CLOSE
Health

by -
0 904

Modern Studio Offers Accessible Yoga Classes and Spa-Like Amenities for All Levels

YogaSix, a modern fitness boutique offering a fresh perspective on one of the world’s oldest practices, recently opening up its newest location in Lake Grove on August 30. Located at 139 D Alexander Ave, the new studio introduces people of all ages and abilities to the various health and wellness benefits of the brand’s unique take on yoga, providing a welcoming, modern, and spa-like experience. Leading up to the grand opening on October 11, YogaSix Lake Grove will be offering discounted, unlimited class memberships.

YogaSix Lake Grove is owned and operated by Cristina Givelechian, a passionate yoga enthusiast originally from Romania, who moved to the United States in 1993. Givelechian’s journey into yoga began after reading a book about a Romanian man who was unable to walk, and traditional medicine wasn’t helping him recover. He eventually turned to yoga and fully regained his mobility. Inspired by this story, Givelechian wanted to learn more and began practicing yoga herself, discovering the profound mind-body connection it offers. Over 25 years later, yoga remains her go-to practice for de-stressing and maintaining flexibility and strength.

Givelechian brings a wealth of business experience to YogaSix. With a successful 30-year career in Commercial Banking, she honed her skills in portfolio management and client relations. Inspired by the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the business owners she served, Givelechian is determined to create a thriving yoga studio that positively impacts all the communities surrounding the Lake Grove area.

“Throughout my life, I’ve tried all kinds of fitness concepts, but yoga was the one I always came back to,” said Givelechian. “For many people, yoga isn’t something they would typically consider, but the more I talk to them, the more excited they get as they begin to realize the amazing benefits yoga offers. I can’t wait to continue spreading the word about yoga and sharing its incredible benefits with the amazing communities in Lake Grove and surrounding areas.”

A variety of yoga classes are offered at YogaSix to encompass everything from deep stretching, to stress relief, to high intensity training. Offering six core formats: Y6 101, Y6 Restore, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Hot, Y6 Power, Y6 Sculpt Flow. Each class caters to every fitness level and strengthens the mind-body connection.

The new studio plans to make an impression with its unique, modern version of yoga and fully sensory experience featuring state-of-the-art heating system, sound and lights, high-quality cushioned performance flooring, cool eucalyptus towels, aroma-therapy, and chic retail boutique. Particularly notable is the use of simple language instead of Sanskrit to describe poses, as the traditional language can be intimidating to newcomers. The studio provides class options for everybody, from beginners to athletes seeking recovery to more advanced students, in a judgement-free, welcoming, and supportive environment. New students are always greeted by a wellness advisor when they enter the studio to educate and empower them before they engage in a YogaSix experience.

YogaSix Lake Grove is open seven days a week with up to 6 classes daily, from 6am to 8pm. Monthly memberships are available for four, eight or unlimited visits per month, as well as drop-in options. More information about the new studio can be found at www.yogasix.com/location/lake-grove and the studio can be contacted by email at [email protected], or by phone at (631) 418-8959.

by -
0 1268
From left to right: Lt. Michael O’Connell, Michael Barasch, John Feal and Lee London. Photo courtesy Michelle Loeb

By Toni-Elena Gallo

A lawyer and former construction worker have banded together to ensure all Sept. 11 victims receive their fair share.

Michael Barasch and John Feal have worked both together and separately for years on behalf of those who suffered health complications as a result of being at or near Ground Zero during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Michael Barasch standing in front of a firefighter’s uniform, in Washington D.C. Courtesy Michelle Loeb

Barasch’s law firm — Barasch & McGarry, located half a mile from the site of the attacks — was instrumental in getting the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 passed. This act was named after former NYPD Detective James Zadroga who died from pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhaling toxins at Ground Zero. This act greatly expanded the number of people in the 9/11 community who could access health benefits.

“Less than 10% of civilians are in [the World Trade Center Health Program] and the reason that we hear most often, when I ask someone with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, why they have not enrolled yet, is that ‘I didn’t know it was for nonresponders,’” Feal said.

“People think it’s just the firefighters and cops who were able to get medical assistance. And, if they did know that they were eligible, they didn’t want to take away ‘from those firefighters and cops, because I was only a teacher at Stuyvesant High School,’ or ‘I was only an office worker at Goldman Sachs.’ They don’t realize that they are entitled to this free health care,” he continued.

The 2015 reauthorization of the act added $4.6 billion to the Victim Compensation Fund, which was originally only in place from its 2001 inception to 2004.

John Feal at Ground Zero, in 2001. Courtesy Michelle Loeb

The fund is available to compensate all eligible 9/11 victims for illness, injury or death and anyone else who was in the exposure zone between Sept. 11, 2001, and May 30, 2002.

“They’re entitled to hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation because the government assured us the air was safe to breathe down there, and it wasn’t,” Feal explained.

As for Feal’s individual story, he was a demolition supervisor who developed gangrene and sepsis after an 8,000-pound steel beam crushed his foot during cleanup on Sept. 17, 2001. As a result of his and his friends’ experiences, he established the FealGood Foundation. He played a key role in lobbying Congress to permanently extend and fully fund the Victim Compensation Fund. Their efforts culminated in the passage of the Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Compensation Fund Act, in 2019. This law guarantees funding for all eligible VCF claims, through 2090.

And these men are not done fighting yet.

New legislation sought

A bill entitled the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024, sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators — including Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congressmen Andrew Garbarino (R-NY2) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY4) — is seeking to introduce key changes to the WTC Health Program.

A map which represents areas of Manhattan, where people can see zones in which compensation/health benefits is attainable. Courtesy Michelle Loeb

A few of these improvements include adjusting the amount of funding, according to inflation, by about 5% each; having funding reflect changes in the number of individuals enrolled in the program; giving those afflicted moved-up medical appointments; and reallocating unused funds to support ongoing health services, such as Medicare.

The men are also eager to expand the types of mental health professionals authorized to certify mental health conditions for 9/11 responders and survivors.

“Cancer’s the sexy word in the 9/11 community,” Feal said. “But, PTSD should be on everybody’s autopsy and death certificate. In 2005, the Surgeon General said post-traumatic stress disorder is a physical injury. PTSD does not allow you — your immune system — to fight cancers. It’s physical and mental stress on the body. And, we don’t talk about PTSD enough, because cops and firefighters, and all of these macho tattoo, bearded construction workers, don’t like to discuss it, but it’s not a stigma.”

Feal and Barasch have achieved a number of legislative wins and express that they don’t intend to start losing now.

“Now, while we do have enough money until 2027, we don’t want to wait until 2027. We are going to get this bill passed this year. Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, the other advocates — the congressmen from Long Island — I don’t discriminate whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican. I’m 19 for 19 on getting legislation passed, and I’m not about to fail,” Feal explained. 

“Tens of thousands of people rely on our help, and the number of people with various types of cancers and illnesses rises by the year,” he added.

Both Feal and Barasch told how the funding they are pursuing will allow more illnesses to be recognized by the health program, as well as help with medical research into the conditions.

According to Barasch, “We lose two clients every day at my firm — all from 9/11 cancers. And, it is so heartbreaking. I’m so frustrated that more people aren’t taking advantage of these two programs, because we take this so personally, and not just because we made all these trips to Washington. Two of my paralegals died of 9/11 illnesses. Four others in my office, including me, are cancer survivors.” (Barasch has been diagnosed with prostate and skin cancer.)

On Sept. 14, Feal will be holding a memorial ceremony at the 9/11 Responders Remembered Park in Nesconset, while Barasch will be speaking at a candlelight vigil in New Jersey located at Liberty State Park, Jersey City.

by -
0 780
Rebecca Leone

Rebecca Leone, of St. James, a Regional Director of Administrative Services, at The Bristal Assisted Living has been recognized by WTWH Healthcare as a Future Leaders Class of 2024 honoree.

The Future Leaders awards program recognizes dynamic leaders, age 40 and under, who are defining the future of aging across the behavioral health, complex rehab technology, at-home care, home medical equipment, hospice and palliative care, senior housing, and skilled nursing industries.

Leone received her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State and her MBA in Healthcare Administration and Management from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.   She began her tenure at The Bristal at Babylon as the Business Office Manager before ascending to her current position as Regional Director of Administrative Services in 2022.

“The Future Leaders Class of 2024 is committed to bettering the lives of those they care for,” stated Tim Mullaney, VP of WTWH Healthcare. “Rebecca and her fellow honorees are making an impact across their respective industries with the goals of improving resident experience, supporting caregivers, and boosting overall health outcomes.”

by -
0 1114
1 of 2
Jeff Brett
Lou Bove

Lou Bove, President & Chief Executive Officer at Bove Industries, Inc., and Jeff Brett, founder and Chief Executive Officer of King Quality Construction, Inc., have been named to the board of the JTM Foundation. 

The JTM Foundation works to foster relationships with those individuals and organizations who have a like-minded vision and the desire to support exceptional health care at Mather Hospital for the benefit of our community. Every donation to the JTM Foundation solely benefits Mather Hospital, its programs, services and growth initiatives. Currently the Foundation is focused on philanthropic support for a new Emergency Department, expanded surgery center and other hospital renovations.

Mr. Bove’s company is a New York-based, heavy and civil contracting firm founded in 1985. He is the son of Loretta and the late Vincent Bove, who served as Mayor of Belle Terre for more than 25 years, as a member of the Mather Hospital Board beginning in 1975, and finally as Chairman of the Board when he was elected in 1995. 

Mr. Bove, along with his sister, Ginny, carries on his family’s Port Jefferson legacy through his service to our hospital community. Devoted to Mather’s annual Golf Classic, Mr. Bove has been central to raising more than $3 million in support of nursing programs during his 14-year tenure as Golf Classic Chair. He was honored for his work with the Founder’s Award at the 2018 Golf Classic.

Mr. Brett established his company, one of the United States’ largest and most prestigious siding, windows, and roofing contractors, in 1992 with only $150 and grew it into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. He remains grounded in his roots and Port Jefferson, the place where he was born and raised, continues to be his cherished home. 

With his wife Natalie and three children, he finds joy in giving back to the community that has shaped him. He generously donates his time, talent, and resources to improve the lives of others. Mr. Brett has served on the Mather Golf Committee for seven years and has supported the hospital’s special events. His many charitable contributions through his King Quality Cares include supplying Thanksgiving meals to the Lighthouse Mission and donating roofs for Habitat for Humanity and Hope House Ministries. He also supports L.I. Against Domestic Violence and John’s Crazy Socks.

Photos courtesy of Mather Hospital.

by -
0 654
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine

Stony Brook Medicine (SBM) has once again been recognized by the American Heart Association for its commitment to delivering high-quality patient care across cardiovascular and stroke focus areas. This year marks the 14th consecutive year for Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) (2010 – 2024) and the 11th consecutive year forStony Brook Southampton Hospital (SBSH) (2014 – 2024) to receive the Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – StrokeGold Plus achievement award. For the sixth consecutive year, SBUH received the Get With The Guidelines® – Heart FailureGold Plus quality achievement award. Both awards recognize SBM’s dedication to improving outcomes for patients, meaning reduced readmissions and more healthy days at home.

“This recognition by the American Heart Association underscores the unwavering dedication of our healthcare teams to provide exceptional care for our patients,” said Dr. William Wertheim, Executive Vice President of Stony Brook Medicine. “Our continuous recognition over the years highlights our dedication to providing top-tier cardiovascular and stroke care, and we are proud to see the positive impact our efforts have on improving patient outcomes.”

Stroke

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines.

In addition to this year’s Gold Plus achievement, Stony Brook University Hospital once again earned the distinctions of Target: Stroke℠ Elite Honor Roll, Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Honor Roll for Stony Brook University Hospital.

Heart Failure

Approximately 6 million U.S. adults live with heart failure, a condition that impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. This can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue which is often severe. However, with advanced care, patients can often achieve a better quality of life through lifestyle changes, symptom monitoring, accurate diagnosis, and cutting-edge therapies including state-of-the-art medications and interventions.

The Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Center at Stony Brook continues to be recognized for its excellence in patient care, having earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Heart Failure Gold Plus quality achievement award for the sixth consecutive year. This prestigious honor commends hospitals that consistently demonstrate an unwavering commitment to treating patients according to the latest evidence-based guidelines from the American Heart Association. The award further highlights Stony Brook’s Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy Center’s recognition as Long Island’s only heart failure program to have earned the distinguished Joint Commission Certification for Advanced Heart Failure, a mark of excellence the Center has proudly achieved since 2011. At Stony Brook, the comprehensive heart failure program leverages the most advanced pharmacological therapies, surgical interventions, and breakthrough devices to ensure the highest quality of life for its patients.

Resuscitation

Each year, more than 300,000 adults and children experience an in-hospital cardiac arrest.  Survival from cardiac arrest largely depends on timely medical emergency team response and effective CPR.

Get With The Guidelines – Resuscitation was developed to help save lives of patients who experience in-hospital cardiac arrests by consistently following the most up-to-date research-based guidelines for treatment as outlined by the American Heart Association. Guidelines include following protocols for patient safety, medical emergency team response, effective and timely resuscitation (CPR) and post-resuscitation care.

Stony Brook University Hospital is also nationally recognized for its commitment to improving cardiac arrest survival rates and received these top-level awards:

  • Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Gold – Adult
  • Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Gold – Pediatric
  • Get With The Guidelines® – Resuscitation Gold – Neonate/Infant

 

About Stony Brook University Hospital:

Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) is Long Island’s premier academic health center. With 624 beds, SBUH serves as the region’s only tertiary care center and Regional Trauma Center, and is home to the Stony Brook University Heart Institute, Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute. SBUH also encompasses Suffolk County’s only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center, state-designated AIDS Center, state-designated Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, state-designated Burn Center, the Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence, and Kidney Transplant Center. It is home of the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sbuh.

About Stony Brook Southampton Hospital:

With 124 beds, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital (SBSH) is staffed by more than 280 physicians, dentists, and allied health professionals representing 48 medical specialties. A campus of Stony Brook University Hospital, SBSH offers a diverse array of clinical services, ranging from primary medical care to specialized surgical procedures, including cardiac catheterization, orthopedics and bariatrics. The sole provider of emergency care on Long Island’s South Fork, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is a provisional Level III adult Trauma Center. The hospital includes The Phillips Family Cancer Center, a Heart and Stroke Center, Breast Health Center, The Center for Advanced Wound Healing, Wellness Institute, and 32 satellite care centers throughout the South Fork of Long Island. The hospital is the largest employer on the South Fork with more than 1,200 employees. To learn more, visit www.southampton.stonybrookmedicine.edu.

About Get With The Guidelines:

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 14 million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

by -
0 626
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION PHOTO
Processed meats increase health risks

By David Dunaief, M.D.

Dr. David Dunaief

For many, Labor Day weekend signals the beginning of a regular ritual of making school lunches or, for those of us who work from an office, our own lunches. Sandwiches are typical fare, because they travel well and are easy to handle.

Unfortunately, common sandwich ingredients, including processed meats, are increasingly implicated as potential causes of diseases, including several cancers, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Processed meats are those that have been cured, salted, fermented or smoked. Turkey and roast beef were often in my lunch box when I was growing up. The prevailing thought at the time was that deli meats made without artificial nitrates, nitrites and preservatives were healthy. Unfortunately, more recent studies show otherwise.

According to a study in the European Journal of Epidemiology, high processed meat intake was positively associated with risk of breast, colorectal, colon, rectal, and lung cancers (1).

Increased stroke risk

In a large, prospective cohort study, results showed a 23 percent increased risk of stroke in men who consumed the most processed meats (2). Deli meats, including low-fat turkey, ham and bologna, considered healthy by some, were implicated. The 40,291 Swedish participants were followed for about ten years.

The increased risk could be attributed potentially to higher sodium content in processed meats. Another mechanism could be nitrates and nitrites. Interestingly, participants were mostly healthy, except for the processed meats. Thus, processed meats could interfere with the benefits of a heart-healthy diet, according to the authors.

Increased cancer risk

In the large prospective Multiethnic Cohort Study, there was a 68 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer in participants who consumed the highest amounts of processed meats compared to the lowest (3). Participants were followed for seven years. The authors believe that carcinogenic substances in meat preparation, not necessarily fat or saturated fat, were the reason for increased risk. Pancreatic cancer is deadly, since most patients don’t have symptoms; therefore, it’s not discovered until its very late stages.

Processed meats also increase the risk of colorectal cancer. In a meta-analysis, there was an increased risk of 14 percent per every 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces (approximately one serving) of processed meat per day (4). Two slices of deli meat are equal to one serving. A deli’s turkey sandwich often includes about five servings of processed meat in one meal. 

In the EPIC trial, a prospective study with more than 420,000 participants, processed meats increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 35 percent (5). The absolute risk of developing colorectal cancer was 71 percent over ten years for those who were age 50.

Other cancers implicated in processed meats include lung, liver and esophageal cancers, with increased risks ranging from 20-60 percent according to the NIH AARP Diet and Health study (6). A separate analysis of the EPIC trial showed that there was a greater than two times increased risk of esophageal cancer with processed meats (7).

Type 2 Diabetes risk

In one of the most prestigious and largest meta-analyses involving the Health Professionals’ Follow-up Study and the Nurses’ Health Study I and II, results demonstrated a 32 percent increased risk of type 2 diabetes in participants who had a one-serving increase of processed meat consumption per day (8). This data was highly statistically significant and involved over four million years of cumulative follow-up. Interestingly, the authors estimate that replacing processed meat with one serving of nuts, low-fat dairy and whole grains would reduce risk substantially.

Other lunchbox options

Consider making bowls that include greens, grilled vegetables, healthy grains and beans. These can be prepared in a batch and distributed among lunch-sized containers that can be grabbed from the refrigerator when preparing lunches. If you want to include meat, add small cubes of unprocessed meat you’ve prepared yourself, which can lower your sodium and nitrate consumption.

References:

(1) Eur J Epidemiol. 2021 Sep;36(9):937-951. (2) Am J Clinical Nut. 2011;94 (2):417-421. (3) J Natl Cancer Inst 2005;97 (19): 1458-1465. (4) PLoS One. 2011;6 (6):e20456. (5) J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005 Jun 15;97 (12):906-16. (6) PLoS Med. 2007 Dec;4 (12):e325. (7) J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006 Mar 1;98 (5):345-54. (8) Am J Clinical Nutrition 2011;94 (4): 1088-1096.

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 -
0 645
From left, Anthony Rizzuto, Director of Provider Relations and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor of Seafield Center, Megan O’Donnell, Executive Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County; Dr. Gregson H. Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner; Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds, President and CEO, FCA; and Steve Chassman, Executive Director, Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD).

Press Conference Remembers Long Islanders Lost to Overdose

Family & Children’s Association (FCA), one of Long Island’s largest nonprofit health and human services organizations on Long Island, hosted its annual International Overdose Awareness Day event and press conference on Aug. 30 at its THRIVE Recovery Community and Outreach Center in Hauppauge.

The room was filled with families and friends of those lost to this public health epidemic, people in recovery, social workers, government officials, and the press. The morning’s agenda included a call to action, updated overdose statistics, testimony from community partners, firsthand remembrances and tributes from a variety of speakers, and Narcan training. The event closed with a candlelight vigil and a name reading of those lost to an overdose in the past year.

According to the CDC, between March of 2023 and March of 2024, the reported number of drug overdose deaths decreased by approximately 9.4%, from 110,082 to 99,684, while the predicted number of deaths also saw a decline of about 7.5%.  Compared to the previous year, March 2022 to March 2023, in which there was a slight increase in reported and predicted deaths.  There is still much work left to be done.

International Overdose Awareness Day, traditionally observed on the last day of August, aims to raise awareness of this critical public health issue, end overdose, honor without stigma those who have lost their lives, acknowledge the grief of families and friends, and encourage action and discussion on evidence-based overdose prevention and drug policies.

Speakers at the event included Jeffrey L. Reynolds, PhD., FCA President and Chief Executive Officer; Steve Chassman, Executive Director, Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD); Anthony Rizzuto, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor of Seafield Center; Alana Urbont Marino, Director of Community Engagement, Human Understanding & Growth Services, Inc. (HUGS, Inc.); and Dr. Edmond Hakimi, Medical Director at Wellbridge. Victoria “Tori” Sholl spoke about the struggles of her daughter, Jessica and how it affected her entire family. Today, Jessica is in recovery and works as a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate and Program Supervisor in FCA’s Sherpa program, meeting with individuals and families within hospitals and the community who are struggling with Substance Use Disorder.

“Our hope is that this event is meaningful, informative, emotionally charged and ultimately healing for those who attend,” said Dr. Reynolds. “Our goal is always to end this epidemic and eliminate the need for an International Overdose Awareness Day.”

THRIVE envision a community that fosters health, safety, and support for individuals at every stage of recovery. The staff & volunteers assist individuals and families in finding, sustaining, and enhancing their recovery through peer-based support, resource and referral services, and interactive educational programs. They also provide a safe and welcoming environment for substance-free recreational and social activities.

Family & Children’s Association (FCA) leads the operations and oversight of THRIVE Recovery Community and Outreach Center in partnership with the LICADD, LIRA, Families in Support of Treatment (F.I.S.T.), and HUGS, Inc.. THRIVE is funded by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and through private contributions.

About FCA

FCA is a not-for-profit agency helping more than 35,000 Long Islanders each year. For 140 years, the organization has worked to protect and strengthen vulnerable children, seniors, families, and communities on Long Island.

FCA believes in the potential of Long Island – a place where no child, senior, family or community is left to struggle alone with barriers to health care, education, employment, or economic prosperity. Long Island continues to be one of the greatest places in the world to live and raise a family for many; FCA exists to ensure that be the case for all.

For more information about FCA, visit www.fcali.org

by -
0 611
Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Benjamin Luft. Photo courtesy of SBU

They bother us, particularly in the summer, but they don’t need us.

The 23 species of Borrelia bacteria, which cause Lyme disease, have been around for millions of years, dating back to when the continents were all linked together like pieces of a puzzle in Pangea. The bacteria likely infected early mammals in those days.

In a recent paper in the journal mBIO, researchers from over 12 institutions put together the genetic sequence of these bacteria, which include 47 strains.

The scope of the work “was enormous and we were lucky” to have so many dedicated investigators, said Ben Luft, Edmund D. Pellegrino Professor of Medicine at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, including lead senior author Weigang Qiu, Professor of Biology at Hunter College of the City University of New York.

The work, which took about a decade to complete, could provide a valuable resource to researchers and doctors today and in the future. The genetic information could lead to advances in diagnostics, treatment and prevention of Lyme disease.

Scientist could use the database to compare the genomes of different species and variations that cause different symptoms to help diagnose the likely severity of an infection as well as to search for specific pathways that lead to the virulence of an infection.

Some infections can lead to fever, headaches, fatigue and a skin rash. Starting with the bite of an intermediate host such as a tick, these infections, when left untreated, can lead to problems in the joints, heart, and nervous system.

The number of new cases of Lyme disease each year has been climbing, reaching close to 500,000 per year in the United States.

Researchers added that creating a genetic catalog of the different bacterial species can also help current and future scientists and doctors manage new threats from strains of bacteria that move into new areas amid climate change.

These species haven’t interacted with each other in the past, but climate change may create opportunities for bacteria to create recombinant genes, presenting new threats to human health.

“You may start seeing things that you didn’t see before,” said Luft. “We don’t know what’s going to happen” amid climate change. “There might be new forms” of Lyme disease.

The challenge with Lyme is not necessarily what happens in 2024, but how it might change in 20 years, when organisms develop a new pathogenicity.

Lyme on four continents

An international team of researchers sequenced the genomes of many species of Borrelia, the cause of Lyme disease. By comparing these genomes, the researchers reconstructed the evolutionary history of Lyme disease bacteria. The map shows many of the global regions where the team sequenced a species. Borrelia burgdorferi, the most common cause of disease, is indicated in red. Other species are indicated by different colors. Image created by Saymon Akther

In addition to generating a database of the Lyme disease bacterial genome, the researchers wanted to develop an understanding of its phylogenetic history.

“The goal really was to show how genetically diverse Borelia is throughout the world,” said Luft.

The researchers gathered genetic data from this bacteria, which was sampled in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.

By collecting the genetic information in each of these locations, the scientists were able to recreate the history of a bacteria that’s lasted considerably longer than many other organisms that have since become extinct.

“The genetic make up (genes and plasmids) hasn’t changed very much since the last common ancestor on Pangea (otherwise we would see different sets of genes and plasmids from different continents),” explained Qiu.

An extensive collaboration

Qiu and Luft were grateful for all the work scientists around the world did to contribute to this study.

On Long Island, Lyme disease is transmitted mainly by the bite of an infected deer tick, also is known as the black-legged tick.

The team of Claire Fraser and Emmanuel Mongodin at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Richard G. Morgan of New England Biolabs helped use next generation sequencing to determine the bacterial genome.

Indeed, Fraser was the first to map the complete genetic code of a free-living organisms. She worked with the Haemophilus influenza, which causes respiratory infections and meningitis in infants and young children, according to the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Qiu, who earned his Phd from Stony Brook in 1999, suggested that the effort required regular, ongoing work. He supervised Dr. Saymon Akther for her thesis work, which was the basis of the paper. He also performed additional evolutionary analysis.

“For the past two years, we have been having weekly meetings on zoom,” said Qiu. “It’s a big relief” that the researchers published the study and shared the information with the scientific community.

Qiu credited Luft with being a consistent coordinator of the sequencing effort and diversity study for over 20 years.

The next steps

At this point, Luft and his colleagues are eager to share the information with the broader scientific community.

The researchers hope experts in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics and computer programming can use the data to understand more about the genome and develop potential therapeutic targets.

Luft is eager to see “how smart people take advantage of a decade’s worth of work that has been very carefully done, to move it all forward,” he said. “We have certain ideas that we are doing” to fill in the gaps.

Qiu has some existing grants he’s using to work on diagnostics and vaccine development.

Qiu, along with chemistry-department colleague Brian Zeglis, and Lyme diagnostic/ vaccine researcher Maria Gomes-Solecki, has a joint NIH/ NIAID grant to develop a novel PET-based technology to detect Lyme pathogens in vivo. They have also proposed a new Lyme vaccine design strategy.

Additional sequencing of the variable plasmid, which is not a part of the chromosomal DNA but can replicate independently, would continue to help determine what genetic codes contribute to the level of virulence for each strain or species.

“That’s like the last mile for the communication network,” said Qiu. The challenges include annotating the genomes, providing comparative analysis and using informatics development to share the genome variability with the research community.

by -
0 327

The Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center, will mark International Overdose Awareness Day by holding a free Narcan training event for the community.  

Training will be held on Friday, August 30 from noon to 1 p.m. at Horizons Counseling and Education Center’s Community Room, located at 161 East Main Street, Smithtown. Narcan kits and resources will be provided. 

“Understanding how to administer Narcan is an invaluable tool that can save a life.  Narcan training equips you with the skills and confidence to stabilize an individual until emergency services arrive.  Accidental overdoes among the elderly, particularly those suffering from dementia, on prescription drugs are not uncommon.  Narcan serves as a critical weapon, in the war against drugs,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

“In today’s times, our communities are being faced with significant issues surrounding overdose and substance use. Stigma significantly hinders individuals from seeking help for addiction, as it fosters shame and fear of judgment. We at Horizons Counseling and Education Center strive to break down these harmful stereotypes by educating the public that addiction is a medical condition requiring empathy and professional care. We believe that recovery is possible, and there is hope for a better future. International Overdose Awareness Day is a day to celebrate all the brave men and women who have fought the fight and won, and also to recognize and remember those who lost their lives to addiction. One life lost to addiction is one too many,” added Madi Makboulian, Director of Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services.

To register, email [email protected] or call 631-360-7578.

—————————————–

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) and Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence (LICADD) are partnering to help save lives. The legislator and LICADD are inviting residents to an overdose prevention and Narcan training session at Comsewogue Public Library, 170 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.  

Attendees will learn how to recognize the signs of an overdose and when and how to use Narcan properly to aid victims. Narcan is a nasal spray used in an opioid emergency and is available over the counter. The spray can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. All are welcome to attend. Entry for minors aged 17 or under will require permission from a guardian. For more information, call 631-854-1650 or email [email protected].

by -
0 538
Author Fern Pessin (right) poses with her mother, Hedda, a Gurwin Assisted Living resident. Photo courtesy of Gurwin Healthcare System

Author Provides Insightful Talk on Caregiving and Family Dynamics

Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences Assisted Living Community  in Commack recently hosted and local family caregivers were treated to an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion with distinguished author Fern Pessin. Known for her insightful works, Can We Talk?, I’ll Be Right There and The Caregiver Gap Year, Pessin offered valuable perspectives on the complexities of caregiving and family dynamics.

Pessin’s talk captivated the audience as she delved into the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving, drawing from her personal experiences and research. Her books, which have resonated with readers nationwide, explore the challenges and rewards of caring for loved ones, and she shared key insights with the attendees, many of whom have navigated or are currently navigating similar journeys.

“We were honored to have Fern Pessin speak at our community,” said Joel Gali, Vice-President & Administrator of Gurwin Assisted Living. “Her understanding of the caregiver’s role and the importance of communication within families certainly struck a chord. It was a meaningful experience for everyone involved.”

The event provided an opportunity for residents and family caregivers to engage in a lively Q&A session, where they questioned Pessin about her experiences, discussed their own and gained new perspectives on managing the caregiver relationship. The conversation highlighted the importance of communication, self-care and finding balance in caregiving roles, and attendees left feeling inspired and better equipped to manage the challenges of caregiving. Pessin’s books have been praised for their relatable, compassionate approach to topics that affect so many families. 

For more information about upcoming events at Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences, please visit the Events page at www.gurwin.org/events.

Prev1...222324...181Next Page 23 of 181
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

©