Yearly Archives: 2022

Ask the Vet: Exploring strokes in pets

by Matthew Kearns - May 25, 2022

0 637

By Matthew Kearns, DVM

Can a dog or cat have a stroke? That is an interesting question. In humans, strokes are the third most common cause of death (after heart disease and cancer). In dogs and cats, strokes (also known as cerebrovascular accidents) are much less common but do happen. Just as in humans, a vascular accident occurs as the result of a emboli (blood clot) or bleeding.

Circumstances that could cause a cerebrovascular accident are: conditions that could lead to a hypercoagulable state, conditions that could cause bleeding in the brain, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the vessel), or conditions that cause systemic hypertension. Hypercoagulable states include: Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), immune mediated hemolytic anemia, sepsis, cancer and some others. Conditions that cause bleeding include: trauma, certain infections, congenital malformations of blood vessels in the brain, tumors, etc. Lastly, hypertension can be caused by kidney failure, heart conditions, etc.

Depending on the portion of the brain affected, the symptoms will follow. The cerebral cortex is an area where higher functions take place so we would see a decreased alertness, weakness, circling, head pressing in corners, and possible seizures. The thalmus or midbrain would affect balance and eye movement. The cerebellum controls movement so a lesion there would lead to hypermetric (jerky) movement, slowed reflexes and generalized weakness.

The best way to diagnose what type of cerebrovascular accident is with either a CT scan, or an MRI. This is tricky because there is limited availability for these tests, they are expensive, and require general anesthesia. Sometimes the patient is not stable enough for anesthesia. Most times a workup to include bloodwork, x-rays, and sometimes ultrasound will help to rule in or out concurrent diseases to help with a prognosis and to see if a CT/MRI is safe to perform or would make a difference in treatment.

Treatment usually includes supportive care (fluids, oxygen, antibiotics if indicated, etc), as well as treating any underlying/concurrent disease. Medications to prevent additional bleeding or emboli are also used. Physical therapy is performed but many times by the owners after the patient is discharged due to expense.

Prognosis depends on the area of the brain that is affected and how severe the event was. The good news is that symptoms did not usually worsen after 24-48 hours (for those pets that lived that long) so, if your pet is not too severely affected and does not worsen after the first 24-48 hours they have a chance of a longer survival period.

In conclusion, pets do have strokes. On the positive side, strokes are much less common in pets than humans. On the negative side, strokes are usually secondary to serious underlying disease which affects the short and long-term prognosis.

Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine.

Local doctors offer suggestions amid baby formula shortage

by Daniel Dunaief - May 25, 2022

0 351

The national shortage of baby formula is creating health-related problems for newborns, while increasing anxiety for parents.

Stony Brook Medicine’s Dr. Jill Cioffi provides tips for parents searching for baby formula during the shortage. Photo from Stony Brook Medicine/ Jeanne Neville

Stony Brook University Hospital has seen patients in its primary care offices after formula changes, as parents indicate that infants have had reflux, vomiting, spitting up and loose stools and blood or mucus in their stools, according to Dr. Jill Cioffi, medical director of Ambulatory Primary Care Pediatrics at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

“This situation is difficult for all parents,” Cioffi explained in an email. “They are already experiencing the stress of caring for a newborn, adding food insecurity to this will only increase their stress and worry.”

Nationally, some hospitals are reporting that infants are coming to Emergency Departments due to lack of nutrition and dehydration. Thus far, Stony Brook has not seen such cases in its Emergency Department.

Stony Brook, however, said residents have been anxious over a crisis that has affected parents and their children in Suffolk County.

Indeed, some desperate parents have taken measures that have created discomfort and illness for their children.

Parents are watering down formula, searching for ways to make their own formula or switching to cow’s milk too early, Cioffi explained.

None of these efforts is medically safe and could lead to electrolyte and caloric problems for children, she continued.

Stony Brook recommends attempting to breastfeed newborns, continuing to breastfeed infants who have already started breastfeeding, finding substitute formulas, without sticking to a particular brand, and transitioning to whole milk at 11 months or older.

For babies over nine months old, toddler’s formula is an option, but not a permanent solution until newborns are over 11 months old.

Parents with infants on specialized formula should reach out to their pediatricians to navigate their choices, Cioffi added.

Cioffi said she has heard that stores are still getting regular shipments of formula. Some of those stores have limited how much each family can buy at one time to decrease the chance that families purchase more than they need, leaving other parents with fewer options, leaving other parents with fewer options.

With news that shipments are coming in from Europe, Cioffi explained that she is hoping that health professions will receive instructions on how to help their patients obtain these supplies.

Cioffi urged parents to follow guidelines from the American Academy of pediatrics:

— Don’t dilute formula.

— Only purchase formula from reputable sources. Buying formula in parking lots of any place that doesn’t seem legitimate could be problematic because this food could either be expired or part of a recall, she explained.

— Don’t try to find a recipe to make formula. Stony Brook recommends whole cow’s milk only for children who are 11 months of age and older.

— Don’t give your child alternative milk products. Cioffi suggested avoiding almond or other plant milks because they are low in protein and minerals.

— Don’t give your baby toddler formula. Such food is not recommended for infants. Children close to a year old may tolerate it, if parents have no other choices.

— Check the shelf life of baby formula in stores.

Cioffi added that some children are not on regular milk-based formula for medical reasons.

“It’s those parents who are going to need medical help finding adequate solutions,” she added.

Setauket’s Kara Hahn suspends congressional campaign

by Rita J. Egan - May 24, 2022

0 438

Kara-Hahn-congress-announcement_060221_ritajegan — Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn formally announced her bid for Congress at a June 2 event at the Three Village Inn. Photo by Rita J. Egan

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) suspended her campaign to run for Congress. She made the announcement in an email to supporters May 22.

Hahn told TBR News Media it wasn’t an easy decision. “But, I am confident it is the right one,” she said. “Too much is at stake now, this is bigger than me.”

Hahn announced her bid to run for New York’s 1st Congressional District in June last year. The former deputy presiding officer of the county Legislature was set to run against fellow Suffolk Legislator Bridget Fleming (D-Noyac) in a primary for the Democratic nomination. U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R) has held the seat since 2015. The congressman is currently campaigning for this year’s Republican nomination for New York State governor.

In the May 22 email, Hahn said she will be uniting behind Fleming.

“I may no longer be on the ballot, but I will not be on the sidelines,” Hahn said. “Our democracy and most fundamental rights are all at stake. In order to combat the dark forces that threaten these values, unity is extremely important right now. In that spirit, I look forward to getting back on the trail and I hope you will join me in support of Democrats up and down the ballot.”

Fleming filed her Certificate of Designation on May 23, according to her office. She is currently the only Democratic candidate in the congressional district.

In thanking Hahn “for running a great race,” in a statement Fleming said, “Kara has been a model public servant with an extraordinary work ethic and commitment to bettering the lives of Long Islanders. I look forward to continuing to work with her in the county Legislature.”

Due to changes in certain districts, some primaries, including the ones for Congress, will be held Aug. 23, which Hahn felt would leave Democrats divided too close to the November elections. Suffolk County Democratic Committee chairman Rich Schaffer, in a statement, said the committee appreciated Hahn’s “hard fought campaign” and decision.

“Kara has a great future, and we look forward to her continuing to serve the residents of Suffolk County,” he said. “Toward that end, with the primary moving back, we appreciate that Kara has put her own interests aside and chose for unity, backing Bridget Fleming in her race for Congress. There is no time for interparty fighting and we’re all ready to get behind Bridget to ensure she is the next representative for the 1st Congressional District.”

Hahn won her sixth term as county legislator last November. This will be her last two-year term in the Suffolk County Legislature due to term limits.

Post updated May 25 to include comments from Rich Schaffer.

Commack woman killed by hit-and-run driver

by TBR Staff - May 24, 2022

0 1743

Suffolk County Police Major Case Unit detectives are investigating a hit-and-run crash that killed a female pedestrian in Hauppauge last night.

A motor vehicle, believed to be a sedan, was traveling eastbound on Motor Parkway when it collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Moreland Road, left the roadway, and struck Cherokee Fletcher, 28, of Commack, standing on the sidewalk at approximately 10:15 p.m. The vehicle then fled the scene eastbound on Motor Parkway.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

Ward Melville Patriots punch ticket to county finals

by Bill Landon - May 23, 2022

0 1217

1 of 22

It was Ward Melville senior Courtney Quinn’s goal in the opening minutes of the second half that gave the Patriots their first lead of the game over William Floyd in the Suffolk class AA semi-finals at home May 21.

Kate Spinks’ shot split the pipes two minutes later for the insurance goal followed by Grace Balocca who stretched the net to put the Patriots out front, 8-5. Floyd threatened with 15 minutes left to trail by one before the Patriots slammed the door rattling off four goals to win it 12-7. Quinn had two goals and two assists, Grace Balocca found the back of the cage three times as did Kate Spinks and Ava Simonton had an assist and two goals in the win. Ava Carrillo had six saves in net.

Ward Melville, the No. 2, seed faced Northport, the No. 1 seed, for the Suffolk championship game Wednesday, May 25. Results were not available at press time.

Stony Brook University celebrates the Class of 2022

by Rita J. Egan - May 23, 2022

0 1307

1 of 24

More than 7,600 Stony Brook University students filed into Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium to take part in the 2022 Degree Commencement Celebration ceremony Friday, May 20.

The students were part of one of the largest graduating classes in the university’s 65-year history. They were awarded a combined 7,610 degrees and certificate completions. The Class of 2022 included students from 68 countries and 45 states, and the students ranged from 19 to 71. In addition to the in-person event, it was live streamed.

During the ceremony, film director Todd Haynes received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree. Over the past four decades, he has taken part in several films and television projects as a film director, screenwriter and producer. He has won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival for his work on “Poison,” an American science fiction drama horror film that he also wrote. Haynes is a longtime friend of Christine Vachon, founder of Stony Brook’s MFA in Film, and has collaborated often with her and guest lectured to students in the program.

Haynes had advice for the graduates.

“I just wanted to acknowledge the remarkable teachers in my life, who I feel gave to me the tools to engage with a history and a culture that contained all the contradictions and many of the challenges that we confront today, that you guys confront today,” he said. “They helped me feel inspired to engage with those challenges, not to retreat or even impose my own solutions, but to dig deeper, to raise questions and respond to them in my own way, which is what I have the unique privilege of doing as a filmmaker. I wish for every student here today those kinds of openness, those kinds of tools as you guys all step out into this wild world. You deserve to feel as optimistic and inspired as I did at your age and know that you embody all our very best hopes and finest dreams.”

Among the speakers at the event were SBU President Maurie McInnis, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and student speaker for the Class of 2022 Ahmed Syed, a biology major. During his speech, Syed told his fellow SBU students about his parents who moved to the U.S. from India when they were in their 30s. Syed’s three brothers also graduated from SBU, and his older sibling, who is now a doctor in Florida, was the student speaker when he graduated from the university.

“Stony Brook wasn’t just a college our family went to, it’s been our legacy,” Syed said. “Understand that my parents came here with nothing and now all four of their sons are college graduates. Not just four college graduates, but four Seawolves. This is nothing more than a testament to what Stony Brook stands for.”

After acknowledging exceptional students in the graduating class, McInnis had praise for all the members who she said inspired her and others.

“As you join Stony Brook’s more than 200,000 alumni across the globe, I hope you’ll stay connected to this unique and passionate community,” the university president said. “I hope you’ll continue to see Stony Brook as a second home, one that celebrates all you accomplish, strengthens your critical perspectives and supports your most ambitious endeavors.”

She quoted Jackson Pollock who once said, “Each age finds its own technique.”

“With the Class of 2022, it is very clear to me that your technique is to maintain a truly creative and collaborative spirit that will be your path forward,” McInnis said. “I know you will move together as individuals with a sense of discovery, ambition, innovation and artistry. Stony Brook University is incredibly proud of all you have achieved here — and all you will go on to create.”

Man seriously injured after falling from hotel balcony in Hauppauge

by TBR Staff - May 23, 2022

0 1645

SCPD-Police-Car-phone-w — Suffolk County police car. File photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating after a man fell from a hotel balcony and was seriously injured early this morning.

Alexander Keating was on the balcony of a room on the ninth floor at the Hyatt Regency Long Island, located at 1717 Motor Parkway, when he fell over the railing at approximately 12:45 a.m.

Keating, 24, of South Amboy, New Jersey, was taken via Central Islip Ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital where he is in critical condition.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Fourth Squad detectives at 631-854-8452.

Winner’s Circle exhibition heads to Gallery North May 26

by Heidi Sutton - May 23, 2022

0 394

By Heidi Sutton

The Winner’s Circle. It is a title only associated with the best of the best. And now the best of the best will be showcased at Gallery North’s latest exhibition celebrating the award-winning artists of the 2021 Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival and the 2020 Carmela Kolman Fellowship program. The show opens on May 26 with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m.

Ned Puchner, Executive Director at Gallery North, is excited to introduce the exhibit. “The Winner’s Circle exhibition is a crucial part of how Gallery North promotes local artists and celebrates the artistic excellence within our region. Each one of these artists possesses an outstanding talent and should be acknowledged for the amazing work they contribute to our creative community,” he said.

The exhibition features over 50 works of art from recipients of the Best in Show award and best in categories including wood craft, fiber art, glass art, jewelry, painting, photography, and pottery from the Festival which took place last September. “Each artist submitted a selection of 10 to 15 examples of their work for our Curator, Kate Schwarting, to consider for our show at Gallery North,” said Puchner.

The 2021 festival judges, including Karen Levitov, Director and Curator of the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery at the Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University; Lorraine Walsh, Art Director of the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics at Stony Brook University; and contemporary artist, Nancy Bueti-Randall evaluated over 90 exhibitors to present the 13 available awards. “They were given a herculean task and did an outstanding job,” said Puchner.

“Each artist was evaluated for the excellence of their work, as well as how their approach transcended the specifics of their chosen medium to present works that conveyed the artist’s passion for what they do,” he explained.

The Winner’s Circle includes artists Chloe Wang (Best in Show); Scott Hartman (Outstanding Work on Paper-Watercolor); William Low (Outstanding Painting in Oil and Acrylic); Gail Applebaum/Studio 2 Productions (Outstanding Glass Art); Michael Josiah (Outstanding Wood Craft); Bebe Federmann (Outstanding Ceramics and Pottery); Jessica Randall (Outstanding Jewelry); Madison Muehl (Outstanding Photography); Kate Ackerman (Outstanding Fiber Art); Cassandra Voulo, Eric Giles, Marlene Weinstein (Honorable Mentions), and Carmela Kolman Fellow, Meagan Flaherty.

The Carmela Kolman Fellowship in Fine Art Program recognizes one exceptional artist annually who embodies the character and creativity of Carmela Kolman, an outstanding artist and member of the Gallery North community.

“There is a wealth of artistic talent in our Winner’s Circle exhibition,” said Puchner, “from the superb jewelry of Jessica Randall, to the breathtaking pottery of Bebe Federmann and Eric Giles’ fascinating, offbeat sculpture, to Chloe Wang’s jewel-like paintings. Having a reputation as one of Long Island’s longest, continuously-running art festivals, the Outdoor Art Show and Music Festival is really unique for the ways in which it attracts excellent artists across every medium from all over Suffolk and Nassau County. And Gallery North has done the Festival for over 55 years! Please join us for this wonderful exhibition and support your creative community!”

Gallery North is located at 90 North Country Road in Setauket. Generously sponsored by Jefferson’s Ferry, bld Architecture, and Suffolk County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning, The Winner’s Circle will be on view from May 26 to July 3 from Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. All works in the exhibition are for sale.

For more information, please call 631-751-2676 or visit www.gallerynorth.org.

The American Cancer Society relaunches Road To Recovery program on Long Island

by Press Release - May 22, 2022

0 422

Volunteers needed to drive cancer patients to treatment

After pausing the Road To Recovery program due to public health concerns during the pandemic, the American Cancer Society is relaunching the volunteer driver program. To ensure Long Islanders get to their cancer care, volunteers are needed to help provide free rides to treatment.

Volunteer drivers donate their time and can provide as few or as many rides as they want each month. After the application and DMV screening, drivers are required to certify that they are fully vaccinated and will continue to maintain that status during their service to the program. All volunteer drivers must participate in a short training, have a good driving record, a current and valid driver’s license, proof of adequate automobile insurance, access to a safe and reliable vehicle, can schedule their availability online, and internet access. For more information or to volunteer visit cancer.org/drive or call 1.800.227.2345.

“For some cancer patients getting to and from treatment can be their biggest roadblock,” said Patti Lestrange Mack, Communications Director with the American Cancer Society. “In some instances, patients cannot drive themselves for medical reasons, others may lack the resources or a network of family and friends who can give them a lift. Volunteering as a Road To Recovery driver is a flexible way to support a critical need for cancer patients in our community.”

The American Cancer Society takes safety seriously and has implemented new guidelines to minimize COVID-19 risks to patients and volunteer drivers plus enhanced technology that will provide a better patient and volunteer experience. A new mobile-friendly website will make it easier for volunteer drivers to view and accept ride requests. Patients can access the program either through the mobile-friendly website or an app that will allow them to submit ride requests and see real time notifications. Patients who lack access to technology or who prefer to connect via phone can still call 1-800-227-2345 to schedule rides to treatment.

Miguel Melendez, an American Cancer Society volunteer, has provided rides to patients from his hometown of Baldwin, as well as further distances in Queens and throughout Suffolk County. “As an active retiree, I find it so rewarding to help cancer patients by giving them a lift,” stated Melendez. “I can choose to give one ride once a month, or more if my schedule allows and I always feel great about helping someone.”

According to Lestrange Mack, the American Cancer Society estimates 118,830 New Yorkers will be diagnosed with cancer in 2022.

To learn more about volunteering for the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program, visit cancer.org/drive. If you are a cancer patient needing transportation assistance, contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

Recipe with video: Pina Colada Sweetpotato Ice Pops

by TBR Staff - May 22, 2022

0 946

Sweeten Up Summer with a Frozen, Fruity Snack

(Family Features) Whether you spend your summer afternoons sitting by the pool, splashing in the shallow end or just soaking up the sun’s rays, part of the fun is beating the heat with a cool, refreshing snack. Heading to the freezer for a fruity ice pop can transport you from your own backyard to a tropical island, and the experience can be even more rewarding when the tasty treat is homemade.

Cool down after fun in the sun with these kid-friendly Pina Colada Sweetpotato Ice Pops, a tropical-inspired dessert made with coconut cream, sweetpotatoes, fresh pineapple, lime juice and honey.

Sure to please kids and adults alike, they’re a better-for-you option when a cold snack calls your name. As a “diabetes superfood,” according to the American Diabetes Association, sweetpotatoes provide a main ingredient that’s rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber along with a “sweet” flavor without the added sugar.

The ease of this summer snack means kids can help in the kitchen, and while you wait for the sweet concoction to freeze, you can share this fun fact with them: The one-word spelling of “sweetpotato” was adopted by the National Sweetpotato Collaborators in 1989 in an effort to avoid confusion with the potato and yam among shippers, distributors, warehouse workers and consumers. To add to the fun facts, a sweetpotato is not even botanically related to a white potato; they are two entirely different species from one another.

Visit ncsweetpotatoes.com to find more delicious summer recipe ideas.

Pina Colada Sweetpotato Ice Pops

Prep time: 5 minutes

Freeze time: 3-4 hours

Yield: 8 small ice pops

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut cream

3/4 cup mashed and cooked sweetpotato

3/4 cup diced pineapple

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon lime juice

coconut flakes (optional)

Directions:

In food processor or high-speed blender, mix coconut cream, sweetpotato, pineapple, honey and lime juice. Transfer batter to freezer molds.

Place in freezer 3-4 hours. Top with coconut flakes, if desired.

Prev 1...171172173...273 Next

Page 172 of 273