CLOSE
Arts & Entertainment

by -
0 509
METRO photo
Acetaminophen and NSAIDS are not risk-free

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

What do you do when you have a headache or a sore knee? Most of us head to our medicine cabinet to grab one of the analgesics we keep on hand for such occasions.

Analgesics are, first and foremost, pain relievers, but they also help lower fever and reduce inflammation. The most common over the counter (OTC) medications include acetaminophen and a variety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.

Americans consume more than 30 billion doses of NSAIDs a year, including both OTC and prescription-strength (1). As for acetaminophen, one quarter of Americans take it weekly.  Because they’re so accessible and commonplace, many consider them low risk. Many patients don’t even include them in a list of current medications. I need to specifically ask about them.

They are not risk-free, though. According to a poll of regular OTC NSAID users, 60 percent were not aware that they can have dangerous side effects (2).

What are NSAID risks?

NSAIDs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are responsible for more than 70,000 hospitalizations and 7,600 deaths annually (3). 

They increase the risk of heart attacks, gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke, exacerbation of diverticular disease, chronic arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) and erectile dysfunction. In some instances, the cardiovascular effects can be fatal.

The FDA strengthened warning labels on non-aspirin NSAID labels 10 years ago, advising that those taking NSAIDs should immediately seek medical attention if they experienced chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, weakness in one part or side of their body, or slurred speech (4).

Five years ago, the FDA added a warning label to non-aspirin NSAIDs about the risks of fetal kidney damage and pregnancy complications beginning around week 20 of a pregnancy (4).

In a case control study using the UK Primary Care Database, chronic users of NSAIDs between ages 40 and 89 had a significantly increased risk of a serious arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation (5).

Interestingly, researchers defined “chronic users” as patients who took NSAIDs for more than 30 days. These users had a 57 percent increased risk of atrial fibrillation. A Danish study reinforces these results after the first month of use (6). This is not very long to have such a substantial risk. For patients who used NSAIDs longer than one year, the risk increased to 80 percent. 

NSAIDs also increase the risk of mortality in chronic users. Older patients who have heart disease or hypertension (high blood pressure) and are chronic NSAID users are at increased risk of death, according to an observational study (7). Compared to those who never or infrequently used them over about 2.5 years, chronic users had a greater than twofold increase in death due to cardiovascular causes. High blood pressure was not a factor in this study, since chronic users had lower blood pressure; however, I have seen that NSAID use can increase blood pressure with some of my patients.

What are acetaminophen risks?

The FDA announced in 2011 that acetaminophen consumption should not exceed 325 mg every four to six hours when used in a prescription combination pain reliever (4). The goal is to reduce and avoid severe injury to the liver, which can cause liver failure.

There is an intriguing paradox with acetaminophen: Hospitals typically dispense regular-strength 325-mg doses of the drug, whereas OTC doses frequently are found in “extra strength” 500-mg tablets, and often the suggested dose is two tablets, or 1 gram. At the FDA’s request, Tylenol lowered its recommended daily dosage for its extra strength version to no more than 3 grams a day.

One study that showed acute liver failure was due primarily to unintentional overdoses of acetaminophen (8). Accidental overdosing is more likely to occur when taking acetaminophen at the same time as a combination sinus, cough or cold remedy that also contains acetaminophen. OTC and prescription cold medications can contain acetaminophen.

If you already have liver damage or disease, consult your physician before taking any medication.

To protect yourself from potentially adverse events, you must be your own best advocate; read labels, and remember to tell your physician if you are taking any OTC medications.

If you are a chronic user of NSAIDs or acetaminophen because of underlying inflammation, you may find an anti-inflammatory diet and other lifestyle changes can be an effective alternative.

References:

(1) medscape.com. (2) J Rheumatol. 2005;32;2218-2224. (3) Annals of Internal Medicine, 1997;127:429-438. (4) fda.gov. (5) Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(16):1450-1455. (6) BMJ 2011;343:d3450. (7) Am J Med. 2011 Jul;124(7):614-620. (8) Am J Gastroenterol. 2007;102:2459-2463.

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 or consult your personal physician.

by -
0 776
1 of 4
From left, LIMEHOF board member Barry Fisch, Albert Bouchard, LIMEHOF board member Kelly Leung, and LIMEHOF co-founder and board member Norm Prussian. Photo by Steve Leung
Albert Bouchard playing the cowbell. Photo Credit Steve Leung
Norm Prussian hosts discussion with Albert Bouchard. Photo by Barry Fisch
Albert Bouchard, the former Blue Öyster Cult member who played the cowbell on the recording of "(Don't Fear) The Reaper"reflects on the impact the Long Island band has had on pop culture. Photo by Steve Leung

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) in Stony Brook hosted LIMHOF inductee Albert Bouchard on Feb. 22. The former Blue Öyster Cult member who played the cowbell on the recording “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” reflected on the impact this Long Island band had on pop culture. 

Bouchard spoke about the writing of the song, the famous Saturday Night Live skit “More Cowbell” which aired on April 8th, 2000 starring Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell, and how the expression “I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell” remains iconic!

“I love being a part of this organization (LIMEHOF),” Bouchard said. “Everyone’s like “How come you’re not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? I don’t really care about that. To me, you look at what’s going on there it’s not all Rock and Roll and that’s a subjective classification anyway. This, you’re talking about music and entertainment. It’s exactly what it is. It’s properly named, and you have the real people. It’s not just a popularity cult contest. It’s people who really made a difference from Long Island so I think this is a fantastic organization to belong to and I’m really delighted to be part of it.”

Norm Prusslin, co-founder LIMEHOF and current board member organized and hosted the event. He said it’s an important part of the organization’s mission to host inductees and local artists to share insights and stories most people might not know about historical events they lived through and the ups, downs and pressures of the music industry.

“Albert has been a good partner of LIMEHOF since we started,” said Prusslin. “Clearly all the hoopla about the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary year and the fact that the ‘More Cowbell’ skit has been one of the top skits ever in their 50-year history I thought it might be fun to see if Albert was available to come out and talk about the recording of the song and about the skit and the impact that the skit has had to the band and to him and to pop culture itself. I knew that since Albert was a former member of Blue Öyster Cult, and that band was formed in Stony Brook, there’d be a lot of interest for people to come out and to share some stories that people may not know.”

Bouchard said he didn’t know SNL was planning on running a skit about the recording of the song at the time it aired, so it came as a surprise to him when he heard about it. He originally thought it was going to be terrible but after seeing it his reaction was one of delight.

“Oh my God this is so funny!” Bouchard recounted. “This is like just what happened… then I thought, how did he even hear the cowbell? To this day I cannot watch it without smiling. There’s always some little bit that makes me go ‘oh my God’ that was it.”

One major error that the skit made that Bouchard corrected was the producer. The SNL skit had Christopher Walken playing the famous music producer Bruce Dickinson. The original credits list three producers of the song — David Lucas, Murray Krugman and LIMEHOF inductee Sandy Pearlman. Of the three it was David Lucas who had the idea to add in the cowbell.

The back story about the producer mix up is that the writers of the skit saw a credit for Bruce Dickinson from a compilation album, not the original record of the song, which lead to the confusion.

Bouchard went on to explain how it happened in real life and that there were similar debates about including the cowbell at the time. At one point Bouchard wanted to play a triangle instead, but that was changed to a cowbell.

“David wanted to hear the cowbell in it,” Bouchard explained. “I never quite understood why he wanted it and then a couple of years ago he said … ‘I wanted some pulse, some quarter note pulse like a metronome but not a metronome to balance off all those eighth notes. Everything was eighth notes the whole song if you listen to it’… The cowbell balances that with a quarter note pulse. A brilliant idea when you think about it.”

“If it was up to me, it wouldn’t be on the song,” Bouchard continued. “I never would have thought to put a cowbell on it. It was David Lucas’s idea, and I just happened to be his tool to make that happen since I happened to be in the studio at the time…. It worked, that’s the bottom line. The cowbell riff worked, the cowbell skit worked, the song worked. It’s all about making people feel good.”

About LIMEHOF

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook. To date, the organization has inducted more than 130 musicians and music industry executives, and offers education programs, scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

To find out more about upcoming LIMEHOF events, check out https://www.limusichalloffame.org/events/

 

by -
0 1178
Eastport-South Manor High School

Over 500 students from 32 Suffolk County public and private high schools are currently participating in the 2025 New York State High School Mock Trial Program, the largest the Suffolk County program has ever seen. The Suffolk County Coordinators, Glenn P. Warmuth, Esq. & Leonard Badia, Esq., head up this annual educational program co-sponsored by The Suffolk County Bar Association and The Suffolk Academy of Law.

Northport High School

The New York State High School Mock Trial Program is a joint venture of The New York Bar Foundation, the New York State Bar Association, and the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program. In this educational program, high school students gain first-hand knowledge of civil/criminal law and courtroom procedures. Thousands of students participate each year.  Objectives of the tournament are to: Teach students ethics, civility, and professionalism; further students’ understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal system; improve proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning; promote better communication and cooperation among the school community, teachers and students and members of the legal profession, and heighten appreciation for academic studies and stimulate interest in law-related careers.

The 2025 Mock Trial case is a civil case entitled Leyton Manns vs. Sandy Townes. In this hands-on competition, the teams argue both sides of the case and assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses. Each team competes to earn points based on their presentation and legal skills. “Judges”, usually local judges and attorneys who volunteer their time, score the teams based on ratings on preparation, performance, and professionalism.

While the Mock Trial program is set up as a “competition,” emphasis is placed on the educational aspect of the experience which focuses on the preparation and presentation of a hypothetical courtroom trial that involves critical issues that are important and interesting to young people.

The first round of the competition began on February 5, 2025 with four weeks of random team matchups. The top 16 teams will then head to Round 2 at the John P. Cohalan, Jr. Courthouse in Central Islip, New York, for three weeks of “Sweet 16” style competition leading to the Finals on April 2, 2025 at Suffolk County Surrogate’s Court in Riverhead with the Honorable Vincent J. Messina, Jr., Surrogate, presiding. The Suffolk County champion will then compete in the New York State Finals in Albany on May 18-20, 2025.

The Suffolk County High Schools involved in the 2025 High School Mock Trial competition are: Bay Shore High School, Babylon High School, Brentwood High School, Central Islip High School, Commack High School, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, Comsewogue High School, Connetquot High School, Deer Park High School, East Hampton High School, East Islip High School, Eastport-South Manor High School, John H. Glenn High School, Greenport High School, Half Hollow Hills High School East, Half Hollow Hills High School West, Hampton Bays High School, Harborfields High School, Huntington High School, Kings Park High School, Lindenhurst High School, Mattituck High School, Miller Place High School, Newfield High School, Northport High School, Shoreham-Wading River High School, St. Anthony’s High School, St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, Southampton High School, The Stony Brook School, Ward Melville High School, and West Islip High School.

For interest in joining the High School Mock Trial program for 2026, please contact Suffolk County Coordinator, Glenn P. Warmuth, Esq., at (631) 732-2000 or [email protected]. Mock Trial can be an after-school club, an elective class, or part of your school’s curriculum. An attorney will be provided to you to help coach the students in the matters of the legal profession.

The Suffolk County Bar Association, a professional association comprised of more than 2,600 lawyers and judges, was founded in 1908 to serve the needs of the local legal community and the public. For more information about these or other Suffolk County Bar Association programs or services, call 631-234-5511 x 221 or visit www.scba.org

by -
0 617
Tami Nelson

United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island (UCP-LI) in Hauppauge has announced the appointment of Tami Nelson, Senior Director at Techstars, to the UCP-LI Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tami Nelson to our Board of Directors. Ms. Nelson’s expertise, vision and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and achieve our mission. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our organization,” said Thomas Pfundstein, Board Chair, in a press release.

Nelson has held multiple leadership positions in globally recognized organizations such as A&E Television Networks, Paramount, and HBO and most recently served as the Senior Director of Strategic Projects at Techstars. Her expertise in creating transformative strategies, fostering partnerships, and delivering measurable results will be a tremendous asset to UCP-LI as the organization continues to provide innovative programs and services.

Nelson has made a profound impact throughout her career, supporting underrepresented communities and spearheading initiatives to rebuild generational wealth. Her addition to the UCP-LI Board signifies her continued commitment to advocacy, excellence, and innovation.

“I am honored to join the Board of Directors at UCP of LI, an organization with a profound legacy of empowering individuals and advocating for inclusivity. I am excited to contribute my expertise and collaborate with such a passionate and dedicated team as we work to create opportunities and improve the quality of life for those we serve. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact on our community,” said Ms. Nelson.

For more information about UCP of Long Island and its programs, visit www.ucp-li.org

by -
0 618
Mary Maguire. Photo courtesy of Little Flower

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York (Little Flower), a social services organization based in Wading River supporting children, youth, families and individuals with developmental disabilities across New York and Long Island, welcomed Mary J. Maguire, SPHR, CDE, to the senior executive team as the organization’s new Vice President of Human Resources and Culture, effective February 18, 2025.

With more than 20 years of experience in human resources and operations leadership, Maguire brings strategic expertise in workforce transformation, talent optimization, and culture development to support Little Flower’s mission of empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and transforming care into action.

As a key member of the Senior Executive Council, Maguire will lead the human resources strategy across the organization, ensuring that talent development, employee engagement, workforce planning, benefits, and equity and inclusion work align with Little Flower’s long-term vision. She will also advance leadership development, enhance employee relations, and cultivate a workplace culture that promotes service excellence.

“Mary’s outstanding leadership in human capital strategy, organizational development, and culture transformation makes her an invaluable addition to our team,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Corinne Hammons in a press release. “Her ability to drive impactful talent initiatives, develop inclusive and high-performing teams, and implement HR innovations will strengthen our organization and enhance the employee experience.”

Maguire’s career includes senior leadership roles in human resources and operations, such as Chief Operating Officer (and Global CHRO) at SAPRO, Chief Human Resources Officer at PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP, Regional Director of Human Resources at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, and Director of Human Resources at RSM. She has led transformational HR strategies, initiated award-winning DEIB programs, optimized talent management, and driven operational efficiency, positioning organizations for sustainable growth and success.

As a recognized HR strategist and workforce development leader, Maguire holds certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). She has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing innovative talent initiatives, promoting compensation equity, and fostering a learning, inclusion, and professional growth culture.

“I am honored to join Little Flower, an organization that is genuinely committed to transforming care into action,” said Maguire. “By building a dynamic, engaged workforce and advancing strategic people initiatives, we will strengthen our mission, empower our employees, and drive sustainable impact for the children, families, and communities we serve.” 

About Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families across New York City and Long Island. Since 1929, Little Flower has been committed to improving the well-being of children, youth, adults with developmental disabilities, and families by building on their strengths and supporting their success.

Today, Little Flower’s staff provide community-based services, foster care and adoption programs, services for people with developmental disabilities, medical and behavioral health services and coordination, and residential treatment care.

To learn more about Little Flower, please visit www.littleflowerny.org

by -
0 388
Stock photo

By Hon. Gail Prudenti, Esq.

Hon. Gail Prudenti, Esq.

Contesting a will can be a complex and sensitive decision, often fraught with emotional implications and legal challenges. Understanding when to object to a will is crucial for anyone who believes that the document does not accurately reflect the deceased’s intentions or who has concerns about the will’s validity. Here are key considerations for when a person may choose to object to a will.

Lack of testamentary capacity

One of the most common grounds for contesting a will is the assertion that the deceased lacked the mental capacity to understand what they were doing when they executed the will. If you believe that your loved one was not of sound mind—due to conditions such as dementia, severe illness, or mental incapacity—at the time the will was created, this may warrant an objection.

Undue influence

If you suspect that the deceased was coerced or manipulated into changing their will in favor of another person, this could be a valid reason to contest the will. Evidence of undue influence may include a significant change in the will that benefits a caregiver or a family member who had undue access to the decedent, especially if the decedent had previously expressed different intentions.

Fraud

If the will was procured through fraudulent means—such as misrepresentation about the contents of the will, deception regarding the nature of the documents, or coercive tactics— this may provide grounds for contesting it. If you believe that fraud was involved, it is essential to gather evidence to support your claim.

Improper execution

In many jurisdictions, including New York, there are specific legal requirements for executing a valid will. This typically includes proper signing and witnessing. If the will does not meet these legal standards—such as being signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses—this could be a reason to object.

Revocation

If you have evidence that the deceased revoked the will prior to their death—perhaps through a later will or other direct actions indicating their intent to change their estate plan—this could justify an objection. Establishing the revocation of a previous will is critical in this scenario.

Disqualification of beneficiaries

Certain individuals may be disqualified from inheriting under a will due to their actions, such as felonies committed against the deceased or being an estranged spouse. If you believe that a beneficiary should not have been included in the will based on legal grounds, this may be a reason to object.

Timeframe for objection

In New York, for example, you generally have **seven months** from the date you receive notice that the will is being probated to file your objections, as outlined in **SCPA § 1410**. Failing to act within this timeframe could result in losing your right to contest the will, so it’s crucial to be aware of deadlines.

Consulting an attorney

If you are considering contesting a will, consulting with an attorney who specializes in trusts and estate litigation is highly advisable. An experienced attorney can help you evaluate the strength of your case, gather necessary evidence, and navigate the legal complexities involved in the contestation process.

Deciding to object to a will is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. Understanding the grounds for contesting a will and the appropriate legal procedures is essential. 

Whether due to concerns about capacity, undue influence, improper execution, or other factors, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you are acting in accordance with the law. By doing so, you can make informed decisions that honor the memory of your loved one while safeguarding your interests.

Hon. Gail Prudenti, Esq. is the Former Chief Administrative Judge State of New York and a Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. focusing her practice on Trusts & Estates. Burner Prudenti Law, P.C. serves clients from New York City to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, Manhattan and East Hampton.

by -
0 592
METRO photo

Some people look forward to filing their tax returns, while others recoil at the thought of paying what they owe. Regardless of which camp taxpayers are in, come April most people have a question or two related to their returns. As the deadline to file tax returns draws closer, taxpayers hoping to make the process as smooth as possible can consider these frequently asked questions and answers, courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service.

When is deadline day? Though taxpayers periodically get an extra day or two to file their returns when April 15 coincides with a holiday or lands on a weekend, there’s no such reprieve in 2025. This year all taxpayers who are not requesting an extension must file their income tax returns by April 15, 2025.

What if my address has changed? The IRS urges all taxpayers to use their new address when filing their returns. Additional ways taxpayers can update their address with the IRS is through the filing of Form 8822, Change of Address or Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party-Business. Written statements or oral notifications are additional ways to notify the IRS of an address change, and these methods must include personal information, including the old and new address as well as the taxpayer’s Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Is there an age limit on claiming my child as a dependent? A child must meet either the qualifying child test or the qualifying relative test in order to be claimed as a dependent. To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you or your spouse if filing jointly and either younger than 19-years-old or be a “student” younger than 24-years-old as of the end of the calendar year.

There is no age limit to claim a child as a dependent if a child is “permanently and totally disabled” or meets the qualifying relative test. In addition to meeting the qualifying child or qualifying relative test, you can claim that person as a dependent only if these three tests are met:

1. Dependent taxpayer test

2. Citizen or resident test, and

3. Joint return test

Taxpayers who remain uncertain about their eligibility to claim a child as a dependent are urged to contact the IRS or a tax preparation professional for clarification before filing their returns.

What should I do if my W-2 is incorrect? Employers must provide employees with a W-2 by January 31. If the W-2 is incorrect and has not been fixed by the end of February, taxpayers can contact the IRS and request to initiate a Form W-2 complaint. When such a request is initiated, the IRS sends a letter to the employer and requests that they furnish a corrected W-2 within 10 days. The IRS also sends a letter to the taxpayer with instructions and Form 4852, which can be used to file a return if a corrected W-2 is not provided before the filing deadline.

How can I file for an extension? There are three ways to request an automatic extension of time to file an income tax return.

1. You can pay all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension using your bank account; a digital wallet such as Click to Pay, PayPal, and Venmo; cash; or a credit or debit card.

2. You can file Form 4868 electronically by accessing IRS e-file using your tax software or by using a tax professional who uses e-file.

3. You can file a paper Form 4868 and enclose payment of your estimate of tax due (optional).

Tax day arrives on April 15. Taxpayers who have lingering questions about their returns are urged to contact the IRS via irs.gov or work with a certified tax professional.

by -
0 598
Bruce Vilanch

As an exclusive post-Academy Awards treat, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington welcomes the one and only Bruce Vilanch — the two-time Emmy Award winning Comedy Writer for 25 Academy Award spectacles — on Monday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. After a screening of the hilarious and touching documentary about his life and career, Get Bruce!, Vilanch will help dissect the Oscar show of the night before and discuss his new, insider memoir, It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time.

Tickets are $28 per person, $22 for members and includes the screening, interview with audience Q&A, and book signing. Copies of Vilanch’s memoir are available to bundle with the film program or at the box office. For more information, visit www.cinemaartscentre.org or click here.

by -
0 415
Photo courtesy of StatePoint

Receiving a tax refund this year? While it can be tempting to impulse spend, if you want to really treat yourself, financial professionals recommend using the payout for practical expenses.

According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING® professionals, here are smart ways to spend your tax refund that will improve your life:

Build an emergency fund: Unexpected circumstances, such as illness or job loss, can leave you with more bills and less income. Not having an emergency fund puts you at risk of having to take on high-interest debt to meet expenses. Use your tax refund to create some peace of mind for yourself and your family. And now that you’ve started the emergency fund, consider using direct deposit to funnel a portion of each paycheck into this account.

Reduce debt: Paying down debt can feel like an insurmountable challenge. And if it’s a challenge you’ve been avoiding, you can use your tax refund to kick-start your journey. Not sure where to start? A CFP® professional can help you identify which debt to prioritize first, as well as help you craft a repayment strategy moving forward.

Save for retirement: No matter your age or stage in life, a tax refund offers a great opportunity to give your retirement account a boost. Thanks to compounding, the money you set aside today in an investment account, such as a 401(k) or Roth IRA, will exponentially grow between now and when it’s time to tap your nest egg.

Set financial goals: From planning a vacation or wedding to becoming a homeowner, your goals are worth investing in. Put your tax refund toward something that matters to you.

The best thing you can do may be avoiding future refunds. While it feels great to receive a big check during tax time, a tax refund is effectively an interest-free loan you have made to the government. You’re much better off keeping more of your money throughout the year so you can invest it or use it on things you need. Consult a professional on how to adjust your withholdings to get closer to breaking even next year.

With an actionable plan and the help of a qualified financial professional, you can ensure your tax refund is put to good use. (StatePoint)

 

by -
0 722
Mather Hospitaal. Photo by Jim Lennon

Northwell’s Mather Hospital  in Port Jefferson has announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. 

The certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative, hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon. 

Mather Hospital underwent a rigorous review January 29-30, 2025. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards such as program management, supporting self-management, and delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Mather Hospital for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

“Mather Hospital is proud to receive this prestigious certification from The Joint Commission in recognition of our high standards in total knee and hip replacements,” said President Kevin McGeachy. “The certification demonstrates to our patients that Mather adheres to the best practices of quality, safety, and better patient outcomes and affirms our standing as the highest-ranked orthopedic program in our area according to U.S. News and World Report”. 

“This certification is the result of the collaborative efforts of our orthopedic coordinator, preoperative, operating room, PACU, and floor staffs, as well as our physical therapists, discharge planners, home therapists, board certified orthopedists and anesthesiologists,” said orthopedic surgeon Brian McGinley, MD.

Michael Fracchia, MD, director of Mather’s orthopedic program, noted that with the support of hospital administration, Mather surgeons have  used computer or robotic assisted surgery since 2001 for the total joint program. 

“Mather surgeons were the first in the country to perform robotic-assisted total knee replacements and we  continue to work with the equipment companies to improve the technology,” he said.

Prev1...414243...977Next Page 42 of 977
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©