Westchester Health & Life: December 2011 by Wainscot Media

THE GOOD LIVING MAGAZINE FROM WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER

’ttheisseason GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST DELICIOUS ALLERGY-FREE COOKIES A FRESH TAKE ON FESTIVE DECORATING

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HEALTHY HOLIDAYS FOUR HOSPITAL TALES WITH HAPPY ENDINGS DECEMBER 2 011 | $ 3 . 9 5 | W E STC H E ST E R H E A LT H A N D L I F E . C O M

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Contents on the cover: Getty images. this page: roey yohai

december 2011

FEATURES

our favorite things

Find something special for ever yone on your list with this handy guide to intriguing locally sourced gifts.

winter whites

Who says holiday decorations have to be red and green? Tr y an elegant white table.

TIME TO LOOK YOUNGER?

Learn about cosmetic procedures that could improve your appearance. i n e v ery i s s ue w e lc o m e l e tt e r E d i to râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s N ot e W h e r e to E at t h i n g s to d o

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december 2011

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“Our representatives aren’t just knowledgeable, they’re truly nice people Homeowners, ArcHitects, Designers & BuilDers | specsempowered & Quotes to make your • Delivery & installation in as little as 24 to 48 hours. entire appliance shopping • Private Parking lot a pleasant experience.”

“Our representatives aren’t just knowledgeable, they’re truly nice people empowered to make your entire appliance shopping a pleasant experience.”

• Just minutes from manhattan & Westchester

–President Joel KaPnicK

951 eAst 233rD street | Bronx, new York Bronx river Parkway to east 233rd street (store is less than 1 mile on left) sHowroom.

–President Joel KaPnicK

718-324-5252 |

emAil.

jkapnick@appliancesalesrus.com

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“Where you make the difference”

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Better Service | Better Selection | Better PriceS Than the National Big Box Chains

Better S Better Service Service || Better Better Selection Selection || Better Better PriceS PriceS Than National |Better Than the thePriceS National Big Big Box Box Chains Chains | Better on on|Selection BetterPriceS PriceS er

xtional Chains Chains Big Box Chains

“Our representatives aren’t just knowledgeable, “Our representatives Homeowners, ArcHitects, Designers & BuilDers | specs & Quotes “Our representatives Homeowners, ArcHitects, Designers & BuilDers | specs & Quotes they’re truly nice people aren’t aren’t just just knowledgeable, knowledgeable, ••Delivery Delivery&&installation installationin inas aslittle littleas as24 24to to48 48hours. hours. empowered to make your gners ners &&BuilDers BuilDers | |specs specs&&Quotes Quotes rs, ArcHitects, Designers & BuilDers | specs & Quotes they’re ••Private they’re truly truly nice nice people people PrivateParking Parkinglot lot entire appliance shopping e as as 2424 to to 4848 hours. hours. nstallation in as littleto asmake 24 to 48 hours. ••Just Justminutes minutesfrom frommanhattan manhattan&&Westchester Westchester empowered your empowered to make your a pleasant experience.” ing lot entire appliance shopping entire appliance shopping 951 951eAst eAst233rD 233rDstreet street | | Bronx, Bronx,new newYork York –President Joel KaPnicK estchester tchester s from manhattan & Westchester Bronx aa pleasant Bronxriver riverParkway Parkwayto toeast east233rd 233rdstreet street(store (storeisisless lessthan than11mile mileon onleft) left) pleasant experience.” experience.” new new York York –President Joel KaPnicK 3rD street | Bronx, new York sHowroom. –President Joel KaPnicK sHowroom.718-324-5252 718-324-5252 | | emAil. emAil.jkapnick@appliancesalesrus.com jkapnick@appliancesalesrus.com

Homeowners, ArcHitects, Designers & BuilDers | specs & Quotes • Delivery & installation in as little as 24 to 48 hours. • Private Parking lot • Just minutes from manhattan & Westchester

951 eAst 233rD street | Bronx, new York Bronx river Parkway to east 233rd street (store is less than 1 mile on left) sHowroom.

718-324-5252 |

emAil.

jkapnick@appliancesalesrus.com

tore storeisto isless less than than 1 1mile mileonon left) left) is less than 1 mile on left) kway east 233rd street (store

jkapnick@appliancesalesrus.com . jkapnick@appliancesalesrus.com 18-324-5252 | emAil. jkapnick@appliancesalesrus.com

“Where you make the difference”

”

“Where “Where you you make make the the difference” difference”

Where Whereyou youmake makethe thedifference” difference” “Where you make the difference”

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BRONX, NEW YORK

718-324-5252

PRIVATE PARKING LOT | JUST MINUTES FROM MANHATTAN & WESTCHESTER | Bronx River Parkway to East 233rd Street (Store is less than 1 mile on left) EMAIL.

jkapnick@appliancesalesrus.com

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Contents december

LOCAL BUZZ

LOCAL FASHION

LOCAL JEWELRY

Our guide to new ideas, tips, trends and things we love in Westchester County

Make the season joyful by selecting the per fect outfit for your holiday gatherings.

Add piz za z z to your par ty look with elegant diamond accents.

34 AT HOME

Stay warm in style with these new fireplaces and accessories.

46 POWER FOOD

From China to Egypt to Ancient Rome, cinnamon has a spicy histor y—and its health benefits may surprise you.

48 TASTES

No gluten, no eggs, no dair y? No problem. These holiday cookies are free of allergyaggravating ingredients.

56 ESCAPES

Steal away to serenity at the luxurious Twin Farms resor t in Barnard, Vermont.

Left (top to bottom): courtesy of twin farms, Jason Wyche, courtesy of Montebello. right (3): shutterstock

DEPARTMENTS

IN GOOD HEALTH

22 HOW ARE THEY NOW?

46 34

In recent years, we’ve shared extraordinar y stories of patients faced with medical emergencies. Find out how four of them have fared.

fast action beats A STROKE

A “brain attack” stor y with a happy ending

26 heart helper

An assistive device gives a cardiac patient a new lease on life.

28 UNPLUG YOUR KIDS!

When it comes to playing video games, texting and social networking, how much is too much?

28 6

december 2011

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the gift of sight

Corneal transplant procedures can open a new visual world to children whose eyes were previously impaired.

westchesterHEALTHandLIFE.com

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Just Add Waterâ&#x20AC;Ś

The Selection, Service and Experience to Create Your Dream Bath

To The Trade & homeowner come browse our showrooms

www.CentralPlumbingSpec.com

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welcome letter

a time for gratitude

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

as the year closes at Westchester medical center we are proud that through 2011 we continued to be recognized as the region’s leading advanced medical care facility. in fact, we were named one of the nation’s top 100 hospitals for cardiac care by healthGrades and, in a sur vey of new York-area residents by the national research corporation, were selected as a 2011–12 consumer choice award winner for overall quality and image. recently we opened our newest Vascular interventional radiology laboratory, significantly upgrading the technology and minimally invasive capabilities of this very busy program on our campus. we also opened an advanced laboratory services unit, which provides state-of-the-art outpatient level diagnostics and testing, including comprehensive dna analysis. the debut of westchester heart and Vascular, the region’s largest cardiovascular and vein-treatment practice, is the occasion for “advances in cardiovascular care,” the special supplement you’ll find with this issue of Westchester Health & Life. we hope you’ll take a few moments to read this publication, which describes how cardiologists, vascular surgeons and other specialists collaborate smoothly to provide optimal advanced care for a variety of life-threatening conditions. Finally, striking a perfect note for the holidays, we offer “how are they now?” on page 22. this unusual article revisits four patients, who, once in grave danger, have been returned to the activities and joys of everyday life. that, we never forget, is what we’re here for. so we enter 2012 on a note of gratitude. we thank the staff, volunteers and donors who helped make our achievements possible. and we welcome the changes and challenges that await us as we care for you in the new Year. happy holidays!

SALES • CLEANING • SERVICE

CARPET TRENDS 5 SMITH STREET, RYE, NY 10580

michael d. isr ael pre sident and ceo we stche st e r me dica l ce n t e r

info@carpetrends.com

914-967-5188 w w w. c a r p e t r e n d s . c o m

For additional inFormation about westchester medical center, Visit our website at westchestermedicalcenter.com.

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Laugh the

night away.

Girls’ Night Out Featuring: Comedienne Cory Kahaney To benefit Westchester Heart & Vascular, the region’s largest multi-specialty cardiovascular practice. Cocktails • Light Supper • Raffles • Fun When:

Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Where:

Doubletree Hotel, Tarrytown, NY

For more information call (914) 493-2575 or visit www.westchestermedicalcenter.com/gno

An imaging center made in your image. You will see and feel the difference as soon as you arrive. A comfortable, gentle environment designed to the smallest detail, and only for women. Our radiology staff understands the subtleties of compassionate care. You will find digital imaging equipment which, for many women, means the actual imaging process takes less time. This is a new level of care, created just for you. The Women’s Imaging Center at Westchester Medical Center. The only center of its kind in the Hudson Valley.

19 Bradhurst Ave., Suite 3700 South Hawthorne, NY 10532 (914) 493-5900 westchestermedicalcenter.com/womensimaging

ADVANCED IMAGING

Low-dose digitaL mammograms • breast sonograms (uLtrasounds) • breast mri stereotactic, uLtrasound and mri guided breast biopsies • bone density scanning

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MINDFUL HOLIDAYS

T h e M e lT i n g P o T is an excellent choice for a memorable dinner event. With our unique “fondue flair,” you and your guests can enjoy communal pots filled with savory cheeses and chocolates. You can also cook your own succulent entrée selections—including premium cuts of chicken, steak and seafood—right at your table. Our cheese fondue dippers include a vast assortment of fresh breads, fruits and vegetables. The popular chocolate fondue course pairs nicely with our delicious cakes, brownies, and other tasty favorites. We also offer vegetarian selections as well as a glutenfree menu. The Melting Pot is truly a restaurant for all occasions, offering intimate spaces for romantic dinners as well as private dining rooms for bridal, baby, birthday, corporate, and other group celebrations. Make your reservation today and find out why The New York Times called the Melting Pot “pure entertainment.”

The MelTing PoT 30 MaMaroneck avenue | White Plains, nY 914-993-6358 | WWW.MeltingPot.coM/White_Plains

We here at Westchester Health & Life know the importance of feeling good and leading a balanced life, and over the past year, we have guided your quest for the “good life” in Westchester County with authentic advice from local experts, including doctors and other healthcare practitioners. So with this issue, we set out to help you keep balance—in mind, body and spirit—through this stressful holiday season with practical advice and tips. You’ll learn how to make holiday cookies without using allergy-aggravating ingredients (page 48), how to ward off the flu with winter’s “wonder pill” (page 18) and how to burn calories in the beautiful outdoors by snowshoeing (page 18). Our art director, Meredith McBride Kipp, along with florist extraordinaire Anne Miller, shows you how to glam up your holiday decorating and delight your family and friends with her chic yet practical guide to setting the perfect holiday table (page 38). If you’ve run out of gift ideas already, see page 36 for “Our Favorite Things”—a gift guide featuring a little something for everyone, on every budget. Those looking for the perfect party attire will want to check out our fashion and jewelry pages for some great local finds. This holiday season, try to step away from the hustle and bustle and take time to share the true spirit of Christmas by giving to others—and not just under the tree. Whether you donate your time, talent or other gifts to those who are ill or less fortunate, it makes you feel good. For those of you who need scientific proof, research suggests there is a biochemical explanation for the positive emotions associated with doing good. And if you thrive on literary inspiration instead, heed the poet Maya Angelou, who said: “Among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” Happy Holidays!

ROBERT DESANTOS/VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY OF RIDGEWOOD; HAIR: MARYANN ESMAILI; MAKEUP: BARBI DIAZ/PANICO SALON & SPA OF RIDGEWOOD

EDITOR’S NOTE

JENNIFER VREEL AND, EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITOR@WAINSCOTMEDIA.COM

SHARE THE LOVE

Your purchases this holiday season can really make an impact on those less fortunate, and luckily there are many places these days to “shop for a cause,” from select local Main Street retail shops to the Web. I love this New York City–based site giftsthatgive.com, founded by Nancy Taylor. The first upscale website to donate 20 percent of revenues to a charity of your choice (with more than a million different causes to choose from), the site carries prestigious brands like Jonathan Adler, Lilly Pulitzer and Michael Aram (his Black Orchid Vase is shown here).

14 grove street | Darien, ct 203-656-4774 | WWW.MeltingPot.coM/Darien

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速

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jennifer vreeland ed itor i n c h i ef

art director meredith m c bride kipp executive editor marisa sandor a ed i t o r i a l

senior editor timothy kelle y associate editor liz donovan contributing editors alli son ander son, lee lusardi connor, michele corri ston, eliz abeth l arner, david le vine, r achel r ab kin pe achman, nicole es pos ito polly, carole soule, brooke biz zell stachyra interns lindse y banks, maureen scully editorial director, custom media rita guarna art

art and Production contributor meghan ba s haW intern jolie l ang Web

director of digital media nigel edels hain contributing editor naomi imatome-y un

Ash KhorrAm, DDs and the staff of elite dental studios

production

director of Production and circulation christine hamel

Production assistant julia nied z Wiecki

xceptionAl comfort, cAre AnD quAlity of worK for your

We Want to hear from you! Send your feedback and ideas to: Editor, Westchester Health & Life, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; fax 201.782.5319; e-mail editor@wainscotmedia.com. Westchester Health & Life assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or art materials.

smile

elite dental studios is a reknowned practice in Yorktown heights, led by Prosthodontist dr. ash Khorram, specializing in all aspects of dental care including: • Preventive Care • Restorative Care • Cosmetic dentistry • Periodontal and endodontic services • invisalign

Green PMS Street 633 334 Kear YorKtown HeigHtS, nY PMS 9Orange 14.24 5 . 158 7575

advertising inquiries Please contact Linda Rothschild at 201.571.2251 or linda.rothschild@wainscotmedia.com. subscription services To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to Westchester Health & Life, Circulation Department, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.573.5541; e-mail christine.hamel@wainscotmedia.com.

www.eliteDentAlstuD i o s n y. c o m

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westchester health & life is published 6 times a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645. This is Volume 6, Issue 6. © 2011 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Subscriptions in U.S. outside of Westchester County: $14 for one year. Single copies: $3.95. Material contained herein is intended for informational purposes only. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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7.325 X 10 WESTCHESTER HEALTH & LIFE

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HUDSON GRADUATE CENTER AT WESTCHESTER

Healthcare Sector Management Program There are two ways to advance your career through the HSM Program. The Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Sector Management Those who wish to earn advanced credentials can enroll in the advanced certificate program. Candidates must complete four healthcare sector management courses for a total of 12 graduate credits. The M.B.A. Degree with a Healthcare Sector Management Concentration Students entering the M.B.A. program will follow the standard 48-credit curriculum over a 24-month period and will complete four healthcare sector management courses and a capstone project.

We also offer: The M.P.A. Degree in Health or Public Administration The Master of Public Administration program provides students with the skills, knowledge and insights necessary for professional success in the public and not for profit sector. The program prepares those new to the field with the tools they need to begin successful careers and provides the seasoned professional with the insights and understanding necessary to assume management and leadership positions. The Advanced Certificate in Gerontology An Advanced Certificate in Gerontology requires completion of just five courses (15 credits) and prepares professionals to administer services for adults. The program may lead to eligibility for licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator among other career options.

Attend An Open Open House House at at either either Attend An the Rockland or Westchester Campus the Rockland or Westchester Campus

Wednesday January 4, 2012 from-1:00 Thursday, October 13 â&#x20AC;˘ 4:00 7:00-7:00 p.m. p.m. Rockland: Call 845-450-5403 or e-mail rockland@liu.edu to reserve a seat Rockland: Call 845-450-5403 or e-mail rockland@liu.edu to reserve a seat Westchester: Call 914-831-2700 or e-mail westchester@liu.edu to reserve a seat Westchester: Call 914-831-2700 or e-mail westchester@liu.edu to reserve a seat This date and time are for both the Rockland and Westchester Graduate Centers.

Rockland: 70 Route 340, Orangeburg, NY 10962 Westchester: 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, New York 10577

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Westchester Medical center staff president and ceo michael d. i s r ael

• Customized Facials & Treatments • HydraFacial • Microdermabrasion • LED Photo Rejuvenation • Aromatherapy • Therapeutic Massage • Body Treatments • Manicures • Pedicures • Waxing • Electrolysis • Laser Hair Removal

chairMan, board of directors mark s. tuli s senior vice president, corporate coMMunications and fund developMent k ar a bennorth director, Media relations and photography david billig

director, coMMunity relations i s abel dichiar a director of coMMunications, Maria fareri children’s hospital at Westchester Medical center andrew l aguardia Manager, corporate coMMunications and Marketing mario d. smith photo/digital iMaging benjamin cot ten westchester medical center, Valhalla, N.Y. For general information, call 914.493.7000. Visit Westchester Medical Center online at westchestermedicalcenter.com.

linda rothschild pub li s her advertising

HydraFacial as seen on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and The Doctors NEW

Wishing you a

senior account executives loui se demmel, lynne starr

director, special prograMs l aur a a . dowden marketing & operations

Happy, Healthy & Beautiful Holiday Season

The Gift for All Seasons gift certificates available on-line phone orders welcomed

Jerrold C. Gendler, M.D. Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery offers • Botox ® • Restylane ® • Juvederm ® • Spider Veins • Complimentary Consultations

director of Marketing and advertising services thoma s r agus a sales and Marketing associate amanda thorogood Marketing assistant jacquelynn fi scher senior art director, agency services ki joo kim assistant controller agnes alves accounts receivable representative amanda albano

Manager, office services and inforMation technology catherine valentine

published by Wainscot Media

Bodicures

for the body, mind & spirit

c h a i r m a n carroll v. dowden

735 EAST BOSTON POST ROAD MAMARONECK, NY 10543

www.Bodicures.com 914-777-2873

p r e s i d e n t mark dowden s e n i o r v i c e p r e s i d e n t shannon steitz v i c e p r e s i d e n t s amy dowden, rita guarna

PLEASE VISIT US ON FACEBOOK AND WWW.BODICURES.COM FOR OUR HOLIDAY SPECIALS

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LOCALBUZZ LOCAL WESTCHESTER NEWS

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF ECOWRAP.COM. TOP RIGHT: SHUTTERSTOCK. CENTER: COURTESY OF THE YARD HOUSE

Wrap a gift in natural jute with the Eco Holiday Cabin Fringe Bag from ecowrap.com.

The BestDressed Present

Half the fun of giving a gift lies in the pretty presentation. But those brightly wrapped holiday packages can be eco-unfriendly. Wrapping paper is typically nonrecyclable because it’s dyed, laminated and often contains metallic coloring or glitter. So, how to give attractive gifts and still help save the planet? Try these ideas: Open gifts carefully so you can reuse bows, wrapping paper, gift bags and tissue. Instead of buying gift boxes, reuse shoe boxes and other boxes you have around the house. Consider wrapping or containers that are part of the gift: a scarf, beach towel, a mug, watering can, baby blanket, mixing bowl and so on. Buy squares of beautiful fabrics, cloth bags (check out ecowrap.com, bobowrap.com and wrapnatural. com) and cloth ribbons that can be reused each year. Purchase only wrapping paper and packaging made with mostly or entirely recycled paper. Gorgeous options abound online; check out olivepaper. com, nashvillewraps.com and snails pacepaper.com.

CALLING ALL SPA LOVERS!

What’s your favorite spa in Westchester County? E-mail liz.donovan@wainscot media.com and vote for the spa you think deserves the top spot in our Ultimate Spa Guide in the February issue.

REVIEWS

TIPS

TRENDS

THE KNITTY GRITTY Knitting can relieve stress, lower your heart rate and blood pressure, ease muscle tension and even help ward off dementia, studies show. But isn’t it hard to learn? Not at all, says Dina Schilsky, a “yarnista” at Sticks & Strings in Scarsdale. “Knitting looks more complicated than it truly is,” says Schilsky. “Classes are not necessary, but they are a fun and social way to learn. Most people start classes as a way to get help but come back because they’ve made friends.” And though knitting can be somewhat addictive itself, it also helps break habits that are bad for you. “When I quit smoking, knitting was what I turned to,” says Schilsky. “There is something absolutely therapeutic about focusing all your energy on a project.” For even more warm and fuzzy feelings, use your knitting skills to help those in need. Check out knit-a-square.com, which makes blankets for AIDS orphans in Africa. Or to help out closer to home, find organizations that will welcome your work by going to knittingforcharity.org and searching “New York.”

Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna at The Yard House

FLYING FINGERS 15 Main St. Tarr ytown 914.631.4113 HARTSDALE FABRICS 275 S. Central Ave. Hartsdale 914.428.7780 K ATONAH YARN 120 Bedford Rd. Katonah 914.977.3145 STICKS & STRINGS 45 Spencer Pl. Scarsdale 914.723.5478

NEW EATS

Three recently opened restaurants are creating a buzz on the Westchester dining scene: Northern Italian eatery Serafina (914.288. 9300, serafinarestaurant.com), which has five New York City locations, recently unfurled its trademark sunshine yellow awning in the heart of downtown White Plains. At the bright space lined with hand-painted frescoes, you’ll find more than 20 varieties of thin-crust pizza and about 20 homemade pasta dishes, many of which are offered in whole wheat, including the primavera pizza topped with garden veggies. Other healthy ingredients include grass-fed beef, organic chicken and locally grown organic vegetables. Gluten-free options are also available upon request. The Yard House (914.375.9273, yardhouse.com) chain of restaurants, known for its large selection of beer, is now offering its American fare in Yonkers. More than 130 items are available, including sweet-potato fries with creamed maple bacon dip, natural Angus pepper-crusted filet and soups, pizza, pasta, burgers and ribs. The restaurant has options for gluten-sensitive patrons and also offers a meatless menu that uses Gardein, a meat alternative made of soy, wheat, pea proteins, vegetables and grains. Siete Ocho Siete (914.636.1229, sieteochosiete.com) in New Rochelle takes its name from the 787 area code of the island that inspires its cuisine—Puerto Rico. There is plenty of space at the bar to enjoy Coquito, Puerto Rican eggnog, or sangria while listening to live music. Nosh on bocadillos (small bites) like Albondigon (Spanish meatballs in creole sauce) or order empanadillas, turnovers with vegetable, shrimp, chicken or beef filling. Diners will enjoy the tranquil view of Long Island Sound and a choice of healthy offerings, such as Salmon Reggaeton (grilled salmon with vegetables and mango sauce).

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DECEMBER 2011

11/28/11 5:03 PM

LOCAL BUZZ

Atlas Elektra 923 snowshoes ($160) are available at REI.

IT’S SNOW EXCUSE

Don’t blame that powdery precipitation for hindering your winter workout: Use it. “Showshoeing and cross-country skiing are great workouts for the winter,” says Shane Martin of REI in Yonkers (914.410.9500, rei.com). “In the winter months, most people stay inside and use snow as an excuse not to exercise, but with snowshoeing, all you need is six inches of snow and you are ready to work out. Anywhere you can walk, you can snowshoe.” And snowshoeing and cross-country skiing burn more calories in an hour than the same amount of time on a stationary bike or elliptical machine or an hour spent jogging. Conveniently, you can rent snowshoes for $40 a day (and $5 for subsequent days) at REI. For beginners, ailing athletes or for those looking for additional resistance, a trekking pole can enhance the workout. “I always recommend using poles,” says Martin. “It helps with balance because many people aren’t used to that extra weight on their feet.”

Are you getting enough vitamin D? Michael Holick, M.D., author of The Vitamin D Solution, estimates that up to 50 percent of Americans are at risk for a deficiency of this vital, versatile vitamin. “We now have a better understanding of the importance of vitamin D,” says Vicki Iannotti, M.D., Associate Chief of General Pediatrics at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. We know that D helps our bodies absorb calcium—essential for strong bones and teeth. Research suggests it also promotes skin healing and blood flow, helps control diabetes and helps alleviate seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual symptoms and mood swings, and may even lower one’s odds of cancer. The vitamin is also thought to improve immune-system function, decreasing your risk of catching a cold or the flu. The U.S. Government recently raised the recommended daily allowance of D from 200–400 international units (IUs) to 600— and some doctors suggest higher amounts. Sunshine gives us some of our vitamin D, and in fall and winter, when daylight hours are shorter, it’s especially important to make sure we’re getting a sufficient supply. “Some of our daily requirement of vitamin D can be obtained naturally through a healthful diet,” says Dr. Iannotti. “Milk, fortified cereals and orange juice, eggs and fatty fish—such as salmon, tuna and mackerel— are readily available sources. When reviewing a child’s diet with parents, I go over the individual’s consumption of vitamin D-rich foods. In some families, it is clear that a supplement is necessary; for others, their dietary intake provides enough.” If you’re concerned about your vitamin D level, check with your doctor, who may decide to check those levels as part of routine blood work.

SCARSDALE’S SPECIAL SWEETS How does a professor with a Ph.D. in social work turn into a successful vegan baker? For Jenny Bee’s Bakery (914.309.9532) founder Jennifer Underweiser of Scarsdale, it all began in 2005 when she was pregnant with her third child and became vegetarian. Five years later, inspired by a grandmother who baked almost every day, Underweiser committed to mastering vegan baking. “I was only successful once I threw out the cookbooks and started baking instinctively,” she says. Her best-sellers include red velvet cupcakes with vegan cream cheese, Oreo cupcakes, gluten-free lemon cupcakes and gluten-free chocolate-chip cookies, which Underweiser describes as “crispy on the edges and soft in the middle.” Jenny Bee’s baked goods can be purchased at Andy’s Pure Food in Rye, Bloomingdale’s restaurant in White Plains and Sweet & Social in Larchmont.

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TOP (2): SHUTTERSTOCK. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF JENNY BEE’S

WINTER’S WONDER PILL

11/23/11 4:08 PM

T HE W

Clue for identifying a store where you should buy wine:

Bottles are properly laying on their sides

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WINE & SPIRITS

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The Mother Puckers women’s ice hockey team

HOCKEY MOMS, REDEFINED That lady driving the car adorned with hockey decals? Don’t assume she’s a typical Westchester hockey mom. She might be a “Mother Pucker”—or a member of another amateur ice-hockey team for adult women in the tri-state area. There were more than 65,000 such female players registered with the group USA Hockey in 2011, a tenfold increase over 1990. “In the ’60s we asked our high school principal if we could form a girls’ hockey team,” says Mother Pucker Amy Kellogg, from White Plains. “He suggested a figure skating club!” Decades later, in 2000, Kellogg joined the Mother Puckers in the team’s inaugural year. “We were all beginners,” she recalls. “I started out using my husband and daughter’s hand-me-down equipment before buying my own.” Now the teammates range in age from 19 to 56, live throughout Westchester and include forward Terri Reid, who travels from Pawling to practice with the Mother Puckers at Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford. Says Reid: “This is the best group of positive women. It doesn’t matter if we win or lose; if we had a few laughs and did the best we could, we consider it a good game.” For more information, visit westchester.pucksystems.com/page/show/44936-hockey-clinics.

Z-“APP” STRESS ZWith the recently released app Stress Free with Deepak Chopra (deepakchopramobile. com), you can relax without the cost and time commitment of a yoga class or a massage. The $1.99 app, which is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, is a six-week interactive program coached by Chopra, an expert on mind–body healing. Stress Free includes interactive exercises, music therapy, meditations, questionnaires, personalized nutrition advice and yoga postures. Check out Chopra’s other apps that focus on meditation and yoga—and get inspirational tidbits with the free app Daily Gift.

STRESS-FIGHTING SUPERFOODS Did you know that ignoring signs of stress is a more dangerous risk factor for cancer and heart disease than either cigarette smoking or eating high-cholesterol foods? There are numerous steps you can take to reduce stress, including daily exercise and relaxation techniques. But the simplest way may actually be by eating! To combat stress, add these healthful foods to your diet. Packed with essential vitamins and nutrients (including stress-fighters), these delicious bites will fill you up without excess calories and leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Almonds Vitamins E and B Vitamin E strengthens the immune system and fights cellular damage from free radicals linked to chronic stress. B vitamins stabilize mood by stimulating production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends calming signals to the brain and fights anxiety. They also build up protective fat around brain cells, which gets depleted under stress. STRESS-FIGHTING NUTRIENTS HEALTH BENEFITS

Blueberries Vitamin C Vitamin C helps stabilize blood sugar, fight free radicals associated with stress and lower stress hormone levels. STRESS-FIGHTING NUTRIENT HEALTH BENEFITS

Eggs B Vitamins and L-Tryptophan With the help of B vitamins, L-Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, converts to serotonin, which improves mood and mental health, and melatonin, which aids in sleep. STRESS-FIGHTING NUTRIENTS

TOP: COURTESY OF MOTHER PUCKERS. BOTTOM (2): SHUTTERSTOCK

LOCAL BUZZ

HEALTH BENEFITS

Salmon, Mackerel, Herring, Lake Trout, Sardines and Albacore Tuna STRESS-FIGHTING NUTRIENTS Omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins HEALTH BENEFITS Omega-3 fatty acids prevent increases in stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline and help produce serotonin. (There’s also evidence that they may reduce depression.) Skim Milk Calcium Calcium alleviates tension and decreases muscle spasms. It may also lessen symptoms of PMS, including anxiety, mood swings and irritability. STRESS-FIGHTING NUTRIENT HEALTH BENEFITS

Spinach STRESS-FIGHTING NUTRIENT

Magnesium Magnesium stops blood pressure from rising and works to relax tense muscles. HEALTH BENEFITS

DECEMBER 2011

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WESTCHESTERHEALTHANDLIFE.COM

11/14/11 12:57 PM

in the NEWS DECEMBER 2011

AMERICA’S

100

BEST HOSPITALS CARDIAC SURGERY

THE ‘HOUSEHOLD THAT CHANGED A LIFE’ HAS FOUND A NEW WAY TO CONTINUE CHANGING LIVES Back in October 2008, an orthopedic surgical team from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center performed complex surgery on Ana Michele Solano Mora, a young orphan from Costa Rica who was stricken with cerebral palsy. The surgery, performed and led by pediatric orthopedic surgeon Damon Delbello, M.D., corrected severe contractures in Anita’s feet and legs that locked her joints and limited her ability to walk. The effort to bring Anita to the United States for the procedure was organized by Francine and Glenn Aber of Rye. They were alerted to Anita’s plight by their son Jared, who was in Costa Rica on a cross-cultural exchange program. The Abers’ generosity covered Anita and her guardian’s travel expenses to the United States and accommodations were made for them at the Aber family’s home. Well, the Abers have now found a new way for their home to impact children’s lives. Their current residence is now on the market for sale through Giving House, the organization that turns any real estate transaction—residential sales, purchases or rentals, as well as commercial sales or leasing—into a philanthropic endeavor. Giving House matches buyers and sellers with top real estate agents, who in turn donate a portion of their commissions to designated nonprofit organizations, such as the foundation that supports Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Susie Glasgall of Houlihan Lawrence is the generous listing agent for the Aber home. Giving House was launched only last year, and to date more than $16,000 has been donated to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Donations like these enable the hospital to provide the very best in advanced pediatric care and services. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home and would like more information on the Giving House program, please visit westchestermedicalcenter.com/givinghouse. There you can link to a gallery of Giving House homes, including the one owned by the Aber family.

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN!

Get ready ladies! Girls’ Night Out is set for Thursday, February 2, at the Doubletree Hotel. Last year, more than 300 women from around the region were filled with energy and enthusiasm when they attended the wildly outrageous, extremely hilarious and positively fun event. The all-inclusive ticket covers dinner, cocktails and a performance by comedienne Cory Kahaney. There will also be raffle prizes for exciting items. Proceeds from the event benefit Westchester Heart & Vascular at Westchester Medical Center. For more information and a link to register, visit westchestermedicalcenter.com/GNO or call 914.493.2575.

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WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER NAMED ONE OF AMERICA’S 100 BEST HOSPITALS FOR CARDIAC SURGERY BY HEALTHGRADES A recent report by HealthGrades, the nation’s most trusted independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, named Westchester Medical Center One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery and also gave the hospital a 5-star rating for many of its cardiovascular services. “Westchester Medical Center has long been known for its advanced inpatient cardiac services, from the latest advances in interventional cardiology to implantable ventricular assist devices (VADs) and heart transplants,” says Michael D. Israel, President and CEO of Westchester Medical Center. “Today, our cardiac catheterization labs continue to be among the busiest in the Northeast and our success rates in complex surgical cases parallel the best in the nation. In addition, the recent launch of Westchester Heart and Vascular, our new multi-specialty practice dedicated to providing comprehensive, highquality cardiac and vascular services, allows us to continue to be the regional resource for advanced cardiac care in Westchester County and in the entire Hudson Valley region.”

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ingoodhealth Medicine

t e c h n o lo g y

pat i e n t c ar e

How are they now? Four patien t s p r of il e d i n t h i s m a g a z i n e tell us what’s happened since their medical emergency

Hospitals see patients mostly at moments of crisis.

But what are their lives like once the medical danger has passed? With that question on our minds, we revisited four individuals or families whose stories we’ve told in past issues. Here’s how these former patients—now lifelong friends of Westchester Medical Center—are faring now: Jack Ruffles as a healthy toddler— and (left) as an infant in danger

Jack Ruffles, 3, Danbury, Conn.

David Holt, 65, Valley Cottage

Born in 2009 with a heart that was barely functioning due to oxygen deprivation, Jack Ruffles (“Cool, Baby,” Holiday 2009) was treated with a device called a Cool Cap while doctors in the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, led by Associate Director Lance A. Parton, M.D., worked to repair his heart. The cap circulates cold water around the patient’s head, which lowers the brain’s temperature, reducing its need for oxygen and thus the risk of brain damage. Although his chance of survival at first appeared to be 50-50, Jack made a remarkable recovery and was released from the hospital at 3 weeks old. Today, Jack is “doing great,” says his mother, Marisa Ruffles. At discharge, the biggest worry about him was the risk of some form of brain damage or developmental delay. “But he’s had no delays,” Ruffles says. “He’s very smart, very inquisitive.” Marisa, along with Jack’s father, Matthew, says Jack loves sports, animals and the outdoors—especially at his grandparents’ llama farm. “His job is to count the llamas, and he loves it,” she says. Jack needs no medication and no doctor visits other than his annual well-child exam. Marisa says she no longer thinks about his ordeal on a daily basis, but “every time he does something new or says something new, we remember it. Most people can’t believe how far he’s come. We are definitely grateful and lucky, and we don’t forget about that.”

This retired teacher and school administrator’s “Journey to a New Heart,” which we chronicled in August 2008, began with a massive heart attack and heart failure that left him with an estimated 8 percent chance of survival—and ended with a successful heart transplant performed by David Spielvogel, M.D., Program Director, Heart Transplantation. Holt is now an active participant in three important ventures: family, travel and spreading the word about heart transplantation. We reported that his daughter, Eden, was married at his hospital bedside because the family wasn’t sure he would live much longer. This past August, Eden and her husband, Michael Burkhardt, had twin boys—the Holts’ first grandchildren. “I thought that dancing with Eden at her wedding reception after I got out of the hospital was my life’s highlight,” Holt says. “But now the highlight is these grandkids.” Since his transplant, he and his wife, Stefany, have ventured to Alaska, Spain, Italy and France, but this summer they stayed in the continental U.S.—on Cape Cod—to be nearby for the babies’ birth. This November, however, the couple headed to Costa Rica, where David tried zip-lining. “Why not?” he says. “I had a heart transplant. This is nothing.” Holt now regularly speaks at high schools, colleges and adult groups, explaining organ donation and transplantation. “Volunteer work is how I pay things forward,” he says.

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David Holt in crisis (left)—and as a happy grandpa

IN GOOD HEALTH

Caitlin and Eric Hauser in 2009—and (right) today

Jason Early after his planecrash injury (left)—and recently, with his mom, Kathy

CAITLIN HAUSER, 10, AND ERIC HAUSER, 8, HARRIMAN

JASON EARLY, 25, PHILADELPHIA

These siblings, whose touching experience we reported in our February 2009 article “A Sister’s Precious Gift,” share a special bond: Because of a seriously compromised immune system, little Eric needed a bone-marrow transplant, and happily, his big sister, Caitlin, turned out to be a perfect medical match. The two siblings’ closeness showed when Eric developed double pneumonia three months after the transplant procedure. He was put in a medically induced coma while doctors treated the infection, which his body was too weak to fight off by itself. While he was in intensive care, Eric’s blood pressure was very high, reports the children’s mother, Christina Hauser. “But when Caitlin sat by his bed, stroked his arm and talked to him, his blood pressure came right down. We all watched it on the monitor—even the doctors couldn’t believe it. And when she left, his blood pressure went up again.” When Eric regained consciousness, Hauser says, “the first thing he asked was, ‘Where’s my sister?’” Since then, there have been no complications, and Eric is doing great. He still enjoys Thomas the Tank Engine. “Getting to play with his train is his motivation for doing his homework early,” his mom says. But his favorite person is Caitlin. “They bicker, like any normal brother and sister,” says Hauser. “But they need to be by each other’s side. When Caitlin left the house for a school function the other day, Eric was miserable without her. They are close beyond words.”

At age 21, Jason Early lost his father, 49-year-old Brian Early, in a November 2007 small-plane crash that also shattered his own legs. In “A Plane-Crash Victim Recovers” (Holiday 2009) we told the story of his treatment. After some 45 days of rehab following his discharge from the Medical Center, we said, he could walk normally, but couldn’t yet run or play basketball. Today Early says he is “not quite 100 percent back yet” but is pretty close. He had his final surgery in December 2010 to remove pins in his left leg. He is running and playing pickup basketball again, and he’s working out to strengthen his legs and his left hand, which was also injured in the crash. “I still have rods in both femurs, so no one knows how far back I can come, but I feel pretty good,” says Early, who is single and still works in financial services. Last year, Early and his mother, Kathy, and sister, Molly, set up the Brian H. Early Foundation to honor his late father. “It provides housing and support for patients and families who need to travel for medical care, as we did,” he says. “Fortunately, we had money. I was in the hospital for a month, and my mom stayed at a nearby hotel every night. We want to help people who can’t afford that.” The foundation had its first annual golf tournament the day after Father’s Day 2011, raising more than $120,000 in private donations. “I think about my ‘old man’ every day,” says Early, who also does motivational speaking. “I miss him.” Visit foundation/westchestermedicalcenter.com to obtain more information about philanthropic opportunities that support the Trauma Center that treated Early. —DAVID LEVINE

“WHEN CAITLIN SAT BY HER BROTHER’S BED, STROKED HIS ARM AND TALKED TO HIM, HIS BLOOD PRESSURE CAME RIGHT DOWN. WE ALL WATCHED IT ON THE MONITOR— EVEN THE DOCTORS COULDN’T BELIEVE IT.” SHUTTERSTOCK

— CHRISTINA HAUSER

GO TO WESTCHESTERMEDICALCENTER.COM/PUBLICATIONS TO READ THE ORIGINAL ISSUES OF WESTCHESTER HEALTH & LIFE IN WHICH THESE PATIENTS WERE FIRST FEATURED. TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER, CALL 877.WMC.DOCS OR VISIT WESTCHESTERMEDICALCENTER.COM. TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH A FRIEND OR TO RECOMMEND IT ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, VISIT WESTCHESTERHEALTHANDLIFE.COM.

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in good health

Fast action beats a stroke Two hospitals work together to save an unlikely victim of a “brain attack”

Bailey wasn’t someone you’d expect to have a stroke. The fact that this young, healthy, physically fit woman did suffer one proves that anyone can have such a “brain attack”—and acting quickly, as Bailey did, can mean the difference between a normal life and permanent disability or even death. At 32, Bailey is one of the youngest people Michael F. Stiefel, M.D., Director of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Surgery at Westchester Medical Center, has ever treated for stroke. She was also one of the most outwardly healthy. A teacher of deaf students employed by Bergen County Special Services, Bailey also led exercise classes at her local gym. She didn’t smoke, her weight was normal, she was physically fit and she had no family history of stroke—she seemingly had none of the risk factors that would predict such a traumatic event. Yet, around 4 a.m. on July 7, 2011, she awoke feeling strange. “My arm was tingling, like it was asleep,” Bailey says. “The next thing I knew, I was on the floor.” Bailey had fallen out of bed while trying to get up. Her boyfriend, Omar Olayan, heard her hit the floor and helped her up. Olayan, 41, a police officer with the Ramapo police department, tried massaging her arm but then noticed that the left side of her face had begun to droop. He called 911, and Bailey was rushed to Nyack Hospital. There she was given the anti-clotting drug tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which is the standard treatment for stroke. When administered within three hours of the onset of symptoms, the drug can often start to open the clot, return

december 2011

blood flow to the brain and greatly decrease brain damage. “But the drug doesn’t always work,” says Dr. Stiefel. “If the clot is in the wrong part of the brain, or if it’s too big, surgeons need to go in and manually remove it.” In Bailey’s case, the clot was in a part of her brain that tPA is less successful in treating. She was fortunate, though, that Westchester Medical Center wasn’t far away. That’s where stroke patients are sent if they require additional care. “By the time she got here, her symptoms hadn’t

right after her procedure, says bailey, “i could move my arm and leg again.” improved and it was clear she needed further intervention,” Dr. Stiefel says. That meant minimally invasive neurosurgery, which is more immediately effective than tPA treatment can be on its own. Much like an angiogram that is used to open blocked heart vessels, this procedure entails threading a thin catheter from the femoral artery in the leg up to the clogged brain artery. Once it was there, Dr. Stiefel injected additional tPA directly into the clot to loosen it, then broke it up with a surgical tool and suctioned the pieces out. Bailey began to improve immediately. “I could move my arm and leg again right away,” she says. By October, she regained much of her strength. “My left arm is still weak and running is still hard, but I do physical therapy and occupational

therapy twice a week, and it’s coming along.” She even began teaching again at her gym. “I can’t teach a whole class yet,” she says, but she hopes to return to full strength soon. Though Bailey appeared to be perfectly healthy, looking back she and Dr. Stiefel see possible reasons for her stroke. In 2009 she suffered a blood clot in her lung that may have been caused by birth control pills. She stopped taking those pills and went on the blood thinner Coumadin for a year, but then stopped taking that as well, per her doctor’s orders. Bailey also realizes that she may have suffered a “mini-stroke” the week before her stroke. “I had a bad headache and my vision blurred, but I disregarded it and it cleared up,” she says. Such mini-strokes, technically known as transient ischemic attacks or TIAs, are often precursors to a more serious attack. Lesson learned, she says: “If you feel something, take care of it. It might help prevent a major stroke.” That’s a valuable lesson for everyone, Dr. Stiefel agrees. “Anyone can have a stroke, and the best course of action is to get to your nearest stroke center to get tPA quickly. And if you need more advanced care, we’re here.” —D.l.

Michael F. Stiefel, M.D.

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Nanuet resident Jennifer

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in good health

know your risk For stroke some risk factors for stroke, such as being over age 55, being african american, being male, or having a family history of the disease, are beyond your control. but others can be controlled or treated, including: high blood pressure high cholesterol diabetes cigarette smoking obesity physical inactivity poor diet, including one with too much saturated fat and cholesterol taking birth control pills alcohol or drug abuse Sources: American Stroke Association and womenshealth.gov

westchester medical center also hosts stroke support groups covering various subtopics, such as recovering after a stroke, lifestyle changes and other coping skills. go to westchestermedicalcenter.com/calendar to learn more about these stroke support groups.

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Dr. stiefel discusses stroke treatment with patient Jennifer bailey.

FOr mOre INFOrmATION about the treatment oF stroke at westchester medical center, please call 877.Wmc.dOcS or visit WeSTcHeSTermedIcALceNTer.cOm/STrOKe. to share this article with a Friend or to recommend it on your Facebook page, visit WeSTcHeSTerHeALTHANdLIFe.cOm.

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in good health

A re tired te acher begins a ne w chapter of life with an a ssistive de vice—and a robust spirit This is a story about two pennies—one with a failing heart, and one that turned out to be a powerful motivating symbol. The first penny is Pennell (“Penny”) Gonzeles, a 73-year-old former nun and retired teacher who lives in Yorktown Heights. Her heart was failing, and the implantation of a mechanical assistive device saved her life. But it took the second penny to convince Gonzeles that her near-death experience could be a life-affirming journey. The story begins in 1994, when Gonzeles, complaining of fatigue and general weakness, was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, which literally means heart muscle disease. “Doctors think it may have been caused by a virus,” says Gonzeles, a widowed mother of one and grandmother of two. She went on medication and felt good for years, continuing to work in a New York City school district until she retired seven years later. “I retired because it was time, not because I was sick,” she says.

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But about a year ago, “I went downhill health-wise,” she recalls. She grew weak again, lost her appetite and, emotionally, found she had “no ambition.” In April, she passed out while picking up her car at a gas station. Her cardiologist diagnosed heart failure and sent her to Westchester Medical Center, where she came under the care of Alan L. Gass, M.D., Medical Director, Heart Failure, Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support. When Gonzeles arrived at the Medical Center on April 29, she was very sick. Her liver and kidneys were failing. “She was in what we call cardiogenic shock,” says Dr. Gass. “If she had waited much longer she would have died. She got here in the nick of time.” Because of her age and her other organ damage, she was not a candidate for a heart transplant. She was, however, an appropriate patient for a mechanical implant called a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD. (See “How an LVAD Works,” next page.) The

A permanent device to assist her heart helped put Pennell Gonzeles (shown here at a rehab center) back in the driver’s seat.

LVAD is most often used as a temporary “bridge” to keep transplant patients alive while they wait for a donor heart. But in older, sicker patients like Gonzeles, it is increasingly being employed as “destination” therapy—the best option for keeping a patient fully functioning for years of living. Dr. Gass and his colleagues have performed about 20 LVAD destination surgeries, but simply by coincidence they were all in men. Gonzeles became the first woman to undergo this treatment at Westchester Medical Center. Though the device promised to give her more time, Gonzeles had difficulty accepting her fate. “I had a hard time even praying when all this happened,” she says. While she was in the cardiac care unit awaiting surgery, nurses brought her a dinner tray. She was too weak and had no appetite, so she barely ate anything. But when the nurse came to remove the tray, Gonzeles saw something remarkable. “I noticed a shiny thing on the table,” she says. “It was a penny. It looked as

photos by jennifer l. gonzeles (2)

heart helper

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in good health

photos by JenniFer l. gonzeles (2)

if it had never been used. i know it was not there before dinner. i picked it up and it was new, a 2011 penny. i said, ‘this must be an omen.’” that small coin seemed like a sign from the universe. “From that moment on,” says gonzeles, “i knew things would be o.k.” she kept the penny, never telling anyone about it. her recovery after the surgery has been remarkable, says dr. gass. “on a scale of 1 to 10, she is an 11,” he reports. “i personally think that her faith helped her do so well.” when a nurse in the recovery unit told gonzeles of dr. gass’s own spiritual beliefs, she told him about the penny. “he said, ‘i wish you had told me that earlier. i would have worried less about you,’” she recalls.

lVAD patient pennell gonzeles with grandson cyrus, 15, and granddaughter Delancie, 3

today, gonzeles feels great. she has gained healthy weight, exercises regularly, is active in her church and enjoys being with her family. “my 3-yearold granddaughter helps me change the batteries” in her device, she says. her prognosis is excellent. “data show that the three-year survival rate with the ‘destination’ lvad is 75–80 percent, and we are now seeing many people live five years and beyond,” says dr. gass. “the device itself can last almost forever, but we are still learning the full scope of its capabilities.” dr. gass will be there to help penny gonzeles find out. she still sees him regularly for checkups. and on a recent visit, she gave him a present—a small velvet pouch with that 2011 one-cent coin inside. —d.l.

Alan l. gass, M.D.

how an lvad works a left ventricular assist device (lvad) helps the heart pump blood from the main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, to the rest of the body. it consists of three parts: a pump, weighing 1 to 2 pounds, which is placed in the belly if the implantation is permanent—or it may be used outside the body if the patient is awaiting a permanent pump or a heart transplant an electronic controller, a small computer that controls how the pump works two batteries, carried outside the body, which drive the pump under general anesthesia, the heart surgeon makes space for the pump under the skin and tissue in the upper part of the belly wall. one tube connects the pump to the heart. another tube connects the pump to the aorta or another major artery. a third tube passes through the skin to connect the pump to the controller and batteries. the lvad takes blood from the left ventricle to the pump, which in turn carefully meters the blood back out to an artery and through the body. Source: National Institutes of Health

FOr mOre INFOrmATION about services avail able at westchester medical center, please call 877.Wmc.dOcS or visit WeSTcHeSTermedIcALceNTer.cOm. to share this article with a Friend or to recommend it on your Facebook page, visit WeSTcHeSTerHeALTHANdLIFe.cOm.

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in good health rules For your children—and you

UnPLUG yoUr KIDS!

rachel busman, psy.d., suggests these concrete steps to keep electronic media from monopolizing your youngsters’ existence: No phones at dinner. keep the evening meal sacrosanct. that means everyone—including you— must turn off phones and have real conversations instead. No Internet after “lights out.” remove phones from the room and turn off the computer—and keep it off. Find time to talk. maybe it’s at the mall, or while unloading the dishwasher. but make sure you have at least a few minutes each day to converse directly with each child, with no electronic distractions. Finally, dr. busman also cautions parents to be good role models. “you can’t expect your kids to respect your rules about this if you’re always on your blackberry,” she says.

Today’s youngsTers inhabiT a mesmeriZing elecTronic world, buT They need To spend Time in The real one Too kids become self-sufficient by teaching them how to limit themselves.” yes, she says, your kids will be mad at you. “no child says, ‘please limit me,’” dr. busman says. “but too many parents have lost the sense that enforcing a structure for their kids is not only their prerogative, but also their responsibility. all kids do better when they know what parents expect and what will happen if they don’t comply. they look to us to set limits, even when they say they don’t like it.” —d.l.

rachel busman, psy.D.

FOr mOre INFOrmATION about the behavioral health center at westchester medical center, please visit WeSTcHeSTermedIcALceNTer.cOm/bHc. to share this article with a Friend or to recommend it on your Facebook page, visit WeSTcHeSTerHeALTHANdLIFe.cOm.

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don’t get enough, and kids who have devices in their bedrooms may stay up too late texting. “if they are overstimulated, they can’t settle down at night,” she says. Finally, overimmersion in the cyber world can set some kids up for cyberbullying, in which thoughtless or cruel classmates invade their privacy or post hurtful taunts or putdowns online. For all of these reasons, limiting time spent in the electronic world makes sense. indeed, some kids are mature enough to know when to say “enough.” “i have worked with high school girls who decided to withdraw from social media—not send so many texts or instant messages, because they felt there was too much drama,” says dr. busman. “but it’s much harder for younger teens and middle schoolers to self-regulate.” the solution: strong parenting. “you are allowed to use your authority,” she says. “don’t apologize for being a parent. plenty of research shows we help

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with cell phones, ipods, ipads, twitter and Facebook, kids and teens nowadays can easily fill every waking hour electronically “plugged in.” but you, as a parent, need to make sure they don’t, says psychologist rachel busman, psy.d., clinical director of the child and adolescent outpatient department at westchester medical center’s behavioral health center. mind you, she’s no zealot. “there’s nothing inherently wrong with kids listening to music, playing video games or texting friends,” dr. busman says. “but if they’re doing these things all the time, that can get in the way of family, exercise, fresh air, chores that build a sense of responsibility and the developmentally critical conﬁdence gained from socializing face-to-face.” “virtual reality” is a sedentary place to hang out, says dr. busman. “and we all know there’s a huge problem with childhood obesity.” then there’s the issue of sleep. it’s been shown that most teens

in good health

the GiFt oF siGht corneal TransplanTs can help children see The world Through new eyes there are nearly 40,000

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corneal transplants performed annually in the united states, but only 500 or so are done on children under the age of 6. gerald zaidman, m.d., director of ophthalmology for westchester medical center, performs nearly 10 percent of those transplants, making him one of the most sought-after specialists in the field. patients come to dr. zaidman from around the world—literally. he has treated childen from as far away as greece, Japan and south america. these youngsters and their families arrive at maria Fareri children’s hospital at westchester medical center with the hope that dr. zaidman can give them the gift of sight. two-thirds of pediatric corneal transplants are performed to correct birth defects, with the remaining cases caused by glaucoma or genetic conditions such as gerald zaidman, corneal dystroM.D. phy, a condition

that causes a layer of the cornea to cloud over, sometimes impairing vision. dr. zaidman says the earlier a child can be treated, the better the chances for long-term success. “if we can treat them as young as possible we can achieve signiﬁcant visual improvement. if we wait until the child is 2, 3 or 4, he or she may have a 50 to 60 percent chance of normal vision,” he says. when yolande clarke was told there were no doctors in her native barbados who could perform corneal transplants on her son demane, she asked who could. “our doctors told us about dr. zaidman,” she says. within weeks of demane’s birth, she brought him to maria Fareri children’s hospital. demane had peters anomaly, a condition that results in scars over the corneas. “where normally there’s a clear ‘window’ into the eye, in his case the scars obstructed vision,” dr. zaidman explains. demane needed corneal transplants in both eyes. he had his first surgery at maria Fareri children’s hospital on april 28 when he was just two months old, and his second operation was performed about six weeks later. “we very rarely operate on both eyes at the same

time,” dr. zaidman says, noting that doctors want to watch for complications in the ﬁrst eye before operating on the second. although the success rate for adult corneal transplants is greater than 90 percent, the rate for children is in the range of 65 to 85 percent. the difference can be attributed to one key factor: the inability of children—especially infants and toddlers—to effectively communicate if they are having problems after the surgery. that’s why dr. zaidman insists on seeing his patients 30 times over the course of four months following surgery. “we’ll see them twice a week, because if you can catch problems quickly, the child has a much greater chance of success.” demane and his mother stayed in the u.s. long enough to complete an intensive follow-up regime with dr. zaidman. today they are back in barbados, where clarke reports that demane is seeing his beautiful caribbean homeland for the first time. “he is doing very well,” says clarke. “he can see things and is very happy, and if you saw him you wouldn’t know he had the surgery. the doctors believe he will have normal sight. they took good care of my baby.”

FOr mOre INFOrmATION about the care avail able at westchester medical center, please call 877.Wmc.dOcS or visit WeSTcHeSTermedIcALceNTer.cOm. to share this article with a Friend or to recommend it on your Facebook page, visit WeSTcHeSTerHeALTHANdLIFe.cOm.

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LOCAL FASHION

OH NIGHT DIVINE PART Y-WORTHY PIECES FOR E VERY OCCASION

1 3 2

5 4 1 The fun and flirty pale gold metallic Georgie Clutch, $250, from Lauren Merkin will add interest to your look but won’t steal the show. Petticoat Lane, Bronxville, 914.337.0850. 2 Tory Burch’s Eddie Glitter Ballerina Flats in bronze, $198, are fun and comfortable—perfect for those playing hostess this winter. Shoe-Inn, Scarsdale, 914.725, 0570. 3 Ooh, la, la! The Brian Atwood Pazza Bis Sandals, $1,340, in python leopard with a sassy red ribbon are to die for! When you wear these heels, keep your clothing simple and let your shoes do the talking. Nordstrom, White Plains, 914.946.1122. 4 In need of a good old-fashioned cocktail dress? Look no further than Theia’s Crystal Beaded Strapless Dress, $1,995. It can be worn with your favorite boyfriend blazer, a black leather jacket or simply on its own, no jewelry needed. The Look, Rye Brook, 914.690.9100. 5 As ladylike looks rule the runway, now is the perfect time for your Mad Men moment. Finish off your chic ensemble with Oscar de la Renta’s silk-lined Hunter Fox Fur Stole, $1,650. saksfifthavenue.com. 6 The most fabulous cover-up this season is courtesy of Va Et Vien exclusively for BHLDN. The Snowdrift Jacket, $500, mixes the feel of sumptuous silk charmeuse with the comfort of a down vest and comes with a detachable jeweled brooch closure. bhldn.com. 7 Bold color is one of the season’s biggest trends. Diane von Furstenberg’s blue sequined Judith Dress, $1,600, will complement any skin tone. Neiman Marcus, White Plains, 914.428.2000. —ALLISON ANDERSON

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LOCAL JEWELRY

ROCK CANDY

DIAMOND JEWELRY TO INDULGE IN

1 Inside the sapphire crystal dome of this 18K rose gold Stars of Africa Ring, $6,950, brilliant white diamonds float in viscous liquid just like a snow globe. Royal Asscher will donate a portion of the proceeds to education, health and self-sufficiency programs in Sierra Leone, West Africa. D’errico Jewelers, Scarsdale, 914.722.1940. 2 Designer Paloma Picasso has translated elements of Venetian architecture into modern accessories. Her Venezia Pendants, worn together or separately, add playful sophistication to any outfit. 18K gold, $1,300; 18K gold with diamonds, $3,500; 18K gold with diamonds and blue enamel, $1,950. Tiffany & Co., White Plains, 914.686.5100. 3 Atelier Minyon’s Bullet Cufflinks, $7,200, lend attitude to schoolboy attire. They are 18K white and rose gold with 2.05 carats of diamonds. Works Gallery, New York, 212.996.0300. 4 Your new best friend? Michele’s rose gold Jetway Timepiece, $2,045. The mother-of-pearl dial is surrounded by 112 diamonds, and the two-tone stainless-steel bracelet is interchangeable with any 18 mm strap. Holsten Jewelers, Scarsdale, 914.472.4554. 5 Take a walk on the wild side with Roberto Coin’s Petite Animalier Scorpion Bangle, $14,800, in 18K rose gold with black and white diamonds. R&M Woodrow Jewelers, Rye, 914.967.0464. 6 Menswear is a big inspiration this fashion season, so soften your look with feminine Flower Earrings. The 18K yellow, rose and white gold complement soft shades of white, yellow and pink diamonds weighing approximately 7.95 ct. Price upon request. yanina-co.com. 7 The Hinged Bangle Bracelet, $13,950, is perfect for partygoers. A star of sapphires and diamonds pops against 18K textured white gold and blackened sterling silver. hamiltonjewelers.com. 8 The 18K white gold Square Ring, $6,736, is large and in charge! The decadent diamonds are 2.12ct. Landsberg Jewelers, Rye Brook, 914.510.8920. 9 Gorgeous Diamond Drop Earrings from Tacori’s Dantela collection, starting at $2,400, feature emerald-cut diamonds surrounded by smaller stones. Michael C. Fina, New York, 212.557.2500. —MEGHAN BASHAW

WESTCHESTER 2011

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CHECK OUT THE WORK OF ST YLE CONSULTANT MEGHAN BASHAW AT MEGHANBASHAW.COM.

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how do i know if i really need spinal surgery? Everyone is terrified of spinal surgery. But just because you make an appointment to see a spinal surgeon doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to need surgery. Consulting with a spinal surgeon can actually soothe your nerves. A spinal specialist will guide and educate you about the risks and benefits of surgery, assess the condition of your spine, and come up with a plan to keep a watchful eye on your pain. Dr. Kaushik Das, M.D., the Director of Spine Surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Westchester Medical Center, specializes in complex spinal disorders and craniovertebra disorders using minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques. He suggests that patients seek a consult with a spinal surgeon when physical therapy or chiropractic care can’t control the pain, or if arm or leg numbness—a sign of possible nerve compression which needs attention—does not improve over a short period of time. Dr. Das also highly recommends scheduling an imaging MRI, the most valuable tool for assessing your condition. Dr. Das, Board Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, performs over 200 surgeries every year. With extensive training in neurosurgery, Dr. Das is a graduate of SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine, completed his residency at the New York Medical College, and his fellowship from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. Over a decade in practice, Dr. Das knows how much patients appreciate the time he takes to listen to every concern and he will help you find the best option for your condition.

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11/28/11 4:06 PM

AT HOME

light it up THESE STYLISH FIREPLACES AND ACCESSORIES WILL KEEP THE FIRE BURNING A L L S E A S O N LONG 2

MORE LOCAL RESOURCES ENJOY YOUR HOME’S FIREPLACE 369 White Plains Post Rd. Eastchester 914.337.5301 enjoyyourhome.com

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1 Soften the look of a stark mantel or an empty hearth with this chic Golden Circles Fire Screen, $625, made of iron and finished in Italian gold; 51˝ W x 0.5˝ D x 32˝ H. Neiman Marcus, White Plains, 914.428.2000. 2 A purveyor of good style, John Lyle has created lighthearted Bulldog Andirons, lending wit to a usually utilitarian space. Shown in white bronze; 9˝ W x 15˝ H. To the trade at Holly Hunt, New York, 212.755.6555. 3 Try the wallmounted Sahara Fireplace, $500, for a simple and affordable way to update your space. Use a remote to control the thermostat for year-round comfort. The gunmetal finish and wide screen won’t go unnoticed; 39.5˝ W x 6.86˝ D x 27.63˝ H. Thomasville, Yonkers, 914.395.3994. 4 The durable Wood Carrier, $250, has reinforced side panels and double-stitched leather handles. dwr.com. 5 The Freestanding Malm Fireplace, starting at $1,600, has a modern aesthetic and, unlike traditional masonry, heats up rapidly. The wide mouth provides a panoramic view of the fire and allows heat to be distributed more efficiently throughout a room. It’s available in 10 different colors of porcelain or stainless steel. Coleman Distributors, Peekskill, 914.737.3073. 6 EcoSmart’s portable Cube Jr. Ethanol Fireplace, $2,795, uses plant-based bioethanol resulting in clean emissions, and its size (33.9˝ W x 17.7˝ D x 33.9˝ H) suits almost any interior space. Desiron, New York, 212.353.2600. 7 Enjoy your fire from multiple rooms with the Montebello See-Through Gas Fireplace, starting at $5,499. It can reside between two interior walls or, for a truly unique look, install the Montebello between an indoor wall and an exterior wall. The broad opening, fiber ember top and true-to-life logs make a bold statement even when the flame is off; 50.5˝ W x 27.44˝ D x 46.59˝ H. Fireplace Patio Shoppe, Eastchester, 914.337.5301. 8 Cozy up on your deck or patio next to the Laguna Concrete Propane Fire Table, $1,995, with ample tabletop space for serving. It is made with fibercast concrete that will develop a patina over time. Flames are surrounded by ¼˝-thick tempered glass, and the receptacle is filled with decorative lava rocks; 60˝ W x 42˝ D x 25˝ H. Restoration Hardware, White Plains, 914. 288.0475. —MEGHAN BASHAW CHECK OUT THE WORK OF ST YLE CONSULTANT MEGHAN BASHAW AT MEGHANBASHAW.COM.

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11/14/11 1:00 PM

CONSOLIDATED P L U M B I N G

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Treshamâ&#x201E;˘ Tresham gives a subtle twist to the tradition of classic Americana by introducing a modern eclectic sensibility to the designs. Endlessly playful, yet elegant, Tresham furniture, sinks, toilet and receptors invite you to live your life--with a twist. Visit our KOHLERÂŽ showroom to experience the new Tresham collection.

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OUR FAVORITE THINGS THESE UNUSUAL FINDS WILL DELIGHT THE SMART, CHIC, QUIRK Y AND CREATIVE FOLK ON YOUR LIST! BY NICOLE ESPOSITO POLLY

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1 The certified organic Bamboo Grow Pot, $20, from Potting Shed Creations puts fresh ingredients at the cook’s fingertips. Steins, Scarsdale, 914.722.1355. 2 Each of the teas in Teavana’s Shizuoka Collection Green Tea Gift Set, $80, comes beautifully wrapped in traditional Japanese origami paper. Teavana, White Plains, 914.328.3425. 3 Style meets function in the four-wheel, 22˝ Plume Polycarbonate Carry-On, $199, from Lipault. Its light weight makes maneuvering through airports easy. flight001.com. 4 The Spiffy Lumberjack Bifold Wallet, $38, from Jetsam is constructed from vintage plaid shirts and packaged in a box made from recycled paper. carryjetsam.com. 5 Those who love to entertain will enjoy Kim Seybert’s Holiday Ornament Napkin Rings—a whimsical addition to any place setting. $100 for a set of four. Neiman Marcus, White Plains, 914.428.2000. 6 Riders 16 and up can travel on Razor’s battery-powered EcoSmart Metro Electric Scooter, $400, which reaches speeds of up to 18 m.p.h. with no emissions. amazon.com. 7 Ideal for the conservationist, the Adopt-a-Polar Bear Gift Box, $39, from Gift Republic, enables the recipient to adopt a polar bear for 12 months, helping protect polar bears through a partnership with the nonprofit Polar Bears International. langtoninfo.com. 8 S’well’s double-insulated Stainless-Steel Wine Bottle, $40, keeps wine perfectly chilled, and 10 percent of all sales help provide clean water to poor communities in Africa and India. swellbottle.com. 9 Tiffany & Co.’s Satin Bracelet Bag in Chartreuse, $795, is lined in the store’s signature blue and adorned with a ball-chain handle— perfect for the hard-to-please fashionista. Tiffany & Co., White Plains, 914.686.5100. 10 Velvet Jingle Bell Collars, $5–$12, from Harry Barker stretch easily over your pet’s head, transforming a plain pooch into a hip hound. Pet Pantry Warehouse, Larchmont, 914.833.3444. 11 Music lovers and home decorators alike will fall for the Geneva Sound System Model S, $300. The sleek, sonorous PowerDock for iPod/iPhone is also a clock-radio. Crate & Barrel, White Plains, 914.682.0900. 12 Leave yourself colorful notes from the Writer’s Block Message Pad, $10, from Bob’s Your Uncle, boasting 550 pages of recycled paper. bobsyouruncle.com. 13 Organize keys and other accessories easily on the Bird On Branch Deluxe Wall Hook, $38, from These Creatures. thesecreatures.com.

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11/14/11 1:01 PM

whites

winter

this year, curb the urge to use those same old red and green holiday decorations. these entertaining ideas will help you break old habits and embrace a new palette written & styled By meredith mcbride kipp floral design by anne miller Âˇ Photography by roey yohai

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opener and this page, left: roey yohai for the little flower shoppe in ridgewood. right (2): shutterstock

Flanking doorways and the fireplace with preserved juniper trees will make a large room feel more intimate. Potted topiaries like these are a chic alternative to a traditional Christmas tree.

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

opener and this page, left: roey yohai for the little flower shoppe in ridgewood. right (2): shutterstock

Add dimension and a punch of color at each table setting with a sculptural piece of seasonal produce like an artichoke or pomegranate.

’T

is the season to be jolly, and setting the tone for such a sentiment is all about creating great atmosphere. When it comes to holiday decorating, the hardest part is staying away from the expected. Resist the temptation to use all of your saved decorations from years past. Instead, try something new: Pick a color palette and stick to it. What doesn’t fit the bill goes back to the attic or gets a fresh coat of paint. This year, think white. White is the epitome of modernity, elegance and balance. Mixing snow white with traces of green, black and silver is on trend and très chic. To bring greenery and life into your dining room, florist extraordinaire Anne Miller recommends hanging an over-

Coordinate your food with your color palette for added impact and elegance.

size wreath. Decorate it with items found in nature such as pinecones, acorns and berries to enchant guests. Flank the hearth and doorway with preserved juniper topiar y trees for an instant dose of warmth and intimacy. For your holiday table, choose crisp white linens and layer them with a wide, black ribbon or runner down the center of the table and across at each place setting. This will add dimension to the table and visually anchor each setting. When it comes to flatware, glassware and china, you don’t need to have the best; you just need to know how to use what you’ve got. Don’t be afraid to mix like-colored pieces—whites with off-whites, stainless steel with silver and mercury glass

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stationer do them for you. Place a menu on top of each napkin, then wrap the napkin and menu with ribbon or a paper strip that matches the invite (as pictured at right). Top it all off with a fresh artichoke to add unexpected texture, dimension and a punch of color. Lastly, make sure the lighting is just right—if you don’t have dimmers on your fixtures, just use candles (always unscented around food) aided by the glow from an illuminated room nearby. Cluster large mercury glass pieces and other silver objects together to bring a little sparkle to darker areas of the room. Carry elements of this onto your table by way of mercury glass votives and a few small silver objects, and you’ll have plenty of sparkle to go around during this festive season.

11/14/11 1:02 PM

top left: © Loupe Images/Sandra Lane. top right: © Loupe Images/Martin Brigdale. bottom right: shutterstock

or crystal with glass. Place your white china on a clear, silver or white charger—layering adds dimension to the table. To add sparkle, use clear glassware and stemware and mix styles to vary the height and look. For centerpieces, Miller says to keep the botanicals simple and seasonal. The velvety texture of Vendela roses and silvery grey Tilandisa is warm and wintry and helps create the mood for a luxurious cold-weather soiree. For an intimate dinner party, keep the arrangements under 12 inches high so as not to disrupt the festive repartee. Bring the black-and-white theme from your mailed invitation through to the place card and menu—it’s really chic and your guests will appreciate the detail. Keep the design simple and modern, and make things easy for yourself by having your local

this page and opposite (top center and bottom left): roey yohai for the little flower shoppe in ridgewood

Adorn the table with a few beautiful objects, like these antique silver pheasant salt and pepper shakers.

2 5

top left: © Loupe Images/Sandra Lane. top right: © Loupe Images/Martin Brigdale. bottom right: shutterstock

this page and opposite (top center and bottom left): roey yohai for the little flower shoppe in ridgewood

4 1 the little things

Something simple like a sachet full of lavender or a bag of homemade cookies makes a nice gift for your guests. Tie it off with a ribbon and an ornament and place it on their chairs.

vases to the florist and have him or her create arrangements that work for your table. If flowers are out of the budget, cluster like-colored objects of varying heights in the center of the table.

2 get centered

3 keep it coming

A dramatic flower arrangement is a great way to wow your guests. You can bring your own

Always keep your guests’ water and cocktail glasses filled—your service is very

to share this article with a friend, download a dinner playlist or get more floral tips from Anne Miller, go to westchesterhealthandlife.com/winterwhites.

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important and much appreciated. For great champagne and sparkling wine ideas, go to westchesterhealthandlife.com.

cards and menus to create a consistent theme.

4 put it on paper

Food, especially desserts, that you can prepare beforehand (or buy) will save you time. French macaroons are always an elegant supplement to your homemade desserts, and they come in a multitude of colors to fit any theme.

Despite the multitude of e-mail and Web-based invite options these days, it’s a nice gesture to send guests a printed invitation to your party. Use the same style in your place

5 easy does it

11/14/11 1:03 PM

younger?

Time to look Cosmetic procedures may help. Here, a host of surgical and less-invasive options

t’s easy to say you’d never consider plastic surgery—when you’re in your 20s. But as the years go by and you start to see the effects of time on your body, you may reconsider. After all, cosmetic procedures are more accepted today than ever before. “The amount of attention that’s been placed on plastic surgery in our society—along with the actors and people in the media who have had plastic surger y—has made it more mainstream,” says Tae Ho Kim, M.D., a plastic surgeon in private practice at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery in Tarrytown, and Chief of Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surger y at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. What’s more, due to technological advances, these procedures are more effective than they were in years past. So if you’re starting to consider what you might do to help yourself look and feel younger, here’s what 10 common procedures promise —and what they require.

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all photography by masterfile

By Rachel Rabkin Peachman

Laser Treatments Lasers can be used to treat skin pigmentation (sun damage, acne scars and age spots), spider veins and fine wrinkles, to tone and tighten loose skin or to remove hair. Laser technology is always changing, so a good surgeon should be well-versed in a variety of lasers, offering you the most appropriate one for your skin issue. In general, laser beams work by lightly burning the surface layer of your skin (the epidermis) and heating the deeper layer of your skin (the dermis). As the skin heals, it regenerates new collagen and skin that is smoother and younger-looking. Depending on the strength of the laser, it could take several days to two weeks before you’re ready to show your face again. Surgeon’s fee for full facial resurfacing:

$3,000 to $6,000 Surgeon’s fee for spot treatments: $1,000 to $3,000 Surgeon’s fee for hair removal per area: $1,000 to $3,000

Botox The injection of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) is one of the most popular noninvasive procedures used to reduce wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. Botox (and a newer brand called Dysport—known as Reloxin in Europe) paralyzes or “relaxes” wrinkle-causing muscles so that skin appears smoother, refreshed and more youthful. “It is very effective at minimizing wrinkles, but it has to been done every three to four months to maintain the effects,” says Dr. Kim. usually a discount to about $250 for each additional

last as long as newer fillers), or a poly-Llactic acid called Sculptra, which is used to add volume to large areas of the face. Sculptra requires two to three sessions, but it stimulates collagen production in your face and the effects can last two years, says Dr. Kim. Surgeon’s fee: $400

Surgeon’s fee: $500 to $550 per area. There is

all photography by masterfile

nonsurgical procedures...

area. (Some surgeons charge based on units. The aver-

to $800 per syringe (expect at least one to two syringes

age price is about $20 per unit. Expect at least 25 units.)

depending on your age and skin tone)

Fillers

Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion

There are a number of different injectable fillers used to smooth out facial wrinkles and plump up hollow areas of the face (or make lips bigger). A popular filler called hyaluronic acid (a.k.a. HA fillers) is a natural substance found in our bodies. Brand names include Juvéderm, Restylane and Perlane. Each of these HA fillers may be used at the corners of the mouth, in the lips, between the eyebrows and around the nasolabial folds (the area from the nose to the corner of the mouth). The fillers soften folds and create a more youthful appearance. Surgeons may also inject calcium-based fillers (one popular brand is Radiesse) or human fat to smooth out wrinkles. Results are quick and usually last between six and nine months; in some cases results can last up to a year. Less often, surgeons will use collagen (which doesn’t

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During a chemical peel of the face (which can be done by a doctor or an esthetician), an acidic, exfoliating solution is applied that removes the outer layers of skin. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, but it’s about a week before you see results. When the skin heals, it has a tighter, smoother look. In fact, peels can soften wrinkles, help treat acne and eliminate pigmentation such as age spots. Recovery time depends on the type of peel. A common peel called the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel “can cause major redness and gives the appearance of being badly sunburned,” says Candice Borner, an esthetician and massage therapist at Cherylyn Salon North in Armonk. The alpha hydroxy peels, which are the mildest peels, don’t penetrate the skin as deeply,

which means that the effects aren’t as dramatic as they are with the TCA peel, but you can expect to return to work in about a day. Milder peels may be repeated every two months, while stronger peels may be repeated every six to 12 months. They may be used in conjunction with microdermabrasion, a treatment that also exfoliates the skin, stimulates circulation and cell turnover, eliminates pigmentation and minimizes wrinkles. During microdermabrasion (which can be done by a doctor or an esthetician), the practitioner may use a device that sprays fine crystals onto the skin to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells, or a diamond-tipped wand that removes the outer layer of skin cells, says Borner. You will likely need a series of treatments. Recovery times after each session vary depending on your skin and on the intensity of the microdermabrasion, “but most people are able to go out in public within a day or two, providing they apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30, as the skin will be extra vulnerable to sun damage,” says Borner. Surgeon’s fee for chemical peel: $850 to $1,300 Esthetician’s

fee for chemical peel: $75 to $200 Surgeon’s fee for microdermabrasion: $300 to $400 Esthetician’s fee for microdermabrasion:

$100 to $200

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surgical procedures ... Face-lift When skin has aged and the soft tissue underneath the skin has fallen, people consider this surgical procedure to lift sagging areas around the neck, jaw, lips, cheeks and nose. Surgeons reposition and tighten the tissue under the skin for results that look more natural than the “windblown” face-lifts of years past. “We now have better approaches for face-lifts,” says Dr. Kim. “I’ve been doing more of a short-scar technique, which involves less extensive incisions at the scalp and around the ear, and it means a shorter recovery time.” A face-lift takes three to four hours to complete and is done under general anesthesia. The procedure may be accompanied by eyelid or eyebrow surgery. Thanks in part to special facial glues, most of the bruising and swelling post-operation should dissipate after about a week, and you will be ready to face the world—and go back to work—in about two weeks. Surgeon’s fee: $8,000 to $15,000

Breast augmentation and breast lift Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed surgical cosmetic procedure, and it’s often chosen by women who are looking to restore breast shape after pregnancy or minimize the signs of aging. During this surgery, done under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes incisions under the breast, near the areola or in the armpit in order to insert a saline or silicone implant. After breast augmentation surgery, strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks, but you can resume light activity after a week and return to work within a few days to a week. You may be instructed to wear a postoperative bra or compression garment. Women who are happy with the size of their breasts yet want to reduce sagging may opt for a breast lift—a surgical procedure, also done under general anesthesia, in which the surgeon makes incisions around the areola in order to remove excess skin and raise and tighten the breast tissue. Surgeon’s fee for breast augmentation:

$5,000 to $10,000. This does not include the cost of the implants, which can range from $300 to $1,000 per implant (saline is less expensive than silicone). Surgeon’s fee for breast lift: $8,000 to $12,000

Liposuction Liposuction is used to remove unwanted fat. But note that liposuction is not a weight-reduction procedure, says Dr. Kim. “We’re only contouring certain areas, we’re not taking away pounds,” he says. That’s because liposuction cannot remove fatty areas inside your body—surrounding your intestines, for instance. “Good areas for liposuction are those where fat is difficult to lose, such as love handles,” says Dr. Kim. And keep in mind that if you gain weight after the surgery, the fat will come back. “I encourage a healthy diet and exercise to complement the liposuction,” says Dr. Kim. Surgeons may use a variety of different liposuction methods depending on the area of the body. In the most common form of liposuction (called tumescent liposuction), tiny incisions are made into the fatty area, allowing the surgeon to inject a liquid solution that constricts blood vessels and reduces blood loss and bruising. Then the surgeon inserts a thin tube (called a cannula) that loosens the fat. Finally, that fat is suctioned out through the cannula. In some cases, after the liquid is injected, surgeons use power-assisted cannulas to break up the fat at a faster

rate before suctioning. In other instances, surgeons perform ultrasound-assisted liposuction (brand name: Vaser liposuction), a technique that liquefies the fat before it’s suctioned out. Or surgeons might use a method called laser-assisted liposuction (brand name: SmartLipo), which is another way to break up the fat before suctioning. You’ll want to talk with your surgeon about the best procedure for you. The surgery (done under general or local anesthesia) should take two to three hours. Expect discomfort and bruising for one to two weeks post-op, and note that you’ll need to wear a compression garment for a month or two following surgery. Surgeon’s fee: $4,000 to $6,000 for the first

area. There is often a reduced rate for each subsequent area in the range of $3,000 to $5,000.

Full tummy tuck With this procedure, you’re getting rid of loose skin in the entire stomach area and tightening the abdominal muscles. Women whose ab muscles never returned to their pre-pregnancy state are often good candidates for this procedure. Liposuction may be done at the same time if it’s desired. The surgery should take between

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11/14/11 1:04 PM

“the amount of at tention that’s been pl aced on pl astic surgery in our societ y has made it more mainstream.”

How

—tae ho kim, m.d.

to stay younglooking naturally

If you’re not quite ready to invest in a cosmetic procedure, here are other ways to keep your youthful glow.

take care Aim for eight hours of shut-eye each night. Sleep restores and repairs your entire body and gives you a refreshed appearance. Be sun safe. Sun damage causes wrinkles and age spots, so wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30—even during the winter—and don hats to keep your face shaded, says Borner. Eat healthy. “Maintaining a healthy diet helps your skin,” says Dr. Kim. So don’t forget to eat your fruits, veggies and whole grains. Also remember to drink about eight glasses of water each day to help keep your skin hydrated. Exercise. Keep your body toned and tight with regular workouts. kick butts. Smoking drastically affects the skin and leads to wrinkles, says Dr. Kim, so kick the habit. Get your beauty rest.

Makeup the difference

two-anda-half and three-and-a-half hours (additional procedures such as lipo will add more time on the operating table—and will cost more). After the operation, you will need to take it easy for about 10 days to two weeks, and some doctors recommend that you wear a compression garment. It’s helpful to start moving shortly after surgery to increase circulation, but you’ll need to discuss your level of activity with your surgeon so as to avoid going too far and undoing the effects of the surgery. Don’t expect to be doing any crunches or intense workouts for at least six to eight weeks post-op. Surgeon’s fee: $6,500 to $9,500

Mini tummy tuck If the upper portion of your abdomen is toned, and you are concerned only with the loose skin or fat below the belly button, you may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. This procedure

requires less operating time and less recovery time than a full tummy tuck. You may be able to resume normal physical activity in two weeks to a month. Surgeon’s fee: $3,500 to $5,500

Eyelid surgery During this procedure, surgeons remove excess, sagging skin (and sometimes fat) around the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both in order to give the eyes a rejuvenated, younger look. Depending on what you and your surgeon decide is best for you, this procedure may be accompanied by the insertion of fillers or by an eyebrow lift or face-lift.

Exfoliate. Consider using products (cleansers, toners or masks) made with alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid or lactic acid). These acids exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells, which can lead to the stimulation of collagen, a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and a more even skin tone. Use moisturizing products. Apply a noncomedogenic (one that doesn’t clog pores) moisturizing lotion to your face each morning and night after you wash to hydrate your skin. “The type of moisturizer you should use varies depending on your skin type, so ask your dermatologist, esthetician or someone at the makeup counter what might be a good product for your needs,” says Borner. Apply antioxidants. Skincare products that contain antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E, and retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A) help regenerate skin cells, stabilize free radicals and even out skin tone. Seek out anti-aging ingredients. Try products made by established brands that have growth factors (a.k.a. human proteins), which help nourish skin and reduce wrinkles, or look for pentapeptides (such as pal-KTTKS), which are composed of five amino acids that help renew the skin’s outer layer and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, creating healthier, younger-looking skin.

Surgeon’s fee: $4,000 to $8,000

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11/14/11 1:05 PM

power food

Spice Up the Season cinnamon, that aromatic, sweet spice that makes holiday dishes special, has myriad health benefits—and a surprising history

buy · store · grow

The spicy powder you sprinkle on your morning latte has a rich history spanning centuries. One of two varieties of cinnamon now available, ceylon (“true” cinnamon), was craved by Egyptians as early as 2000 B.C., when they imported the precious spice from its native Sri Lanka and used it to embalm dead pharaohs. Ancient Romans used ceylon as currency worth more than gold, paying tribute to the sun god Apollo by laying it in his temple as a gift. In medieval times, people appreciated ceylon for its more practical powers, such as treating sore throats and preserving meat. But this sweet treat also has a dark past: The Dutch, Portugese

powers Cinnamon packs a lot of healthy heat: These deceptively sweet sticks are high in fiber and nutrients like calcium and iron. Studies have shown the spice can relieve arthritic pain, combat E. coli bacteria and curb the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cells. People living with diabetes may find cinnamon especially powerful, as it has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. But beware: Cassia could cause liver irritation if you get too sprinkle-happy. Modern cooks are wise to do as the Romans did, using cinnamon as a food preservative.

RECIPE Mexican hot cocoa By Whole Foods Market Serves 2 Ingredients 4 tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder 4 tbs. sugar 2½ cups whole milk 3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped ½ vanilla bean, split ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg 2 cinnamon sticks Whipped cream Chocolate shavings (Use a vegetable peeler on a block of semisweet chocolate to make shavings.) Preparation Mix together cocoa powder and sugar. Heat milk in a medium saucepan over very low heat with vanilla bean, chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg and cocoa mixture. Whisk thoroughly until chocolate has melted and milk begins to simmer. Do not boil. Pour into two mugs and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

shutterstock

did you know?

and English enslaved natives on the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka’s former name) in efforts to monopolize production of ceylon and reap the pricey spice’s rewards. By the late 18th century, however, the Arab delicacy had begun to lose prominence with the emergence of cassia cinnamon as an acceptable substitute. As early as 2800 B.C., Chinese doctors used cassia to treat colds, the flu and digestive problems. While Europeans still prefer the citrusy taste of ceylon, Americans favor cassia, made from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia, an evergreen found throughout Asia.

Check the supermarket for ground cassia powder. Ceylon can be found in specialty spice stores and ethnic stores. Buy small quantities so the cinnamon doesn’t go stale and lose its flavor. To crush your own cinnamon from sticks, try using a coffee grinder. Both cinnamon powder and sticks are best stored in the cool darkness of your spice drawer. —Michele Corriston

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11/14/11 1:07 PM

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tastes Thumbprint Gems

These jam-filled thumbprint cookies are a safe alternative to store-bought snacks, and making the prints in the dough is a fun way for the kids to help! Ingredients

Thumbprint Gems

3 Tbs. water 1 Tbs. ground flaxseed meal 2¼ cups Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose gluten-free baking flour 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. xanthan gum ½ tsp. ground nutmeg ¼ tsp. ground allspice ¼ tsp. ground cloves 1 cup organic palm fruit oil shortening ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar ¾ cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½–¾ cup apricot or strawberry jam

Preparation

These treats are sure to be a sweet success The holiday season is full of classroom parties, cookie

exchanges and family gatherings all calling for tasty eats. But experts estimate as many as 15 million Americans have food allergies. To satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth without putting anyone in danger, try one of these gluten-, dairy-, egg-, soy- and nut-free recipes from the new book Allergy-Free Desserts by Elizabeth Gordon (John Wiley & Sons, $22.95).

december 2011

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Mint Patties

This quick and simple treat, similar to a York Peppermint Pattie, gives you a worry-free way to enjoy the smooth mixture of mint and a sweet candy coating. Ingredients 1 lb. confectioners’ sugar (sifted) 5 Tbs. organic palm fruit oil shortening 2½ tsp. peppermint extract ½ tsp. vanilla extract 6 Tbs. Lyle’s Golden Syrup 12 oz. gluten-, soy-, dairy-, egg- and nut-free semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation

Combine the sugar, 3 tablespoons of shortening, and the extracts. Add Lyle’s Golden Syrup and mix thoroughly. Scoop the dough in a tablespoon and roll into balls; place them on parchment paper and chill for 30 minutes.

Jason Wyche

Desserts

worry-free

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the water and flaxseed and let sit for three to five minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and powder, xanthan gum, salt and spices. Set aside. Cream the shortening and sugars. Add the flaxseed mixture, then continue beating, adding the vanilla extract. Combine with the dry ingredients then mix—the dough will be coarse. Roll tablespoonfuls of the dough into balls and place them two inches apart on parchment-covered baking sheets. Use your finger to create an indentation in the dough and fill with ½ teaspoon of jam. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, remove tray from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before removing the cookies.

westchesterHEALTHandLIFE.com

11/14/11 1:07 PM

Mint Patties

Buckeyes

Use the bottom of a glass to press the balls into quarter-inch patties and chill for another 30 minutes. Using a double boiler, stir the chocolate chips and remaining shortening until melted. Cool for 10 minutes. Dip the patties in the chocolate, completely coating them, and return to wax paper. Dry in the refrigerator for one hour before serving.

Buckeyes

This tasty variation of the traditional Ohio treat has all the flavor without any of the allergens. Buckeyes were originally made with peanut butter and chocolate; this alternative version harnesses the sweet flavor and similar consistency of marshmallow and buttercream frosting. Ingredients

Jason Wyche

2 cups vanilla buttercream frosting (see recipe at right) 2 Tbs. and 2 tsp. sunflower seed butter 24 oz. gluten-, soy-, dairy-, egg- and nut-free semisweet chocolate chips 2 Tbs. canola oil Confectioners’ sugar (for coating hands)

Preparation

Using a stand mixer, beat the frosting and

sunflower seed butter until light and fluffy, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Coat your hands in confectioners’ sugar and scoop tablespoons of the frosting, rolling them between your hands to create balls. On two baking sheets lined with parchment paper, refrigerate the balls for at least one hour or until solid. Melt the chocolate and oil in a double boiler and stir until smooth. After letting the chocolate cool for five minutes, use toothpicks to dip frosting balls in the chocolate until only a small circle is visible on top. Place back on the baking sheets and refrigerate until chocolate is hard and shiny. Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Ingredients 2 cups organic palm fruit oil shortening 2 cups marshmallow cream (see recipe at right) 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 Tbs. vanilla extract ½ tsp. salt

Preparation

In a stand mixer bowl, beat the marshmallow cream and shortening on medium-high for three minutes. Scrape

the sides of the bowl; add the sugar and salt and mix until it is light and fluffy. Blend in the vanilla until thoroughly combined. Marshmallow Cream Ingredients ½ cup cold water 3 packages unflavored gelatin 2 cups Lyle’s Golden Syrup 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1½ tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. salt

Preparation

Add the cold water to a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin into it. Let stand for five minutes, then add the Lyle’s Golden Syrup and heat on medium, stirring constantly, for about five minutes or until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into a stand mixer bowl and beat for three minutes on medium speed, then 12 minutes at medium-high speed. (It will become fluffy and very sticky, like commercial marshmallow cream.) Stir in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and salt until combined and beat on medium-high for two minutes; scrape the bowl and beat for an extra minute. —Maureen Scully

note Most ingredients are available at your local health-food store, Whole Foods or Wegmans. Check with the location nearest you for availability.

westchesterHEALTHandLIFE.com

_WCH1211_Tastes_03.indd 2

december 2011

11/14/11 1:08 PM

where toeat f i n e

fa m i ly

ARDSLEY

BRONXVILLE

ELIÁ TAVERNA Homemade Greek cuisine, 502 New Rochelle Rd., 914.663.4976

MEMPHIS MAE’S Authentic Southern BBQ and comfort food, 173 S. Riverside Ave., 914.271.0125

GIUSEPPE ITALIAN RESTAURANT Southern Italian cuisine and known for fresh homemade pasta, 698 Saw Mill River Rd., 914.693.9699

HAIKU ASIAN BISTRO Sushi and a variety of pan-Asian dishes, 56 Pondfield Rd., 914.337.5601

ÜMAMI CAFÉ Creative, eclectic cuisine, 325 S. Riverside Ave., 914.271.5555

PUMPERNICKEL RESTAURANT Pub-style American fare featuring locally brewed root beer, 925 Saw Mill River Rd., 914.479.5370

JAPAN INN Casual Japanese dining with outdoor seating in warm months, 28 Palmer Ave., 914.337.1296

THAI HOUSE Thai cuisine with vegetarian options, 466 Ashford Ave., 914.674.6633

J.C. FOGART Y’S Authentic Irish and American cuisine, 60 Kraft Ave., 914.337.1122

ARMONK

KRAFT BISTRO Varied cuisine with Afghan accents, 104 Kraft Ave., 914.337.4545

FIESTA MEXICO Authentic Mexican cuisine with Tex-Mex offerings, 468 Ashford Ave., 914.478.4672

MARC CHARLES STEAKHOUSE Steak house known for customizable steaks, 94 Business Park Dr., 914.273.2700 MODERNE BARN Casual and sophisticated American fare with global influences, 430 Bedford Rd., 914.730.0001 OPUS 465 Contemporar y American cuisine, 465 Main St., 914.273.4676

SAMMY’S DOWNTOWN BISTRO & BAR Neighborhood restaurant ser ving American and Continental cuisine, 124 Pondfield Rd., 914.337.3200 UNDERHILLS CROSSING Seasonal American Nouvelle cuisine with a French flair, 74.5 Pondfield Rd., 914.337.1200

CARMEL

DOBBS FERRY

THE COOKERY Fine Italian comfort food in a relaxed setting, 39 Chestnut St., 914.305.2336 HALF MOON Casual American restaurant, 1 High St., 914.693.4130 HARPER’S New American cuisine, 92 Main St., 914.693.2306 TOMATILLO Authentic Mexican fare featuring inseason local ingredients, 13 Cedar St., 914.478.2300

EASTCHESTER

JACKIE’S BISTRO Traditional French bistro fare, 434 White Plains Rd., 914.337.8447 PIPER’S KILT American pub food, 433 White Plains Rd., 914.779.5772

CUTILLO’S RESTAURANT An innovative EuropeanAmerican dining experience, 1196 Farmer’s Mills Rd., 845.225.8903

ELMSFORD

THAI GOLDEN Authentic Thai and Asian fare with a view of Lake Gleneida, 5 Seminar y Hill Rd., 845.225.2722

PETE’S SALOON & RESTAURANT Casual bar and eatery with live entertainment, 8 W. Main St., 914.592.9849

THE BARN AT BEDFORD POST Casual dining with brunch on the weekends, 954 Old Post Rd., 914.234.7800

VALENTINA’S Casual Italian dining, 4 Church St., 845.228.9655

GARRISON

BISTRO 22 American and French cuisine, 391 Old Post Rd., 914.234.7333

CRABTREE’S KITTLE HOUSE American fare with an expansive wine cellar, 11 Kittle Rd. (off Route 117), 914.666.8044

VALLEY RESTAURANT AT THE GARRISON Contemporary fine dining featuring American farmto-table cuisine, 2015 Route 9, 845.424.2339

GRAPPOLO LOCANDA Fine regional Italian cuisine, 76 King St., 914.238.5950

HARRISON

RESTAURANT NORTH Seasonal New American fare with locally sourced ingredients, 386 Main St., 914.273.8686 ROUTE 22 RESTAURANT & BAR American cuisine in a 1930s ambience, 55 Old Route 22, 914.765.0022

BEDFORD

FARMHOUSE AT BEDFORD POST Contemporar y American cuisine with seasonal ingredients, 954 Old Post Rd., 914.234.7800

BEDFORD HILLS

KICHO Japanese bistro featuring daily special sushi rolls, 352 N. Bedford Rd., 914.666.3332

CHAPPAQUA

LE JARDIN DU ROI French bistro-style dining, 95 King St., 914.238.1368

COLD SPRING

ICHI RIKI Japanese cuisine and sushi, 1 E. Main St., 914.592.2220

TAVERN AT HIGHLANDS COUNTRY CLUB New American dining, 955 Route 9D, 845.424.3254

EMILIO RISTORANTE Authentic regional Italian cuisine, 1 Colonial Pl., 914.835.3100 TRATTORIA VIVOLO Fine Italian dining, 301 Halstead Ave., 914.835.6199

MEETINGHOUSE FOOD AND SPIRITS Contemporar y American fare, 635 Old Post Rd., 914.234.5656

RIVERVIEW RESTAURANT Contemporar y American fare with seasonally inspired menus, 45 Fair St., 845.265.4778

BREWSTER

CORTL ANDT MANOR

AVERSANO’S Authentic southern Italian cuisine with take-out available, 1620 Route 22 North, 845.279.2233

LITTLE SORRENTO Homestyle Italian food, Parkside Pla za, 3565 Crompond Rd., 914.736.6767

BUFFET DE LA GARE Romantic French dining, 155 Southside Ave., 914.478.1671

CROSS RIVER

HARVEST ON HUDSON Mediterranean cuisine, 1 River St., 914.478.2800

BEDFORD VILL AGE

THE ARCH Fine International dining, 1292 Route 22 North, 845.279.5011

JAIPORE ROYAL INDIAN Fine Indian cuisine, 280 Route 22 North, 845.277.3549 RRACI’S RESTAURANT A blend of traditional and innovative Italian cuisine, 3670 Danbur y Rd., 845.278.6695

BRIARCLIFF MANOR

AMALFI RESTAURANT Homemade Italian fare, 1112 Pleasantville Rd., 914.762.9200 DOM AND VINNIE’S RESTAURANT Italian fare with daily specials, 1872 Pleasantville Rd., 914.945.7200 FLAMES STEAKHOUSE Classic American fine dining, 533 N. State Rd., 914.923.3100 GUADALAJARA Festive Mexican including favorites like fajitas, 2 Union St., 914.944.4380 TERRA RUSTICA Classic Italian cuisine featuring salads, pastas and seafood, 550 N. State Rd., 914.923.8300

c a s ua l

december 2011

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CORTLANDT COLONIAL RESTAURANT Traditional and New American cuisine, 714 Old Albany Post Rd., 914.739.3900

BACCIO TRATTORIA Casual Mediterranean cuisine, 12 N. Salem Rd., 914.763.2233 HAIKU ASIAN BISTRO Ser ves sushi and a variety of pan-Asian dishes, Cross River Pla za, the corner of Routes 35 and 121, 914.763.9120

CROTON FALLS

HARTSDALE

CAFFÉ AZZURRI Fine dining with eclectic menu and wine bar, 20 N. Central Ave., 914.358.5248 VEGA Classic Mexican cuisine in a contemporary setting, 187-189 E. Hartsdale Ave., 914.723.0010

HASTINGS-ON-HUDSON

JUNIPER Charming casual BYO ser ving New American cuisine, 575 Warburton Ave., 914.478.2542

HAWTHORNE

GASHO OF JAPAN Hibachi steak house, 6 Saw Mill River Rd., 914.592.5900

CROTON CREEK STEAKHOUSE and wine bar American bistro-style dining, 4 W. Cross St., 914.276.0437

TRAMONTO Classic as well as innovative Italian favorites, 27 Saw Mill River Rd., 914.347.8220

PRIMAVERA Regional Italian cuisine including fresh homemade pasta, 592 Route 22 North, 914.277.4580

CHUTNEY MASALA Indian bistro with dishes cooked in a tandoor clay oven, 4 W. Main St., 914.591.5500

OCEAN HOUSE New England–style seashore fare, 49 N. Riverside Ave., 914.271.0702

CROTON-ON-HUDSON

CRISTINA’S RISTORANTE Family-friendly Italian restaurant, 1 Baltic Pl., 914.271.2600

IRVINGTON

MIMA Home-cooked Italian fare with a wine bar, 63 Main St., 914.591.1300 RED HAT ON THE RIVER French bistro classics and seasonal American cuisine, 1 Bridge St., 914.591.5888

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where to eat JEFFERSON VALLEY

FRANKIE & AUGIE’Z Italian pizzeria with a traditional brick oven, 3673 Hill Blvd., 914.245.9241

KATONAH

Finest selection of contemporary European stoves, fireplaces, and grills

BLUE DOLPHIN RISTORANTE Fine Italian dining, 175 Katonah Ave., 914.232.4791

L AKE MAHOPAC

MARCO Eclectic New American fare, 612 Route 6, 845.621.1648

L ARCHMONT

GLOBE BAR & GRILL Seafood, pasta and steaks with a lively bar scene, 1879 Palmer Ave., 914.833.8600

Optifire

0-clearance fireplace

LUSARDI’S Authentic, fine Mediterranean cuisine, 1885 Palmer Ave., 914.834.5555 PLATES New American menu with Italian, French and Asian accents, 121 Myrtle Blvd., 914.834.1244

MAHOPAC

HOLY SMOKE High-quality barbecue with live music, 241 Route 6 North, 845.628.9795

MAMARONECK

HAIKU ASIAN BISTRO Ser ves sushi and a variety of pan-Asian dishes, 265 Mamaroneck Ave., 914.381.3200 LE PROVENÇAL BISTRO Mediterranean and French fare, 436 Mamaroneck Ave., 914.777.2324 ZITOUNE Festive Moroccan eater y, 1127 W. Boston Post Rd., 914.835.8350

MILLWOOD

SPACCARELLI’S RISTORANTE Italian eater y emphasizing Abruzzese cuisine, 238 Saw Mill River Rd., 914.941.0105

MONTROSE

INDIA HOUSE RESTAURANT Traditional Indian cuisine, 2089 Albany Post Rd., 914.736.0005

Wittus Inc. 914.764.5679

www.wittus.com

MOUNT KISCO

LEFTERIS GYRO II Casual Greek dining, 190 E. Main St., 914.242.8965 POUR CAFÉ & WINE BAR Boutique wines and spirits from around the world, cheese and tapas, 241 Main St., 914.864.0606

MOUNT VERNON

THE BAYOU Cajun cuisine with live blues and zydeco music, 580 Gramatan Ave., 914.668.2634 BUONA SERA Fine Italian fare in a Tuscan-style atmosphere, 546 Gramatan Ave., 914.665.9800 HOUSE OF SOUL Authentic Southern cuisine, 65 E. Prospect Ave., 914.663.7685

NEW ROCHELLE

DON COQUI Authentic Puerto Rican dishes, 115 Cedar St., 914.637.3737 CITY CHOW HOUSE Modern take on classic American comfort food, 1 Radisson Plaza, 914.576.4141 THE GNARLY VINE Tapas and wine bar, 501 E. Main St., 914.355.2541 LITTLE MEXICAN CAFE Authentic Mexican cuisine, 581 Main St., 914.636.3926 SPADARO Inspired Italian cuisine, 211 E. Main St., 914.235.4595

NORTH SALEM

VOX Contemporar y French and American cuisine, 721 Titicus Rd., 914.669.5450

NORTH WHITE PL AINS

MILONGA Argentinian/Italian-style tapas restaurant, 577 N. Broadway, 914.358.1444

OSSINING

BRASSERIE SWISS Authentic Swiss cuisine, 118 Croton Ave., 914.941.0319 WOBBLE CAFE Child-friendly American restaurant, 21 Campwoods Rd. #102, 914.762.3459

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where to eat peeKsKill

diVision street Grill healthy, robust food with a contemporary american flair, 26 n. division st., 914.739.6380 ZePhs’ global soul food, 638 central ave., 914.736.2159

pelham

Bistro rollin French bistro cuisine, 142 Fifth ave., 914.633.0780 la fontanella Fine northern italian cuisine, 115 wolf’s ln., 914.738.3008 lola’s tea hoUse comfortable spot for tea and lunch or dessert, 130 Fifth ave., 914.738.2100

pleasant ville

iron horse Grill contemporary american cuisine in an intimate setting, 20 wheeler ave., 914.741.0717

pocantico hills

BlUe hill at stone Barns local, seasonal cuisine using many ingredients from the restaurant’s own farm, 630 Bedford rd., 914.366.9600

port chester

nessa relaxed italian eatery, 325 n. main st., 914.939.0119 Q restaUrant & Bar authentic midwestern barbecue, 112 main st., 914.933.riBs the willett hoUse Fine steak house, 20 willett ave., 914.939.7500

pound ridge

dinardo’s authentic italian cuisine, 76 westchester ave., 914.764.4024 north star american-fusion cuisine with live music every thursday, 85 westchester ave., 914.764.0200

purdYs

the BlaZer clUB relaxed irish restaurant and pub known for its burgers, 440 route 22, 914.277.4424

rYe

franKie & Johnnie’s traditional steak house with an extensive wine list, 77 purchase st., 914.925.3900 la PanetiÈre contemporary French cuisine, 530 milton rd., 914.967.8140

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION. Stick to your Health Goal. Lose Weight. Results with Personal Trainer Norma La Vecchia at

Mproved Fitness. 76 Main Street Tuckahoe, NY. Call for an appointment

914-525-2741

whitBY castle american cuisine, 330 Boston post rd., 914.777.2053

scarsdale

the 808 Bistro italian fusion fare and a full bar, 808 scarsdale ave., 914.722.0808 chat american Grill steaks, seafood and sandwiches, 1 christie pl., 914.722.4000 meritaGe new american cuisine in a chic, manhattan-style setting, 1505 weaver st., 914.472.8484 ZaZa traditional italian fare, 753 central ave., 914.472.4005

shruB oaK

BanGKoK sPice Fine thai and asian cuisine, 1161 e. main st., 914.245.3690

sleepY hollow

BridGe View taVern comforting pub fare, 226 Beekman ave., 914.332.0078 t YrYnda thai thai cuisine in a soothing atmosphere, 128 cortlandt st., 914.524.5003 wasaBi casual Japanese restaurant featuring sushi, sashimi and hot dishes, 279 n. Broadway, 914.332.7788

somers

il forno traditional italian trattoria using fresh, local ingredients, 343 route 202, 914.277.7575 lUce northern italian fare with pasta, seafood, veal and chicken, 252 route 100, 914.232.8080

“wh

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where to eat traditions 118 gourmet american fare with italian influences, 11 old tomahawk st., 914.248.7200

south salem

one twent Y three italian, american and mediterranean cuisine, 407 smith ridge rd., 914.533.2570

PennyPincher ESTABLISHED 1985

THE ULTIMATE

CONSIGNMENT DESTINATION

le chÂteaU classic French dishes in a tudor mansion, at the corner of routes 35 and 123, 914.533.6631

tarrY town

eQUUs restaUrant French fare ser ved at castle on the hudson, 400 Benedict ave., 914.631.3646

New Winter Items Arriving Daily

lefteris GYro casual greek eater y, 1 n. Broadway, 914.524.9687

Designer clothing, shoes, handbags, FURS, estate jewelry, quality antiques, and decorative home accessories.

sweet Grass Grill creative local fare, 24 w. main st., 914.631.0000

thornwood

aBis JaPanese restaUrant traditional Japanese cuisine and steak house hibachi, 14 marble ave., 914.741.5100

Visit our 6,000 sq. ft. retail space and see why the Penny Pincher redefines Consignment!

JohnnY’s Bar & Grill a variety of american favorites, 665 commerce st., 914.773.5982

tucK ahoe

an american Bistro Bright eater y featuring quesadillas, lamb and chicken, 296 columbus ave., 914.793.0807

valhall a

mUGhal Palace indian cuisine with the addition of muglai cuisine, which fuses indian and middle eastern elements, 16 Broadway, 914.997.6090

west harrison

aQUario seafood and Bra zilian and portuguese cuisine, 141 e. lake st., 914.287.0220

184 Harris Road, Bedford Hills, NY | www.pennypincherconsignment.com | 914-241-2134 | Open 7 Days

white pl ains

aBerdeen authentic chinese fare ser ved in a casual setting, 3 Barker ave., 914.288.0188 asian temPtation modern Japanese and asian cuisine, 23 mamaroneck ave., 914.328.5151 BlUe asian-influenced american fare featuring osso bucco, 99 church st., 914.220.0000 cit Y limits diner traditional american diner with an eclectic menu, 200 central ave., 914.686.9000

Happy SPAlidays • SPArty! Plan the most memorable office or family holiday party at Oasis, or we can come to you!

craVe Bar & Grill american bistro with sunday brunch, 324 central ave., 914.684.8855 emma’s ale hoUse traditional irish pub fare, 68 gedney way, 914.683.3662 42 elegant american eater y, 1 renaissance sq., 914.761.4242 the meltinG Pot Fondue restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, 30 mamaroneck ave., 914.993.6358

A WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE PRODUCTION

• The 25 Days of Oasis Sale: a different special gift every day, for everyone on your list

morton’s outpost of the chicago-based steak house, 9 maple ave., 914.683.6101 mUlino’s traditional northern italian cuisine, 99 court st., 914.761.1818 sUshi nanse traditional sushi dining, 522 mamaroneck ave., 914.285.5351

YonKers

franK PePe tile-oven pizzeria with authentic italian dishes, 1955 central park ave., 914.961.8284 X2o XaViars on the hUdson eclectic fare with a vibrant lounge, 71 water grant st., 914.965.1111 ZUPPa innovative italian with homemade pasta, 59 main st., 914.376.6500

YorKtown

Peter Pratt’s inn new american fare in a rustic setting, 673 croton heights rd., 914.962.4090

YorKtown heights

mUrPhY’s casual pub grub with classic irish dishes, 355 Kear st., 914.962.1800

For our complete list oF dining options, visit the “where to eat” section oF westchesterhealthandlife.com.

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Oasis Westchester 50 Livingstone Ave. Dobbs Ferry, NY Saw Mill River Pkwy. Exit 16, above NYSC & Starbucks 914.409.1900

Oasis on Park 1 Park Ave. Between 32nd & 33rd St. 212.254.7722

Oasis at the Affinia Dumont Hotel 150 E. 34th St. Between Lexington & 3rd Ave. 212.545.5254

oasiswestchester.com oasisdayspanyc.com

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thingstodo d e c e m b e r

ja n ua ry

Catch "New York, New York!" through December 31.

Locust Grove estate for A Holiday Hunt. Children will navigate a Nutcracker-themed scavenger hunt through the historic mansion, which is decorated for the season. Next, they will return to the Museum Pavilion for cookies, cider and performances of popular holiday stories. Tickets: $10 (adults), $8 (children). Visit lgny.org for details.

DEC 11, JAN 29 Let

your children’s imagination run wild at The Great Westchester Toy and Train Show, the largest show of its kind in the Northeast, held at the Westchester County Center in White

december 2011

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DEC 16–18 Glee and

High School Musical fans will savor the Sleepy Hollow Per forming Artists’ production of NYC: A Teenage Winter Dream, at the Irvington Town Hall Theatre, 7:30 p.m. (Fri., Sat.) and 2:30 p.m. (Sun.). Set on New York’s Upper East Side and featuring current and classic holiday music, this original piece follows young teenagers in love for a holiday per formance appropriate for the whole family. Tickets: $18 . For details, go to ir vingtontheater.com.

THROUGH DEC 31 Enjoy the best of the big city without the crowds. The Katonah Museum of Art’s exhibition New York, New York! the 20th century features paintings, sculptures and photographs that showcase New York City. To learn more, visit katonah museum.org or call 914.232.9555.

DEC 28–JAN 29 Can

phonetics professor Henry Higgins

turn a Cockney-tongued flower girl into a lady who lunches? Find out during the Westchester Broadway Theatre’s production of My Fair Lady in Elmsford. This classic musical, based on the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, features such hits as “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.” Tickets: $80 and up (includes a meal). Call 914.592.2222 or go to broadwaytheatre.com to order tickets.

JAN 22 Make a New Year’s

resolution to get a mind–body makeover at Yoga Bootcamp at Westchester Yoga Arts, 8–9:30 a.m. This class will feature poses intended to tone and firm, combined with stretches and meditation. The workshop will kick off a 12-week series, and participants who complete at least 10 classes earn a $35 gift certificate to the studio. Visit westchesteryogaarts.com.

Send event listings to: Westchester Health & Life, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; or reach us by e-mail at thingstodo@wain scotmedia.com. Listings must be received two months in advance of the event and must include a phone number that will be published.

westchesterHEALTHandLIFE.com

11/28/11 4:52 PM

shutterstock

DEC 11, 18 Visit the

Plains, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit westchester toytrain.com for more information.

DEC 10–18

New York Theatre Ballet will perform the timehonored story of Clara Silberhaus and her beloved nutcracker prince in The Nutcracker at Florence Gould Hall in New York City. This production is only an hour long, designed for children ages 3 to 10. Tickets: $25–$35 (adults), $20–$30 (children under 12). For more information, including times, visit nytb.org.

THINGSTODO AT WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER SPECIAL EVENTS

Go to westchestermedicalcenter.com/ events to learn more about our events for 2012. GIRLS' NIGHT OUT February 2, 7 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, Tarrytown Get ready, ladies! Last year more than 300 women from around the region were filled with energy and enthusiasm when they attended this wildly outrageous, extremely hilarious and positively fun event. The all-inclusive $100 ticket covers dinner, cocktails and a per formance by comedienne Cory Kahaney. Proceeds from the event benefit Westchester Heart & Vascular at Westchester Medical Center. For more information, visit westchestermedicalcenter.com/ GNO or call 914.493.2575. "GO THE DISTANCE" KICKOFF BREAKFAST February 11, 9:30 a.m. Patients, families, friends and supporters of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center will kick

off the annual “Go the Distance” walk and family fun day at a breakfast where guests will learn team building and fundraising strategies. This is a fun, energetic morning for the whole family, and kids are welcome! Guests will also be the first to meet the newly designated “Go the Distance” Grand Marshal as he or she is announced at this breakfast gathering. Call 914.493.2575 or visit westchestermedicalcenter.com/walk for more information.

LEARNING FOR LIFE

Learning for Life is Westchester Medical Center’s series of free educational seminars on topics relating to your health. For additional information or to register, visit westchestermedicalcenter.com or call 877.WMC.DOCS. WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY SEMINARS December 8, January 12 and 26, 4:30 p.m., Conference Center, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. If you are overweight, you may be a candi-

date for bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. Join expert bariatric surgeons for an informative presentation about the latest minimally invasive surgical weight-loss procedures.

SUPPORT GROUPS HEPATITIS C SUPPORT GROUP Meets every other Wednesday, 6–8 p.m., in the Cedarwood Hall Conference Room on the first floor. Call 914.493.7641. HOSPITAL SUPPORT GROUP Meets every Wednesday, 2–3 p.m., 6 South Patient Lounge. Call 914.493.1151. LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS For information about the group, call the Behavioral Health Center Outpatient Department at 914.493.2621. STROKE SUPPORT GROUP Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 6–7:30 p.m. Call 914.493.1573.

SHUTTERSTOCK

Grab your girls & head to Tarrytown's DoubleTree for a night of fun, laughter and food February 2nd.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THE EVENTS ON THIS PAGE, VISIT WESTCHESTERMEDICALCENTER.COM. TO SHARE THIS ITEM WITH A FRIEND OR TO RECOMMEND IT ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, VISIT WESTCHESTERHEALTHANDLIFE.COM.

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escapes

Ge t ting there

clockwise from top left: the Lodge living

Twin Farms 452 Royalton Tpk. Barnard, Vt. 802.234.9999, twinfarms.com Driving time: 4 to 5 hours

room; In the Treehouse, wooden parrots stand guard atop the spiral posts of the ebonized bed; the back of the Main House

dreamscape Leave this world and enter a place of dream-inspiring tranquility with a visit to Twin Farms resort in Barnard, Vermont. Named the best small hotel in the U.S. by Zagat in 2010, it’s worth the drive. As you pass through quintessential Vermont landscape where small farmhouses dot snowy fields, you see a preview of what’s to come in your near-private getaway. Upon arrival, guests are personally welcomed by staff and given a short tour of the property. The main house (circa 1795) is rich in history, having been owned and occupied by Nobel Prize–winning writer Sinclair Lewis and his wife, journalist Dorothy Thompson. They’re considered the “twin spirits of Twin Farms,” and their artistry is honored with contemplative landscaping and bold combinations of art and architecture found throughout the several free-standing properties located on 300 acres of woods and meadows. Your most difficult task in planning a visit to Twin Farms will be deciding which accommodations most delight your senses. Within the Main House, there are four suites decorated by the late Jed Johnson to complement the traditional New England architecture. Toile drapery, quilt-covered feather beds and thick, hand-made rugs laid on original pine boards create a warm, relaxed atmosphere. If traditional décor

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isn’t your cup of tea, look beyond the Main House to the Lodge (with two suites) or the Farmhouse at Copper Hill (with four). For a truly private experience, reserve one of the 10 “cottages.” During my visit, I stayed in the modern Studio, complete with cathedral ceiling, original artwork by Frank Stella, lofted sleeping space with views into the woods and a giant copper tub, good for an afternoon soak after skiing one of the six private downhill runs. For those looking for more winter fun, the resort maintains a 100´ x 50´ ice rink. Ice skates are kept warm for guests, and steaming hot mugs of cocoa and treats from the pastry chef are just a request away. An outdoor fire warms your mittens as you enjoy a drink with friends. In case you’ve forgotten you’re at Twin Farms to relax, visit the “Out of the Woods” spa. The “Ultimate Body Treatment” offers a full hour and 45 minutes of other-worldly relaxation and includes body exfoliation, a hydrotherapy session, a deep-sea body wrap and a refreshing massage. (Guests may also request spa services within their accommodations.) Nearby is the free-standing Furo, a Japanese-style, 104-degree indoor soaking pool. Make sure to reserve a time in the Furo in advance of your stay. New England Culinary Institute–trained chef Ted Ask’s “farm to table” philosophy

means meals at Twin Farms are fresh, innovative and local. At breakfast, ask your server for the soufflé pancakes. During lunch, enjoy farm-fresh salads with unique wine pairings. In the evening, cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m., with dinner served promptly at 8 in the dining room located within the Main House. Expect to enjoy hearty handmade breads, Vermont butters and cheeses and exquisite main courses at once unexpected and familiar. The roasted beef strip with horseradish whipped fingerling potatoes is truly enjoyable. If you feel like staying in, dinner will arrive en suite picnic-style, complete with table setting, paired wine selection, breads, salad and main course. And don’t forget dessert—the hazelnut brown-butter cake with chocolate ganache, poached white figs and orange drizzle is the perfect winter’s eve ending. With the exception of breakfast, meals are predetermined by the chef. Because Twin Farms always aims to please, you’ll be asked your culinary preferences prior to your stay so that what’s served is tailored to your liking. In every way, Twin Farms strives to accommodate guests. The resort’s easy hospitality, serene location and inspiring architecture make for a reverie-like getaway—and right away you’ll be dreaming of your next visit. —Carole Soule

to see more photos of twin farms and to plan your trip, go to westchesterhealthandlife.com.

photos courtesy of Twin Farms

E n j oy lo w- k e y lu x u r y i n t h e V e r m o n t h i l ls

11/14/11 1:08 PM

About 25 PERCENt oF thE PowER usEd iN NEw YoRk CitY ANd wEstChEstER, with ViRtuALLY No EMissioNs. Now thAt’s RiGht FoR NEw YoRk. You have a right to know that about a quarter of the electricity in New York City and Westchester is generated by the Indian Point Energy Center, with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions, and at lower cost than other sources in the region. Indian Point’s operations are constantly reviewed by independent experts at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). We’re also among the most thoroughly reviewed nuclear energy facilities in the U.S. Indian Point has invested over a billion dollars to upgrade and strengthen all our operations in recent years. We have layers upon layers of safety and security systems, so there are back-ups to the back-ups. Every day, we plan and train to expect the unexpected. An equivalent gas-fired power plant would emit millions of tons of pollutants a year into the air we breathe. And the independent experts in charge of New York’s electric grid have said that the city could face rolling blackouts throughout the New York area without Indian Point. All of us have a right to know why Indian Point is Right For New York.

RightForNewYork.com

Indian Point Energy Center

WE’RE RIGHT FOR NEW YORK

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Every day our customers share their experiences of better sleep, less stress and overall improved well being thanks to the Natural Frequency Technology inside every Philip Stein watch. Share your experience at www.philipstein.com

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