Northwell’s Mather Hospital invites the community to a free joint replacement breakfast seminar at The Bristal at Holtsville, 5535 Express Drive North, Holtsville on Saturday, March 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Guest speakers Michael Fracchia, M.D., Chief of Orthopedics at Mather Hospital, Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group; and Filippo F. Romanelli, D.O., Orthopedic Surgeon, Orlin & Cohen Orthopedic Group will discuss the causes of joint pain and the medical and surgical techniques available to improve your life.
A buffet breakfast will be served. To register, visit matherhospital.org/orthoseminar. For more information, call 631-476-2723.
Stony Brook University Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) has received Level 1 Accreditation for Geriatric Emergency Care by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), one of only two hospitals in Suffolk County to achieve this status.
“Adults aged 65 and older represent one of the largest populations seeking emergency care here on Long Island,” says William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President, Stony Brook Medicine. “We are proud of our team’s persistent efforts to provide high-quality geriatric care and promote healthy aging throughout the community.”
“This designation shows Stony Brook Medicine’s commitment to preserving the independence and dignity of seniors on Long Island by providing the latest treatments, comprehensive services and improved patient outcomes,” says Carol Gomes, chief executive officer of Stony Brook University Hospital.
Hospitals earning a Level One Gold accreditation deliver the highest-quality, person-centered care, within the ED and throughout the institution, to older adults in their community, through geriatric-specific initiatives tied to policies, guidelines, procedures, and staffing.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows the senior citizens population is continuing to grow on Long Island. Between 2019 and 2023, an estimated 36.9% of total households included one individual who was 65 or older in Suffolk County, an increase of 3.4% compared to the five-year period ending 2018. The median age in the county, 42 years, is 10 percent higher than the national average.
Stony Brook’s ED has developed a number of policies, standards and evidence-based practices with an emphasis on delivering age-appropriate care. Some of these initiatives include comprehensive fall assessment and prevention protocols, pain management focused on geriatric-specific pain control measures and alternatives to minimize use of urinary catheters. In addition, the ED promotes access to nutrition 24/7 for older adults, has developed standardized discharge protocols addressing age-specific communication needs and has limited the use of physical restraints by incorporating trained companions/sitters.
The Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University expands the institution’s mission of providing seniors with the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives. In 2023, the Stony Brook Center for Healthy Aging (CHA) was created to develop a better understanding of the biology, physiology, sociology and psychology of aging through research and innovation. Bringing together Stony Brook researchers conducting studies related to aging, the mission of the CHA is to improve methods for earlier interventions so seniors can age in their own homes and with a high quality of life. It also aims to develop new treatments – including potentially utilizing robots – to ensure Long Island’s seniors receive the highest quality care.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Flu season is hitting New York and the country as a whole especially hard this year. Stock photo
By Daniel Dunaief
The flu season has hit with a vengeance in February, as a seasonal virus that can be deadly hasbecome the dominant cause of illness in the area.
Suffolk County hospitals reported 337 residents with influenza in the week ending Feb. 1, according to New York State Department of Health data.
Dr. Sharon Nachman
Just last year, for the 2023-2024 flu season, Suffolk County hospitalizations peaked on Dec. 30 at 52. Even in the year before, when people were starting to wear masks much less frequently than during the peak covid years, flu hospitalizations in the county peaked at 50 on Dec. 17.
“We are definitely seeing more people sick” with flu, said Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. The emergency room is “wildly full, and even urgent care walk in is full.”
The number of positive cases of flu A at Stony Brook University Hospital in January was 800. That compares with 400 cases for the same strain last year, according to Nachman.
While the flu is cyclical and can cause different levels of infections from year to year, local doctors suggested that the overall flu vaccination rate was lower this year, which may have increased vulnerability to the virus and extended the time people exhibited symptoms.
The number of people vaccinated is “incredibly lower compared to past years,” said Nachman. On top of that, people may not have been exposed to the flu for several years amid measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Residents’ immune systems may have “no good memory response” if the last exposure to the virus occurred some time before 2020, Dr. Nachman added.
The dominant strain of the flu this year is the A strain, which accounts for about 80 percent of the cases.
Nachman suggested that people who were vaccinated in early September may not have as much resistance to the flu this month, as their peak resistance, which typically lasts about three months, has wained.
Health care professionals added that people who haven’t been vaccinated could still receive the shot, as the flu season could continue to last for a month or more.
Dr. Adrian Popp
“It is not too late to get the flu shot,” Dr. Gregson Pigott, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, explained in an email.
Dr. Adrian Popp, chair of Infection Control at Huntington Hospital, said the staff has been offering flu shots for residents who have were not already immunized.
“I don’t know how much longer this will last,” said Popp. “It’s still cold and it’ll be cold in March.”
Typically, it takes two weeks for the body to receive full protection from the shot. The shot does provide some incremental benefit immediately.
“You start building immunity from the moment you get” the shot, said Popp.
So far this year, there have been two deaths at Huntington Hospital, which is not unusual for the flu.
Mortality from the flu is “turning into what it used to be,” said Popp, with deaths at about pre pandemic levels.
High risk patients
High risk patients are typically older or have preexisting conditions.
People who have an inability to fight infections can get “much sicker from the flu,” said Dr. Alan Bulbin, St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center Director of Infectious Disease.
Dr. Gregson Pigott
Health care workers urged those who are in higher risk groups either to see their doctors if they start developing symptoms or to use some of the at home tests, including a recent one that can test for flu A and B, as well as Covid.
“If you are immunocompromised, you should have a low threshold,” said Bulbin. “You should speak with a doctor, go to urgent care, and do a swab. That may differentiate influenza” from other infections such as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and Covid.
The antiviral treatment Tamiflu can be effective if people start taking it within 48 hours of developing symptoms. Paxlovid, meanwhile, can also help within a few days of developing covid.
“We urge residents, especially those at risk for severe illness, to contact their medical providers at the onset of symptoms,” Pigott explained in an email.
Lower Covid and RSV levels
While the flu has infected a larger number of people than in previous years, the incidence of RSV and Covid has declined.
In Suffolk County, 90 residents are hospitalized with Covid, while the number of deaths from the virus is 29 since the start of the year, according to the New York State Department of Health.
That compares with 190 residents hospitalized last year and 96 deaths from Covid from Jan. 1 through Feb. 14.
“The virus that causes Covid-19 is still circulating and causing disease, although not as aggressively as in previous years,” Pigott explained.
RSV, meanwhile, rose in the fall, peaked in late December and has been falling since then.
RSV accounted for 0.2 percent of emergency department visits on Feb. 1, Pigott added.
Future ID doctors
Specialists in infectious disease were unsure how the pandemic affected the interest among doctors in training and residents in their field.
For some, the appeal of reacting to fluid circumstances and to gathering insights about a developing disease that could and did affect billions of lives could be appealing. For others, however, the demands, the hours, and increasing politicization of medicine as well as the divided response to vaccines could have pushed them in other directions.
“Am I concerned that not enough people are going into the specialty?” Nachman asked. “Yes.”
Northwell’s Mather Hospitalin 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 haveused 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 wecontinue to work with the equipment companies to improve the technology,” he said.
Diet and exercise are the first line of defense for those living with diabetes. Stock photo
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and the Department of Health Services invite residents who are at risk of developing type-2 diabetes to participate in the Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is based off of the National Diabetes Prevention Program that supports moderate behavioral changes and incorporates healthy eating and physical activity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 98 million American adults — more than 1 in 3 — are at risk for diabetes.
“We want our residents to be healthy and live fulfilling lives,” said Romaine. “We encourage all adult residents to take a one-minute risk survey to learn if they are at risk for prediabetes. Through educational programming and preventative measures, we are here to help you reduce your risk.”
“Diabetes puts the body at risk for many serious health conditions,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner. “The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can help restore blood sugar to normal levels and result in significant health benefits.”
The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program has received “full plus” recognition from the CDC, meeting the agency’s highest standards. To date, 440 Suffolk County residents have successfully completed the program.
Residents are encouraged to take the one-minute risk test at www.doihaveprediabetes.org and are invited to attend informational sessions at:
— Smithtown Public Library, 148 Smithtown Blvd, Nesconset on Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
— Brookhaven Free Library, 273 Beaver Dam Road, Brookhaven on Wednesday, March 12 from noon to 1 p.m.
— Center Moriches Public Library, 235 Main Street, Center Moriches on March 19 from noon to 1 p.m.
— Patchogue/Medford Library, 54-60 East Main Street, Patchogue on March 28 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Charles Hospital, 200 Belle Terre Road, Port Jefferson will hold a free patient education seminar on acid reflux in the St. Raphael Conference Room, 2nd Floor, on Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Want to reduce dependency on medications? Concerned about side effects of medications? Regurgitate in spite of medications? Dr. Arif Ahmad, Director, Acid Reflux and Hiatal Hernia Center of Excellence at St. Charles Hospital, will discuss permanent solutions for acid reflux with minimally invasive surgical procedures that will improve your quality of life. Light refreshments will be served.
Residents across the county are noticing swans straying from their habitats, wandering onto roads, drive-ways and parking lots, often disheveled and disoriented.
Lisa Jaeger, who runs an animal rescue business, has already picked up six swans this year, a number she says is above normal. In fact, Jaeger was relocating a swan that was found on 25A only hours before her phone interview with TBR News Media. In her ten years of running her business, Jaeger said she has never noticed such an influx of displaced, sick or even dead swans.
“It is very bad. One of them we found dead on the beach on Shore Road” Jaeger said. “It’s horrible. It’s just horrible.”
Swans are extremely territorial creatures and after mating, reside in one area for the rest of their lives. They may leave that area if pushed out after fighting with another swan or if they are confused and unable to navigate back. Lead poisoning is the likely cause.
“[Lead poisoning] is very common,” Adrienne Gillepsie, wildlife rehabilitator at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays. “Every single swan that we admit to this center, and we get a lot, has lead poisoning.”
Jaeger frequently travels to the rescue center to drop off swans, if they have room. The Evelyn Alexander Rescue Center is the only wildlife center in Suffolk County that has a large waterfowl pen. Other centers have smaller pens and are only capable of taking a few waterfowl.
Lead poisoning affects the swans’ central nervous system and can cause the swans to neglect their grooming, becoming dirty and odorous as a result. They can become sluggish and confused or lose control of their legs and wings and become grounded. When this happens, the swan may try to eat dirt or sand, compounding their sickness.
“If they don’t get treated, it is a death sentence and it is very, very slow. They are uncoordinated, they can drown, they get hit by cars…they slowly just go downhill because they don’t have that medicine or treatment,” Gillepsie said.
Gillepsie estimated that when she started 12 years ago, only around half of swans that were brought in had lead poisoning; now, she said it was essentially a guarantee that a bird would show high levels of lead when given a blood test.
Gillespie and her team administer a treatment called chelation therapy, a 5-day treatment that flushes the toxic metals from the swan’s system. They administer dimercaptosuccinic acid to extricate the heavy metals. This treatment is repeated until lead levels are low enough for the swan to be released.
Swans must be returned “exactly where they came from.” They are invasive and aggressive, so relocating them is problematic not only to other swans, but also to the surrounding ecosystem.
The cured swans return to their nest site, ingest the same contaminated vegetation or lead shots. Gillespie said they regularly get “repeat offenders”.
Other birds like hawks, owls, loons, ducks, and canadian geese can also get lead poisoning, but not as frequently as swans.
Lead shot and pellets were outlawed in 1991. The sale of lead fishing sinkers under one-half ounce or less was banned in New York in 2002 as it was the leading cause of death for the common loon.
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