESTONES

Create goals with achievable milestones. This can be walking 10,000 steps every day or counting how many days you can go without drinking coffee, soda, or alcohol. In terms of weight loss, set realistic goals.

Nothing is more discouraging than setting a goal and not reaching it. Evaluate your needs and set your goals accordingly. Keep track of your goals and monitor your progress on a weekly basis. Don’t weigh yourself every day. Weight

of WELLNESS

fluctuates on a daily basis and will make you crazy if you try to gauge short-term changes.

Instead, do a weekly review of your goals. This gives you some worry-free time between evaluations where you don’t have to stress so much. Stick to your goals and continue to take each step one day at a time.

CREATE A DIET THAT FITS YOUR BODY AND YOUR GOALS

Learn as much about your body as you can. Some people thrive on a high-protein, low-carb diet, while others need just the opposite. Understand your body’s nutritional needs and plan your meals accordingly.

If you need to cut back on calories to achieve your weight loss goals, choose a supplement that will support your dietary needs. Once you have your nutritional needs in place, determine how you should eat.

Do you need three larger meals every day with multiple snacks? Or is it better for you to have six smaller meals throughout the day with only one or two snacks? Your lifestyle and overall goals, as well as your physical needs, will determine what type of meal schedule will work best for you.

ELIMINATE THE BAD, BRING IN THE GOOD

Eliminating the bad involves removing more than just unhealthy foods. This means

you need to eliminate negative thoughts, behaviors, and people as well. Embrace the power of positivity.

Take a close look at your thoughts and behaviors. Change your «I can’ts» to «I cans». Don’t look at things you want to do and have doubts. Accept the challenge! Step up and do what you need to do to make it happen. When it comes to the people you have in your life, don’t let another person’s negativity bring you down. If someone doesn’t have faith in you, find others who will. Create a positive support system and bring those people into your inner circle.

INCREASE YOUR ACTIVITY LEVELS

Many people confuse physical activity with exercise. Being active simply means to keep yourself moving. Don’t park your car close to the entrance of your destination. Park on the edge of the parking lot and walk the extra distance.

When you clean your house, don’t simply go through the motions. Turn on the music and dance your house clean! When you spend time with your children, go outside. Play a game. Throw a football around. Do something fun. Go for a hike or a walk along the beach.

The key is to keep moving. Don’t sit down and let life pass you by. Make a conscious choice to live every moment.

EXERCISE FOR STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE

Exercise for strength and endurance. It’s important to exercise at least three or four times a week for optimum heart and lung function. While you are improving your nutritional and dietary habits, you must also be willing to improve your exercise habits as well.

Maintaining proper function is just as important to your overall health as your diet, how much sleep you get, and how mentally fit you are. You don’t have to be a powerlifter to be healthy.

You do, however, have to maintain enough physical strength to allow you to live your life comfortably. Being physically fit means less chronic pain and the energy you need to move through life like a boss.

EMBRACE YOURSELF

Above all, embrace yourself. Learn to love yourself for who you are. Meditate and learn to relax your mind so the stresses of the day don’t overtake your mind and cause you to doubt yourself and who you are.

Learn to love the person you are becoming. Honor where you’ve been by learning the lessons life has given you. Take that knowledge and continue to work toward the best you that you can be, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Your life is an adventure! Challenge accepted!

MAINTAINING YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL WELLNESS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ESSENTIAL TO LIVING A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE, AND TO THAT END HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE TIPS AND HEALTHY HABITS YOU CAN TRY GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR.

By Daine Taylor

a

Stand Up Every 30 Minutes While Working

It’s easy to forget to take breaks at work, however, frequent breaks can keep you focused and alert throughout the workday. Stand up every 30 minutes while working. Stretch, go for a short walk, or take care of a small task.

Exercise

Regular physical activity has many benefits for both your physical and mental well-being! It is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your health. Exercise can be done anywhere, including at home or at the gym.

Track Your Fitness

Check out one of the popular fitness tracking apps for your phone or smartwatch to help you understand how active you are every day, so you can set goals or adjust your lifestyle as needed. You can also try an exercise watch or fitness band, which can read your heart rate and tell you how many steps you take daily.

Drink More Water

Be sure to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water. Depending on your level of activity and climate it’s recommended that men drink around 15.5 cups and women 11.5 cups of water a day.

Get Quality Sleep

Establishing a regular sleeping pattern is crucial for your well-being. This includes going to bed at roughly the same time every night and waking up around the same time every morning. Now, it doesn’t have to be so rigid, but try your best to stay within a 30-minute window each night and morning. You may even consider turning off all electronic devices an hour before bedtime.

Leverage Virtual Classes

Leveraging virtual classes will continue to be popular as people seek convenience and variety in their workout routines. You’ll be able to take classes from the comfort of your own home, which is incredibly convenient if you live in a cold climate or have transportation limitations.

Take a Multivitamin

A balanced diet helps you maintain good physical and mental health. However, busy adults are prone to making unhealthy meal choices or skipping meals altogether, so they may not get enough nutrients on a given day. Taking a multivitamin is an easy way to fill nutritional gaps in your eating pattern.

Schedule Your Annual Physical

An annual physical is one of the best ways you can stay fit for your current and future self. It’s an important key to living a long, healthy life. No matter your age or stage of life, annual physical exams are essential to your ongoing health.

Eat Veggies More Often

Whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds or just improve your overall health, vegetables are a key source of nutrients necessary for your success. Fiber-rich veggies are especially important, as they are critical for a healthy heart and strong veins. You may even want to throw in some citrus fruits high in vitamin C; like oranges, grapefruit, or clementines. While vitamin C-rich foods help promote collagen production, they also prevent wrinkles and dry skin. Who knew an orange a day kept wrinkles away?

Drink Smoothies

Make an occasional smoothie from fresh ingredients such as bananas, oranges, and carrots, or frozen items like berries or chopped greens. Whatever your taste, drink a smoothie to fill in the gaps in your daily nutrition.

Take Time to Enjoy Meals

It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to know when your stomach is full. You can consume a lot of extra calories in 20 minutes, especially when you are eating fast! Try different ways to train yourself to eat slowly. Chew each mouthful 10 times. Put down your utensils between bites. If you’re with others, take breaks to focus on the conversation.

Don’t Skip Meals

When you go without food for longer than three or four hours, your blood sugar drops.

This can lead to overeating and feeling too tired to be active. Instead, stick to a regular schedule of three healthy meals and two snacks each day.

13

Clean Your Hands Properly & Often

Did we really need to include this? After the last couple of years, this should now be second nature. Clean hands can prevent the spread of infectious illnesses.

Get Outside

Nature is a great remedy for stress. Sometimes, there is nothing better for your mental and emotional wellness than going outside. The American Heart Association says that spending time in nature can relieve stress, improve mood, and generally boost your well-being. During the workweek, consider stepping outside on your lunch break. On the weekends, participate in outdoor activities such as gardening, walking, or cycling.

14

Meditate

When talking about health, it’s not just about your physical health, but also about your mental health and meditation is the best way to achieve that. Including meditation in your New Year fitness plan not just helps you gain a healthy mind, body, and soul, but also will help in overcoming New Year fitness challenges that you may face as the time proceeds.

Prevent Work Burnout

Burnout comes a lot faster when you’re spending 4 hours a day at a job that empties your tank than working 10 hours a day at a job filling your tank. Some other ways to prevent work burnout are taking breaks throughout the day, limiting your number of early mornings or late evenings, and completely unplugging while taking time off for personal days or vacations.

Don’t Depend on the Weighing Scale Too

Much

Weight loss and weight gain should make you feel active and healthy, and if it doesn’t, there is a problem. Factors like water retention and your menstrual cycle can make your weight fluctuate up to 10 pounds in a single day. There’s also the fact that muscle weighs more than fat, meaning you could be

whittling your waist without seeing the needle on the scale move at all. But you’re not necessarily thinking that when you’re standing there looking at that unforgiving number.

Take a Vacation

Taking care of your body is one part of health and wellness, but it’s equally important to take care of your mental health. Whether you travel out of the country or stay somewhere closer, having some time away from work is good for you. You could even take a staycation or just explore new areas in the city you live in. You’ll thank yourself afterward, and your vacation or staycation will help you keep from experiencing burnout in your job.

Exercise Outdoors

whenever Possible

Outdoor exercises with social groups will become more popular as people seek ways to socialize while getting their fitness fix safely. This trend combines the benefits of working out outdoors with the camaraderie of exercising with friends.

Breathwork

When many of us go on a health kick we spend money on workouts, new supplements and equipment, what we often don’t think of is the tools that come naturally with our body, one of those tools being the power of our breath. By learning to master your breath you can boost your energy, improve your sleep, reduce stress and anxiety. It is essentially a free bio hack that so many of us are not aware of and are not using. Additionally, different breathwork exercises can be used depending on your goal, be it that you want to boost your energy or you want to wind down for a restful sleep.

ABOUT MARIE

Marie Urban is the owner of RealFit RealFood, a platform that serves as the culmination of her passions, including wellness, fitness and easy to follow food preparation guides. She holds a bachelors degree in Kinesiology and is a K-12 health and physical education teacher.

Real FitReal Food

by Marie Urban

When it comes to the perception of health and wellness nowadays, I feel like it is very difficult to distinguish what is real from what is fake. The intense societal push to attain unrealistic

From using filters and flattering camera angles on social media, to the consistent trend of photoshopping in magazines.

The intense societal push to attain unrealistic body standard, has had a real impact on how we view ourselves, and in turn, how we love ourselves.

There is a lot of pressure to have a “perfect” body, and no matter how hard we try, that pressure is hard to escape. And to top it all off, we need to balance maintaining that ideal physique with the rest of our busy schedules, kids, jobs, families, friends, etc.

The constant juggling act would be overwhelming for anyone to say the least, so is it actually possible to fit in healthy lifestyle choices like self-care, fitness and meal preparation into your regular schedule?

| THE ANSWER IS YES!

I used to ask my clients ‘how they feel when they look in the mirror?’ and most of the time their immediate response boiled down to a list of all the things they hated and wanted to change about themselves.

I ask this question because it would give me an insight on their emotional health and selfawareness.

I will never forget a time when a client actually looked in the mirror for the first time in a long time and started crying because she couldn’t believe who she had “become”.

She emotionally and physically couldn’t tackle it all, and because of that, her self-esteem crumbled, and so in turn did her health.

And it hit me, that day I changed my mind. I would no longer be the personal trainer that helped people just change their bodies for the better, but I would be the person that would help change how they thought about their bodies as well.

I needed to find a way to teach my clients how to tackle it all, because if they didn’t their bodies ultimately wouldn’t change, and neither would their mindset.

The challenge I have for you first is to get rid of that fictional image in your head of who you think you should be and who you think you should look like and start getting REAL!

First step in getting REAL is to set attainable goal. And I don’t necessarily mean pounds on a scale or a specific size, I mean a goal that motivates and creates a fire and passion for change.

A goal that every day when you wake up and set an intention, it’s to love yourself for who you are, no matter what stage you are in the journey. If you start there, the next steps will all fall into the right space.

In this five-part series, I hope to educate, motivate and guide you to find a place where every day you look in the mirror you are true to yourself and feel great about the person looking back at you.

Rex Rossen is an NCSF certified personal trainer at Blink Fitness in Baldwin, NY. He has several years of experience, both as a coach and an athlete.

He is available to train six days a week and enjoys working with his clients. “I have an outgoing personality and try to make working out as fun as possible for everyone.”

Rex knows that every person is unique, both in what they want to accomplish and what their bodies are capable of. Different body types require different types of activities. His goal is to get to know each of his clients. He learns as much as he can so that each training session is full of fun and excitement.

Too many trainers turn exercise into a chore that many people struggle through. This lowers motivation and is the main reason

many people give up on maintaining exercise as a part of their healthy lifestyle. If it isn’t fun, it isn’t healthy, especially if you are constantly struggling to do more or keep up. Working with Rex means exercise is exciting and fun. No more struggling or trying to “just get through it”. With Rex, every training session is a chance to grow and improve your health.

When you want to get back in shape and rekindle the excitement that comes with actually achieving your goals, then sign up today and “FlexWithRex”!

Since 2017, Rumble Boxing has taken the fitness world by storm. Even with COVID hindering its growth for a short amount of time, the original owners bounced back quickly.

In 2021, Xponential Fitness began offering franchise options. Siobhan Miller and her husband, Stephen Vitale, were one of the first to jump at the new opportunity.

Rumble Boxing is unique because it combines the fundamentals of boxing with the science of resistance training for an exhilarating full body workout. Siobhan says, “Most people do not know, boxing is a wonderful form of cardio.”

By combining rounds of boxing with strength training, you have a workout that gives you everything your body needs in a workout.

Many people automatically associate boxing with fighting. At Rumble, that isn’t the case. “It’s not at all a fight-inspired class,” she says. Rumble has taken the fundamentals a boxer learns while in the ring and has used them to create an intense cardio workout.

The class is split into two sides, one side has 24 hanging aqua bags for boxing rounds, while the other side has 24 benches equipped with dumbbells and hand weights for strength training rounds.

Each class can accommodate 48 members and lasts for 45 minutes. Classes are comprised of ten three-minute rounds with members switching side periodically throughout class.

Miller and Vitale are scheduled to have three Rumble Boxing studios in Nassau

County over the next few years. The first will be located at 100 Village Square in Glen Cove and will open in 2023. The couple has always been involved in fitness and love the fact that they will be bringing such a popular and exciting fitness program to the area.

2 years

CAREGIVING

2015-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Data from adults in 44 States, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

1 in 5 adults are caregivers

2 years

CAREGIVING CAN BE

LENGTHY

Half have provided care for at least two years

2 years

20 hrs/wk

INTENSE

CAREGIVERS provide regular care or assistance to a FRIEND or FAMILY member with a health problem or disability

WHO ARE CAREGIVERS?

20 hrs/wk

58% are women

19% are 65 years old or older

37% are caring for a parent or parent-in-law

Almost 1/3 have provided care for at least 20 hours per week

20 hrs/wk

HOW DO CAREGIVERS HELP?

Nearly 80% manage household tasks

Over 50% assist with personal care

20 hrs/wk

9% are providing care to someone with dementia

FUTURE CAREGIVERS

1 in 6

NON-CAREGIVERS expect to BECOME CAREGIVERS within 2 years

cdc.gov/aging