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From left, Judith Jedlicka, Caregivers Center Founder; Amy Loeb, EdD, MBA, RN, Peconic Bay Medical Center Executive Director; Tim Hubbard, Riverhead Town Councilman; Tara Anglim, Tara Anglim, LCSW-R, ACHP-SW, Assoc. Exec. Director of Culture & Experience Peconic Bay Medical Center. Photo by Jim Lennon
Over 60 family caregivers attended the event

Peconic Bay Medical Center’s (PBMC) Caregivers Center recently held its 8th annual Caregivers Retreat to help provide advocacy and valuable resources for Suffolk County residents who are supporting their loved ones. As part of the event, guests had the opportunity to hear from a panel of caregiving experts, connect with attorneys and financial advisors, participate in relaxation and meditation workshops, and connect with other caregivers. The event took place at the Hotel Indigo East End, and it was the first time since 2019 that the event was held in person.

“As Long Island’s first hospital-based, caregiver-dedicated facility, we are proud to uphold our position as a community-and-family-focused hospital,” said Tara Anglim, LCSW-R, ACHP-SW, associate executive director of Culture and Experience at PBMC. “The annual Caregivers Retreat is our way of showing family caregivers across Long Island that they are not alone. Caregivers are compassionate, patient, and dedicated individuals who play an incredibly important role in their loved one’s life. We are here every step of the way to help them navigate the challenges of caregiving.”

The annual retreat was part of the Peconic Bay Medical Center’s ongoing recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, is celebrated each November and aims to raise awareness of the myriad challenges caregivers face. Caregivers are individuals who provide support to a loved one suffering from acute, chronic or disabling conditions and they play a crucial role in patient’s treatment and recovery processes. They provide a broad range of care, including operating as personal advocates when dealing with insurance companies; attending to clients’ medical visits and legal matters; assisting in eating, bathing, toileting, dressing and household chores; and acting as a social, spiritual and leisure guides. In the last year, approximately 43.5 million family caregivers have provided unpaid care services to a loved one. 

Town of Riverhead Councilman Tim Hubbard was also in attendance at the event and acknowledged Peconic Bay Medical Center’s ongoing efforts to support local families by presenting a proclamation to PBMC executive director Amy Loeb, Tara Anglim, and Caregivers Center founder Judith Jedlicka.

“The entire Town of Riverhead thanks the Peconic Bay Medical Center for offering both much-needed guidance and comfort to caregivers,” said Riverhead Town Councilman Tim Hubbard “So many Riverhead residents are caregivers and may not realize they have someone looking after them while they’re helping others. Events like these are crucial, and the PBMC Caregivers Center is a pillar of our community.”

“The need for caregiving is universal and lasts throughout everyone’s lifetime. We thank all those who help our older adults to live a more comfortable life due to illness, injury or a disability,” said Supervisor Yvette Aguiar.  

The hospital’s Caregivers Center, which opened in 2018 as Long Island’s first hospital-based center dedicated to supporting family caregivers at any point in their caregiving journey. The center offers help from a designated social worker as well as trained volunteer Caregiver Coaches available Monday-Friday. To learn more about the Caregivers Center, visit https://www.pbmchealth.org/caregivers-center. 

About Peconic Bay Medical Center

Located in Riverhead, NY, Peconic Bay Medical Center is a 200-bed nonprofit hospital committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves. Peconic Bay Medical Center offers wide-ranging, full-scope services and programs, including advanced surgical, cardiac, orthopedic and women’s health care, comprehensive inpatient medical care, palliative care and an extensive range of outpatient services, along with state-of-the-art technology. Peconic Bay Medical Center joined Northwell Health in 2016. For more information, visit PBMCHealth.org and follow us @PeconicBayMedicalCenter on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Stacy Davidson

Calling all Santa’s and Hanukkah Harry’s or those who just want to help make a difference this holiday season! For over fifteen years, Stacy from Stacy’s Finds/Pattern Finders in Port Jefferson has helped bring magic to underprivileged children in the area, supplying the children with toys and clothing needs. This year Stacy has teamed up with Melissa who runs Give Kids Hope in Port Jefferson. The agency is part of a group of everyday people that answer the clothing needs and toy requests of 1,500 of Long Island’s less fortunate children. 

Melissa at Give Kids Hope has the children’s requested clothing sizes, requirements, and toy requests. You can purchase one item, or fulfill the needs of a child’s entire clothing and toy wish list. Or, adopt a whole family! You may drop off any children’s new clothing and new toys or gift cards for donations at the shop Stacy’s Finds/Pattern Finders at 128 East Main Street Port Jefferson, Thursday through Sundays. For more information, call Melissa at Give Kids Hope 631-538 5287 or Stacy at 631-928-5158.

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Cowboy Cookies

By Heidi Sutton

In honor of National Cookie Day on Dec. 4, here are two recipes courtesy of Live Well Bake Cookies: 75 Classic Cookie Recipes for Every Occasion (Rock Point) by Danielle Rye that will bring sweetness to any event.

Thick Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Thick Chocolate Chunk Cookies

YIELD: Makes 14 large cookies

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) cold, unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1⁄3 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 bag semisweet chocolate chunks

DIRECTIONS:

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt until well combined. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cubed cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes, or until well combined.

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix the dry ingredients until just combined, then mix in the chocolate chunks on low speed until fully incorporated.

Using a 1⁄3-cup measuring cup, measure out the balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one. Cover the cookie dough balls tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Remove the baking sheets from the refrigerator and bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are set and the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. 

Cowboy Cookies

Cowboy Cookies

 

YIELD: Makes 50 to 52 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2⁄3 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

11⁄2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

3⁄4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup chopped pecans 

DIRECTIONS:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar together for 1 to 2 minutes, or until well combined.

Mix in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined, making sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then mix in the chocolate chips, shredded coconut and chopped pecans on low speed until fully incorporated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside. Using a 1 1⁄2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave a little room between each one. Gently press each ball of cookie dough down to slightly flatten it. 

Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are set and the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. 

For both recipes, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

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Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook men’s basketball team was led by a pair of scorers who reached double figures on Nov. 25, but the Seawolves ultimately fell to Eastern Washington, 81-52, at the Florida International Tournament.

Graduate center Keenan Fitzmorris tied his season-high with 14 points, as he shot 4-of-5 from the field and 6-of-10 from the free-throw line. Fitzmorris grabbed two rebounds and dished out two assists. He was extremely efficient down in the post on offense.

 Senior guard Tyler Stephenson-Moore followed Fitzmorris with 10 points on 3-of-9 from the field, 2-of-5 from three-point range and 2-of-2 from the stripe. Stephenson-Moore also contributed nicely on the defensive end, totaling two of the team’s four steals. He drained two three-pointers, which tied for the team lead with junior forward Kenan Sarvan.

“We were down 13 with seven minutes to go and we desperately needed to make a run to give ourselves a chance to win it late.  We had a total meltdown the final seven minutes.  While we haven’t been able to practice 5v5 live since prior to the Florida game, tonight was really disappointing. We have to be better than we were,” said head coach Geno Ford.

 “Fitz and Rocco played well but it is hard to find any other guys who played up to their capabilities tonight.  We need to be tougher. The second half has been a real challenge for us all season. Our short rotation doesn’t help but point blank we weren’t tough enough or good enough in either game down the stretch,” he added.

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Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook women’s basketball team earned a 63-58 victory over Texas A&M — Corpus Christi on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 to secure a sweep on its Puerto Rico trip. Stony Brook was paced by a trio of student-athletes who scored in double figures en route to its first-ever win over the Islanders.

The Seawolves were led by graduate forward Nairimar Vargas-Reyes who scored a career-high 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting in her return to her native Puerto Rico. Five of Vargas-Reyes’ 14 points came in the fourth quarter as she helped Stony Brook pull away from Texas A&M — Corpus Christi.

After trailing, 26-22, at the halftime break, the Seawolves outscored the Islanders, 41-32, in the second half to seal their fourth win of the season. Stony Brook forced 17 turnovers and scored 21 points off of those turnovers which aided its tenacious defensive effort on Thursday.

Junior guard Shamarla King and sophomore forward Sherese Pittman joined Vargas-Reyes as the Seawolves’ double-digit scorers. King came off the bench to score 12 points, while Pittman followed up her career-high performance against High Point with her first career double-double today with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

“Non-conference is all about learning lessons for March. I’m glad we were able to experience playing back-to-back games because that will benefit us in the CAA tournament… obviously, I’m really happy we won while learning. We are continuing to gain experience and several players are stepping up and flourishing in their roles. Really happy to leave here 2-0,” said head coach Ashley Langford.

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Leonardo DiCatprio checks out his new home. Photo from TOB
Photo from TOB
Leonardo DiCatprio checks out his new home. Photo from TOB
Leo the Lynx's new enclosure.

Leonardo “Leo” DiCatprio, the Eurasian Lynx that was loose and eventually captured on Long Island earlier this summer, has settled into his permanent home at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve. Joining the more than 100 wild and farm animals that reside at the Animal Preserve, Leo was revealed to the public in his new enclosure on Nov. 22.

“We are grateful that the DEC and SPCA felt the Ecology Site was the right environment for Leo and we are thrilled to have him among our residents,” said Brookhaven Highway Department Superintendent Daniel Losquadro. “However, we hope when people come to enjoy this facility and view the animals, they understand the dangers in keeping wild animals as pets. While we have no idea why Leo was being kept as a pet, we are very happy that he is safe and healthy at our facility.”

Since arriving at the Ecology Site in August after being cared for at Sweetbriar Nature Center, Leo has gained 15 pounds and enjoys various enrichment activities to stimulate his natural behaviors. He can often be seen running, stretching his legs, climbing, jumping and pouncing —performing all natural cat-like behaviors.

“The Suffolk County SPCA is pleased to have a close working relationship with the Holtsville Ecology Site and its wonderful, caring staff,” said Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross.

The Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can view the animals, free of charge, including peacocks and mustangs, a bobcat, an American black bear and an American bald eagle. Call 631-451-5330 for more information.

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Photo from Vanderbilt Museum

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents its third annual holiday event, Bright Lights: Celebrate the Season, Saturdays and Sundays, December 3-18, and on Thursday, December 22.

Thousands of warm-white lights will create holiday magic inside and outside the Mansion and illuminate trees, wreaths, garlands, guest rooms, walkways, and the Vanderbilt Library.

The event will include Candlelight Tours of the decorated Vanderbilt Mansion, visits with Santa and friends in his workshop, a children’s scavenger hunt, and a 15-minute Holiday Laser show in the Reichert Planetarium. In addition, the Stoll Wing and Habitat wild-animal dioramas and the Hall of Fishes marine museum will be open for visitors. Also open: the Vanderbilt Café and Gift Shop, located in the Planetarium lobby.

Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan, Executive Director of the Vanderbilt Museum, said, “We are thrilled to invite everyone to kick off the holiday season and celebrate with us. The decorated and lighted Mansion and Estate become a winter wonderland. Bright Lights offers evenings of family fun for all.”

Tickets are: Adults $25 | Members $20; children 12 and under $15 | Members $10; children 2 and under FREE. To order, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

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'Christmas Lantern' by William Graf
'General Store Squall', acrylic, by John Mansueto
'Winter on the Creek; by Barbara Jeanne Siegel
'Study in Blue and Green' by Eleanor Meier
'Winter Shadows Vermont' by Irene Ruddock
'West Meadow Undercurrents' by Marlene Weinstein
'Kinderdijk' by Renee Caine

Looking for that perfect holiday gift? The Smithtown Township Arts Council’s annual Fine Art for the Holidays exhibit and marketplace kicks off at the Mills Pond Gallery, 660 Route 25A, St. James on Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 18.

The exhibit features more than 65 original works created by the Setauket Artists. Exhibiting artists include Ross Barbera, Shain Bard, Ron Becker, Sheila Breck, Joyce Bressler, Renee Caine, Al Candia, Gail L. Chase, Anthony Davis, Julie Doczi, Margaret Governale, William Graf, Flo Kemp, John Mansueto, Celeste Mauro, Jane McGraw-Teubner, Eleanor Tyndall Meier, Frederic Mendelsohn, Muriel Mussara, Paula Pelletier, Joan Rockwell, Robert Roehrig, Irene Ruddock, Oscar Santiago, Carole Link Scinta, Barbara Jeanne Siegel, Angela Stratton, Marlene Weinstein and Patricia Yantz.

An opening reception will be held on Dec. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. to meet the exhibiting artists, view their work and have the opportunity to purchase affordable, one-of-a-kind, original fine art for friends or loved ones while supporting the creation and sale of locally produced fine art.

Gallery hours are Wednesdays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, call 631-862-6575 or visit www.millspondgallery.org.

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Annie

MEET ANNIE!

This week’s shelter pet is Annie, a beautiful 15-year-old dilute calico up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This sweet senior loves to get attention and will let you know when she is done. Annie is missing most of her teeth but is healthy for her age. She is believed to have been left behind when her mom went into a nursing home.

If you would like to meet Annie please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Visitor hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com

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METRO photo
While they can be scary, most thyroid nodules are benign

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

Thyroid nodules are diagnosed, often incidentally, on radiologic exams, such as CT scans of the chest, MRI scans, PET scans and ultrasounds of the carotid arteries in the neck, rather than because of symptoms (1). More than 50 percent of people have thyroid nodules detectable by high-resolution ultrasound (2). Fortunately, most are benign. A small percent are malignant. Depending on the study, this can range from 1.1 to 6.5 percent of nodules (3, 4). 

There is a conundrum of what to do with a thyroid nodule. It depends on the size. If it is over one centimeter, usually it is biopsied by fine needle aspiration (FNA) (5). While most are asymptomatic, if there are symptoms, these might include difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, pain in the lower portion of the neck and a goiter (6).

FNA biopsy is becoming more common. In a study evaluating several databases, there was a greater than 100 percent increase in thyroid FNAs performed over a five-year period from 2006 to 2011 (7). This resulted in a 31 percent increase in thyroidectomies, surgeries to remove the thyroid partially or completely.

However, the number of thyroid cancers diagnosed with the surgery did not rise in this same period. Thyroid nodules in this study were least likely to be cancerous when the initial diagnosis was by incidental radiologic exam (8).

Evaluating indeterminate FNA results

As much as 25 percent of FNA biopsies are indeterminate. We are going to look at two techniques to differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules when FNA results are equivocal: a PET scan and a molecular genetics test.

A meta-analysis of six studies of PET scan results showed that it was least effective in resolving an unclear FNA biopsy. The PET scan was able to rule out patients who did not have malignancies, but it did not do a good job of identifying those who did have cancer (9).

On the other hand, a molecular-based test was able to potentially determine whether an indeterminate thyroid nodule by FNA was malignant or benign (10).

Unlike in the PET scan study above, the researchers were able to not only rule out the majority of malignancies but also to rule them in. It was not perfect, but the percent of negative predictive value (ruled out) was 94 percent, and the positive predictive value (ruled in) was 74 percent. The combination test improved the predictive results of previous molecular tests by 65 to 69 percent. This is important to help decide whether or not the patient needs surgery to remove at least part of the thyroid.

Significance of calcification

Microcalcifications in the nodule can be detected on ultrasound. The significance of this may be that patients with microcalcifications are more likely to have malignant thyroid nodules than those without them, according to a small prospective study involving 170 patients (11). This does not mean necessarily that a patient has malignancy with calcifications, but there is a higher risk.

Considering a “wait and follow-up” approach

As I mentioned above, most thyroid nodules are benign. The results of one study go even further, showing that most asymptomatic benign nodules do not progress in size significantly after five years (12). The factors that did contribute to growth of about 11 percent of the nodules were age (<45 years old had more growth than >60 years old), multiple nodules, greater nodule volume at baseline and being male.

The authors’ suggestion is that, after the follow-up scan, the next ultrasound scan might be five years later instead of three years. However, they did discover thyroid cancer in 0.3 percent after five years.

Thyroid function’s role

In considering risk factors, it’s important to note that those who had normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were less likely to have a malignant thyroid nodule than those who had high TSH, implying hypothyroidism. There was an almost 30 percent prevalence of cancer in the nodule if the TSH was greater than >5.5 mU/L (13).

Fortunately, most nodules are benign and asymptomatic, but the number of cancerous nodules found is growing. Why the mortality rate remains the same year over year for decades may have to do with the slow rate at which most thyroid cancers progress, especially of the two most common forms, follicular and papillary.

References: 

(1) uptodate.com. (2) AACE 2013 Abstract 1048. (3) Thyroid. 2005;15(7):708. (4) European Thyroid Journal. 2022 Jun 29;11(4) online. (5) AACE 2013 Abstract 1048. (6) thyroid.org. (7) AAES 2013 Annual Meeting. Abstract 36. (8) AACE 2013 Abstract 1048. (9) Cancer. 2011;117(20):4582-4594. (10) J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Online May 12, 2015. (11) Head Neck. 2008 Sep;30(9):1206-1210. (12) JAMA. 2015;313(9):926-935. (13) J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(11):4295.

Dr. David Dunaief is a speaker, author and local lifestyle medicine physician focusing on the integration of medicine, nutrition, fitness and stress management. For further information, visit www.medicalcompassmd.com.

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