CLOSE
Times of Huntington-Northport

by -
0 357
Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

We all try, more or less, to say the right thing in the moment.

“Wow, so nice to see you again. You look wonderful.”

“How are your children?”

“How’s work? How many days a week are you back in person?”

But after cutting up turkeys, ham and other food, the real carving occurs in the hours and days after gatherings, when we separate into smaller groups and snicker, judge and let loose the parts of our sinister souls for which we seek atonement during religious and other holidays.

Now that family gatherings have restarted in earnest, despite the COVID clouds still hovering over us, we have a chance to turn moments of discomfort into a collage of complaints.

While I’m sure there might be a few people who don’t practice the fine art of conducting post-gathering analysis about friends, family members and loved ones, I have yet to meet them.

We ought to break the process, lighthearted ideally though it may, into various categories.

Clothing: Wardrobe choices are often the subject of discussion. We sometimes marvel at how revealing or tight an outfit was or how casually someone dressed for a larger gathering.

Defensive guests: Sometimes, what people say, or hear, has nothing to do with a question they were asked or even a conversation in which they participated. While I was recently cleaning dishes, another guest walked in and told me everything he had contributed to the confab. His need to share his contribution, or to allay any guilt he might have felt, was revealing.

Conversation interrupters: While many families have long-winded storytellers, some gatherings include a conversation interrupter. They are the people for whom any dialog that doesn’t revolve around them or their opinions is unwelcome and unworthy. They interrupt other people’s stories to interject their views on a topic or, perhaps, on something completely unrelated to the discussion.

Exacerbaters: These are the people for whom conflict is nearly as delicious as the homemade apple pie or fruit cobbler that awaits after dinner. Sensing conflict in a marriage or between siblings, they will figure out how to help build any tension in the moment. When challenged for their role as instigators, they will frequently play the victim card, claiming that making people angry at each other or at them wasn’t their intention and that everyone doesn’t understand how they were really only trying to help and to resolve the conflict.

Welcome to Narnia guests: No party is complete without at least one person who needs to bring everyone into their perspective or their world. These people often see everything through one perspective, whether it’s about saving stray dogs, the challenges of having difficult neighbors, or the difficulty of finding good Thai food in their neighborhood. The discussion could be about the challenges educators faced during the pandemic and, they will say, “Oh yeah? Well, that reminds me of the challenges of finding good Thai food.”

The revisionist historians: Often, some, or even many, of the people in a room spent considerable time with each other. Stories have a way of evolving over time, either because they sound better one way or because the storyteller’s memory has altered some of the facts to suit a better narrative. No, you didn’t invent the yo-yo, no, you didn’t predict the year the Cubs would finally win the World Series, and, no, you didn’t always use the phrase “just do it” before Nike added it to their ad campaign.

by -
0 354
METRO photo

By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief

One of the first things we noticed when we moved from the Bronx to Wichita Falls Texas, where my husband reported for duty on the Air Force base in July 1967, was that the city had no delis. Really, no delis. “Where can we find a deli?” we asked people. “What’s a deli?” was the response.

It was then that we learned that a deli, short for delicatessen, was indigenous to large urban settings generally found on the coasts, that made fresh sandwiches and sold side salads from their display cases and bottled sodas from their glass-front, vertical refrigerators. We explained that they were mighty convenient for a quick take-out lunch. Sometimes a few people ate at the handful of tables, but mostly it was an in-and-out experience and one hoped the line would not be too long. “We have diners,” they offered helpfully. “You could probably take out an order from one of them.”

How to describe the difference between a diner and a deli? I had never thought about delis before. I just knew there was one every couple of blocks in New York. Some of them were quite elegant, with imported products, cured meats and cheeses, and even exotic foods, while others, in the neighborhoods, just sold the usual turkey, bologna or ham and Swiss on a roll or white bread.

Ah, but then there were the kosher delis, the ones with overstuffed pastrami on rye and spicy mustard, with a pickle and a soda, maybe even a potato knish on the side. That’s the classic New York deli sandwich. They were the best, and there were fewer of those but enough to feed the discriminating in all five boroughs. Often kosher delis were part of a restaurant in which diners could sit at tables and be served by wise-cracking waiters. Patrons might slurp up chicken soup before they attacked their fulsome sandwiches.

In fact, there were 1500 kosher delicatessens in New York City in the 1930s, brought here primarily by German-Jewish immigrants in the late 19th century. There were fewer than 15 as of 2015, and I’ll bet there are only a handful today. This is how they started, or so the story goes.

A Lithuanian named Sussman Volk, who arrived in New York in 1880, owned a butcher shop on the lower East Side. He befriended another immigrant, from Romania, and allowed the fellow to store his meat in the shop’s large icebox. To thank him, the friend gave Volk a recipe for pastrami, which then proved so popular with Volk’s customers that he opened a restaurant at 88 Delancey Street and served the meat on rye. The creation was soon repeated in delis and became the city’s iconic sandwich.

Delicatessens originated in Germany during the 18th century, started by a German food company called Dellmayr in 1700 that still exists, and spread to the United States in mid-19th century. They catered to the German immigrants, offering smoked meats, sausages, pickled vegetables, dips, breads and olives. Just in case you are on “Jeopardy!”, the root of the word comes from the Latin, “delicatus,” meaning giving pleasure, delightful, pleasing. After WWII, from about 1948 on, they were simply referred to as “delis.”

Today, even supermarkets have deli sections. There are two delis within walking distance in my village and more up and down the neighboring villages. And they exist in many countries with slight variations on the theme. Australia, Canada, Europe (Milan, Paris, Vienna, London, Munich, Zurich), Ireland, they all have delis. They are different from Subway or Jersey Mike’s, or Wawa, which, too, make sandwiches to order. They are also different from McDonald’s or Wendy’s, who specialize in fast food. Some of them have hot prepared foods as well, and all of them require interaction with a clerk behind the counter as opposed to a more digital ordering process. Those clerks may whip up an egg on a roll with bacon and cheese if you ask. Some delis even have small groceries attached to them.

Delis are generally unpretentious eateries that welcome you. For my lunch tastes, you can’t spell delicious without “deli.”

by -
0 261

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police:

Centereach

■ Walmart on Middle Country Road in Centereach reported a shoplifter on April 5. A man allegedly stole a 55 inch TLC 4k Smart TV worth $319.

Centerport

■ A resident on Ridgefield Road in Centerport reported that someone entered their unlocked vehicle on April 8 and removed a laptop, two iPads and a backpack. The stolen items were valued at over $2,000.

■ A resident on Lone Oak Drive in Centerport reported that someone entered their unlocked vehicle on April 8 and stole a wallet containing cash and credit cards.

Commack

■ Home Depot on Crooked Hill Road in Commack reported a shoplifter on April 8. A man allegedly stole BX copper wire valued at $838.

Dix Hills

■ A 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 containing miscellaneous tools, speakers and sunglasses was stolen from a residence on Deer Park Avenue in Dix Hills on April 7. The vehicle was valued at $6,000.

East Setauket

■ Setauket Gourmet Deli on Route 25A in East Setauket was burglarized on April 7. Unknown suspects entered through the roof and stole cash, two metal safes and a DVR.

Halesite

■ Three Dell laptops were stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked on Baywood Place in Halesite on April 7.

Head of the Harbor

■ A resident on Muffins Meadow Road in Head of the Harbor called the police on April 6 to report that someone entered their unlocked vehicle and stole cash and credit cards.

Huntington

■ A 2019 Mercedes Benz G43 was stolen from a residence on Cove Road in Huntington on April 6. The vehicle was valued at $49,000.

Huntington Station

■ Target on East Jericho Turnpike called the police on April 4 to report that two women allegedly stole assorted health and beauty products valued at $1377.

Lake Grove

■ Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove reported a shoplifter on April 6. A man allegedly stole four TaylorMade golf clubs valued at $2,550.

■ Macy’s at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove called the police on April 9 to report that a person entered the store and allegedly stole miscellaneous clothing items worth $230.

Rocky Point

■ Kohl’s on Route 25A in Rocky Point reported a shoplifter on April 5. A woman allegedly stole assorted clothing items valued at $557.

■ Kohl’s on Route 25A in Rocky Point called the police on April 8 to report a man allegedly stole a vacuum worth $217 from the store.

Port Jefferson Station

■ A resident on Viceroy Place in Port Jefferson Station called the police to report that his 2016 Dodge Charger was stolen with the keys inside in front of his home on April 6. The vehicle was valued at $10,000.

Selden

■ CVS on Middle Country Road in Selden reported at shoplifter on April 7. A woman allegedly stole 6 boxes of diapers worth $210 and bath items worth $30.

■ A petit larceny was reported at Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden on April 7. A man allegedly stole a Dewalt table saw worth $640.

■ Home Depot on Middle Country Road in Selden reported a shoplifter on April 8. A woman allegedly placed 40 GFI outlets and one light fixture in her shopping cart and walked out without paying. The merchandise was valued at $2,000.

Stony Brook

■ A 2017 Mercedes B Model G30 was reported stolen from the driveway of a residence on Spencer Lane in Stony Brook on April 2. The vehicle was valued at $50,000.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS.

— COMPILED BY HEIDI SUTTON

by -
0 419
1 of 3
The Vanderbilt Planetarium
A photo of the Vanderbilt Mansion’s boiler.
Example of water damage at the Vanderbilt Museum.

At the April 12th general meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (Centerport) sponsored legislation that secured much-needed funding for critical repairs and improvements at the historic Vanderbilt Mansion, Museum and Planetarium.

“We are so lucky to have this cultural and educational resource in Suffolk County.  The Vanderbilt is frequented by countless schoolchildren each year and tourists of all ages from near and far.  Keeping up with the maintenance ensures that we can continue to deliver its wonderful programs, while simultaneously avoiding greater costs down the road,” said Bontempi.

Soon after being elected, Bontempi learned of the specific needs of the facility when she met on site with its executive director, Elizabeth Wayland-Morgan.  Although the grounds were an impressive sight to behold, it was clear that its components were showing their age. The funding, sponsored by Bontempi, addresses new seating, carpeting and kiosks at the planetarium, improvements to thwart water intrusion affecting numerous buildings, and a new boiler for the mansion.

“Like many tourist attractions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vanderbilt felt the economic pinch,” said Bontempi. “These improvements will play an important role in the museum’s recovery and future.”

To learn more about the Vanderbilt Mansion, Museum and Planetarium, please visit its website at: https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/.

by -
0 396
The Selden campus of Suffolk County Community College. File photo

Last week, Suffolk County Community College officially inaugurated Edward Bonahue as its seventh president.

During his inaugural address, Bonahue emphasized the importance of offering quality higher education at an affordable cost. The staff of TBR News Media energetically supports this message.

Often flying under the radar, two-year institutions do some of the most important work throughout the county and the nation. These institutions are the bridge for some people who have been historically left behind by the education system. At a time when the cost of higher education is skyrocketing out of control, when the decision to take out a student loan is comparable to taking out a mortgage, when fewer people see the value of a college degree, community colleges provide families a common-sense alternative.

Residents of Suffolk County should know that the decisions one makes coming out of high school can have enormous long-term consequences. For many, taking out a five-figure mandatory loan before the age of 20 is simply unwise, and for others can be a catastrophic mistake. Some 18-year-olds simply lack the prudence to make a financial decision of that magnitude.

Coupled with inflation and volatility in the market, more than ever parents must do the difficult work of calculating whether sending their children off to an expensive four-year institution is in their best interest. How can one know for sure that a high school student will comfortably adapt to life at the university? How can anyone predict the long-term academic success of someone who has only known a sheltered life on Long Island? Nowadays, sending even one child off to college disrupts the entire family budget dramatically.

To the residents of Suffolk County, to the parents and students who may be uncertain about whether or not college is the right choice, understand there are alternatives. Community colleges, such as SCCC, are a valuable resource that more Suffolk families should tap into.

Community colleges are a stepping stone. They allow students to determine for themselves if they are college-ready. For those who thrive at the community college, the pricey four-year institution may be a reasonable next step. However, for those who learn that they either struggle in a college setting or are dissatisfied by the work of the academy, the reasonable tuition of the community college makes it easier and less painful to cut one’s losses.

Community college should be a testing ground for student fence-sitters, those uncertain about which path is right for them. For many, community college will propel them to other institutions of higher learning. For others, it will likely point them in the direction of other — often more profitable — career alternatives.

The TBR staff congratulates President Bonahue on his recent inauguration. We hope that with his leadership, Suffolk residents will build trust in our county’s more affordable college institutions. From SCCC to Stony Brook University — both institutions that offer generous tuition rates for in-state residents — people here do have the option to receive a quality college education at an affordable price. Some people should choose this path to reduce the overall cost of their education.

by -
0 637
Bonahue, above, entering the inaugural ceremony at the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. Photo by SCCC

On Friday, April 8, Suffolk County Community College celebrated the inauguration of Edward Bonahue as the college’s seventh president. 

Bonahue, who took office in June 2021, was joined by students, educators, community leaders and public officials at the Suffolk Federal Credit Union Arena on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. During the event, various speakers had an opportunity to share their respective visions for the community college under Bonahue’s direction. 

Sarah Kain Gutowski, a professor of English at SCCC, delivered the inaugural poem, “A Shared Relief.” Gutowski’s poem reflected upon the setbacks faced by the Suffolk community because of the pandemic and offered a message of reassurance and hope.

“Perhaps memory serves us best when it reveals this: That after the onslaught of illness, fear, isolation and doubt, privation and poverty, empty rhetoric and tenuous polity, something remains,” Gutowski said. “Being together again, communing in this space whether virtual or real, masked or unmasked, standing six feet apart or three, is the way to recovery. Our eyes reflecting shared relief, it says, ‘Good, you’re still here.’”

Among the group of inaugural speakers was Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone (D), who commended Bonahue for his leadership qualities and for his unique ability to generate partnerships throughout the community.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, above, spoke during the inauguration. Photo by SCCC

“We are fortunate now to have a seasoned higher education executive with more than 20 years of experience in community college education leading this great institution,” Bellone said. “If the last 10 months tell us anything, it’s that Dr. Bonahue is a proven leader. Throughout the course of his career, he has successfully implemented creative programs and creative, innovative partnerships.” The county executive added that these are “all talents he has brought with him to his role as our new president.”

Bellone also touched upon Bonahue’s local roots, which he considered vital for the continued connection between residents and the community college: “Dr. Bonahue not only has the experience and know-how to lead this incredible institution, but we know he has a special interest in seeing this region succeed as a native Suffolk County resident and graduate of Ward Melville High School.”

Edward Bonahue (left) and County Executive Steve Bellone (right) share a laugh during the inaugural ceremony. Photo by SCCC

Mary Reid, member of the SCCC Foundation Board of Directors and a tax preparer based in Bay Shore, said Bonahue had met with over 100 community representatives from various organizations throughout the county in September 2021. Since that initial meeting, Bonahue has already strengthened the ties between SCCC and its community partners.

“Dr. Bonahue, you and your staff have kept in contact and have begun to implement the suggestions offered that morning,” Reid said. “You have interacted with library directors, with superintendents of schools, labor leaders, civic groups, religious leaders and mothers wanting to attend college who were seeking day care and financial aid,” adding, “We thank you so much for that.”

Reid said jokingly, “Anyone who knows me knows that I cannot leave without asking for something.” Addressing Bonahue, she said, “Today I ask you to add to your to-do list a program that will meet the needs of persons with disabilities, especially those with Down syndrome,” adding, “Also remember to engage in frequent updates to the community groups.”

Representing the student body was Zachary Frost. He celebrated the appointment of Bonahue as president, arguing that Bonahue intends to bring quality higher education opportunities to low-income families throughout the county.

“The first time I met President Bonahue, we spoke about the many resources made available to students to ensure their success,” Frost said. “President Bonahue wanted to streamline access to these resources and make them more readily available to any student who may be struggling. It was in this meeting that I saw President Bonahue’s passion for driving success, especially for those at a disadvantage.” 

Frost described the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household and of being raised by a parent who struggled to make ends meet. “I remember as a young child, probably six or seven years old, my mother didn’t have the easiest time going through college, whether it be financially or her trying to find someone to watch me while she was in class,” he said. “I can’t help but wonder, had she been a student here at Suffolk County Community College and had access to all of these amazing resources, like our food pantry, writing centers, hardship funds and on-campus day care centers, accompanied by caring professors and a great faculty, she probably would have had a much healthier college experience.” 

Dr. Bonahue, on behalf of our three bargaining units, the Faculty Association, AME, the Guild of Administrative Officers, and the executive leadership team, we welcome you, we welcome your family, to our community.

— Dante Morelli

Representing the SCCC employees and the Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees was Dante Morelli, professor of communications. He said AME union members are the engine behind the entire operation at SCCC’s campuses and downtown centers.

“President Bonahue, I’m going to let you in on a little secret that you probably already know,” Morelli said. “If you really want to know who keeps the college running, it’s the members of AME. It’s the members of AME who are often the first voice and/or a face a student sees or hears when they walk onto campus or pick up the phone to ask for assistance.” He added, “Dr. Bonahue, on behalf of our three bargaining units, the Faculty Association, AME, the Guild of Administrative Officers, and the executive leadership team, we welcome you, we welcome your family, to our community.”

To access our coverage of Bonahue’s inaugural address, click here.

by -
0 579

Last Friday, April 8, Edward Bonahue was sworn in as the seventh president of Suffolk County Community College. 

During his inaugural address, Bonahue outlined his vision of higher education in Suffolk County and the direction he intends to steer the college throughout his tenure as president.

“It is a career-defining honor to stand with you today and to accept the deep privilege and tremendous responsibility of serving as the seventh president of Suffolk County Community College,” he said. “For this Long Island boy, the child of, and also brother to, lifelong Suffolk County educators, the opportunity to join with all of you in service to Suffolk County is a dream come true and a prayer answered.”

“We honor and commend the work performed by generations of caring college employees, faculty and staff who could choose to do anything, who could choose to work anywhere, but who have chosen this work.”

— Edward Bonahue

A place in history

Bonahue detailed the history of SCCC since the time when it was founded in 1959 as just a small college of about 500 students. Back then, classrooms had to be borrowed from Sachem and Riverhead high schools. The president likened the population growth of Suffolk County with the development and advancement of the community college.

“Those first students came from a growing county with about 600,000 residents,” he said. “Today, Suffolk County is home to over 1.6 million residents, representing a far-more diverse population, and our annual college enrollment exceeds 20,000 students.” He continued by saying, “We honor and commend the work performed by generations of caring college employees, faculty and staff who could choose to do anything, who could choose to work anywhere, but who have chosen this work, to work here and to embrace this mission of fostering student development, promoting a culture of lifelong learning, and ultimately serving the community we live in.”

Reflecting upon the resiliency of the campus community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bonahue said that the college found new and innovative ways to continue the educational process through virtual learning. In a time of profound uncertainty and despair, he said SCCC did not shrink away from its academic mission.

“Especially in the early days of the pandemic, many of us worked around the clock just to manage a virtual continuity of operations,” he said. “We all learned that our community college students were often those most likely to have been impacted by the pandemic.” Discussing ways students and staff responded, Bonahue added, “We worked with a sense of urgency, but also pragmatic flexibility, knowing that our students’ progress, sometimes even their well-being, rested on our ability to adapt to constantly shifting conditions.”

Meeting the community’s needs

“We own that the work of education is complicated, but the college embraces this as a critical duty.”

— Edward Bonahue

During the address, Bonahue articulated the important role that SCCC plays within the Suffolk community. He said the institution’s mission is to provide quality, affordable higher education and to promote health and prosperity throughout the county.

“We know that we are a critical part of the formula for supporting our community and changing students’ lives,” Bonahue said. “Specifically, the essential mission of our college, the necessity of providing an affordable, inclusive education, of providing a pathway of opportunity, has never been more critical.” He added, “For all of Suffolk County, I have this simple message: Suffolk County Community College is Long Island’s own pathway to educational and economic success.”

Bonahue considers an educated populace necessary for community wellness. “We own that the work of education is complicated, but the college embraces this as a critical duty because we know that an educated population is an essential good for our society and our nation.”

The president suggests that democracy also requires an engaged citizenry. He said one of the priorities of the college is to keep its students informed and involved in the democratic process.

“One of our commitments to students is to foster a sense of citizenship and civic engagement,” he said. “We acknowledge that teaching about the rights of democracy, its many individual freedoms, the privilege of self-determination, must also be accompanied by teaching about the responsibilities of citizenship, including service to the community and the country, the rule of law, appreciation for the power of diversity, and the willingness to speak and act in defense of our freedoms.” He stressed, “This kind of general education for all students is critical because through it, students come to understand not only the rights and responsibilities of being an American, but also a sense of the world they live in.”

“The students’ experience is the reality of the college.”— Edward Bonahue

Serving all students

Bonahue delivered his general vision for the college. He affirmed the college “will continue its commitment to serve all students, regardless of background or previous experience in higher education.” 

He said the college must continue to promote inclusion of all students, regardless of their circumstances: “We know that the future of the college means embracing the part-time student, the working student, the parenting student, as well as those who come to us straight out of high school.” 

Additionally, Bonahue embraced the nonconventional programs of study which complement the curriculum offered by the college. “We affirm that as a comprehensive community college, career training, workforce development and economic development are integral and fundamental parts of our mission,” he said, adding, “We are proud of our thousands of students who move annually through our arts and sciences programs, graduate from our honors programs and often transfer to highly selective universities. We are equally proud of our nurses, our welders, our bakers, programmers, our paramedics, our machinists and our accountants.”

During the speech, Bonahue advanced that student experience is the impetus behind his work: “The students’ experience is the reality of the college, and we will keep that truth at the center of how we carry out our mission of student success from day-to-day, from semester-to-semester and from year-to-year.”

The president touched upon the many financial challenges that students may face while pursuing a higher education. He acknowledged that there are still too many people left out of the education system due to the burden of cost. 

“Because the cost of education still too often puts it out of reach for deserving students, we affirm our commitment that a Suffolk education must remain an affordable education,” Bonahue said. “The work of our college foundation as a vehicle for supporting student scholarships and basic needs allows any of us and all of us to invest in our students.”

To access the full speech, click here.

by -
0 2563
Commack resident Theodore Wawryk, above, recently received shockwave intravenous lithotripsy at Huntington Hospital. Photo from Wawryk

Theodore Wawryk, a resident of Commack who performs maintenance work at the Bronx Gardens nursing home, had six stents placed in his heart in 2005.

One of the doctors performing the procedure was Dr. Gaurav Rao. Photo from Rao

This past February, Wawryk, 52, had a buildup of calcium behind some stents at their edges, which could lead to restenosis, or a narrowing of the arteries again.

The patient came to Huntington Hospital, where his cardiologist, Dr. Raj Patcha, director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, couldn’t initially get through the blockage.

Patcha reached out to Dr. Gaurav Rao, director of Interventional Cardiology at Huntington Hospital, to see if Wawryk might be a candidate to become the first Huntington Hospital patient to receive shockwave intravascular lithotripsy, also known as IVL.

Rao had used the shockwave treatment, which uses pressure waves to create fractures in the calcium, for over a year at other hospitals and was prepared to introduce the procedure at Huntington Hospital.

Other options for breaking through the calcium, such as orbital or rotational atherectomies, which act more like miniature jackhammers breaking up the calcium in the arteries, are off label when a stent is nearby because it can shave off the metal in the stent, leading to other complications, Rao said.

Additionally, placing another stent in the area without modifying the calcium leads to stent failure.

Rao and Patcha performed the procedure in early February.

“This is a much safer” approach, Rao said. “It’s revolutionary in the way we deliver classic cardiac care.”

Shockwave IVL enables the placement of stents by creating fractures in the calcium that allow doctors to put in functional and durable stents, Rao explained.

Other area hospitals have used shockwave IVL for circulatory issues as well. Stony Brook Hospital, for example, uses shockwaves for peripheral arteries. Huntington Hospital also uses shockwaves to treat peripheral vascular disease.

While every surgical procedure includes risks, Rao cited studies that indicate that the possibility of a dissection, or a tear in the wall of the aorta, for heart-focused IVL is 0.3% for shockwave IVL, which is substantially lower than the 3.4% rate for orbital atherectomy and 3% for rotational atherectomy.

Rao said about 70% of patients who are coming in for stents are eligible for IVL, while the remainder are still candidates for atherectomy.

Extremely long lesions or lesions where the entry point is small so that doctors can’t deliver an IVL balloon make atherectomies, with their front cutting abilities, the preferred approach, he said.

So far at Huntington Hospital, the growing number of patients eligible for shockwave IVL have chosen to have this approach.

“No one has shied away from shockwave therapy,” Rao said.

Patient experience

As for the patient experience, Wawryk recalled how the operation, felt “a little weird.”

Wawryk described how the doctors told him he’d feel a “little zap” inside his body.

Indeed, Rao said the procedure uses an electrical pulse that can cause the heart rate, particularly for someone with a resting pulse below 60 per minute, to accelerate for about 10 seconds.

Intravenous lithotripsy, which uses a low energy pressure wave of about 8 to 10 nanojoules and involves inserting a tube through the arm or leg, is generally “well-tolerated” Rao said. Many patients don’t feel the effect of the procedure.

Even with the slight shockwave, Wawryk said he would recommend the procedure to other patients considering it.

Wawryk, whose father died of a heart attack at the age of 46, is grateful for the cardiac care he received. He appreciates the time he gets to spend with his wife Nydia and his 19-year-old son Michael.

The Commack resident spent a day at the hospital, as the procedure started at 7 a.m. and he was heading home by 7 p.m. that night. He said he felt like the staff treated him as if he were at a “five-star resort.”

Rao is pleased to offer this interventional cardiac approach at Huntington Hospital, which makes it possible for residents nearby to receive the treatment and head home, without a longer ride back from a hospital further away.

by -
0 251
Stock photo

Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth, Huntington American Legion Post #360 and the Halesite Fire Department will hold back-to-back blood drives with New York Blood Center on Thursday, April 21 and Friday, April 22 in response to the emergency blood shortage.

“Our hospitals need the public’s help with the emergency blood shortage we are facing,” said Supervisor Ed Smyth. “One blood donation can save up to three lives — please donate share this life-saving gift.”

“Donating the American Legion to host a blood drive is just one element of our national mission statement, we are happy to do what we can for our community,” said Glenn Rodriguez of the Huntington American Legion Post #360.

“Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for blood donations is at an all-time high,” said Halesite Fire Department Chief Dom Spada. “The Halesite Fire Department will be holding an additional blood drive on Friday, April 22nd — please register online and donate the gift of life.”

Appointments are preferred however walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits. Please remember to eat, drink and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo. Masks are required for all donors regardless of vaccination status. For full list of COVID-19 safety protocols, please visit nybc.org/coronavirus.

Thursday, April 21 

Supervisor Ed Smyth, the Town of Huntington and Huntington American Legion Post #360 will host a blood drive at the American Legion, 1 Mill Dam Road, Halesite on Thursday, April 21 3:30 to 8 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact: Ryen Hendricks at [email protected] or register online at: https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/292863  

Friday, April 22 

Halesite Fire Department will host a blood drive at the Halesite Fire House in the large meeting room upstairs at 1 N. New York Avenue, Halesite on Friday, April 22 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. All donors are asked to park in the municipal parking lot behind the fire department building, not in the area immediately around the building, as those spots are needed for fire department members, and enter through the back door of the building. To make an appointment, please register online at: https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/299416

by -
0 429
Image courtesy of Northport Historical Society

Home for Spring Break? Come visit the Northport Historical Society, 215 Main St., Northport on Wednesday April 20 from noon to 2 p.m. for a fun afternoon painting session with 50% of the proceeds going to help those in need in Ukraine. Each child and adult will paint their own canvas with Sunflowers on a Starry Night background. Step-by-step painting instructions will be provided by artist Caitlyn Shea.

$40 covers 2 canvases and all materials. This event is open to ages 8+ with a parent or guardian. To register, call 631-757-9859 or visit www.northporthistorical.org.

Prev1...196197198...541Next Page 197 of 541
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

©