HealthyLiving iving AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL
APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
Autism Awareness Month THE DUX ® BED CONTINUOUS COIL SUSPENSION
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HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
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3 HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
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Disclosing The Autism Diagnosis
hould parents of children with autism tell their child about their disability? If so, when is the appropriate time? The issue of disclosure is a complex and emotional process that for most families begins at the time their child receives an autism diagnosis. Sensitivity, knowledge and patience can go a long way in making a decision that is right for your child and your family. While every family and child affected by autism is unique, here are some universal considerations.
Consider your child Does your child seem curious or comment about why some things may be more challenging for him/her than for others? Does your child express concern about how him/her is being treated by others in a social and/ or academic setting? Your child can provide important clues about whether he or she is confused about what
Are other families in your community educated about autism? How do the schools in your community provide education about autism? Community education about autism can help other families understand how to address differences.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST Alison Gilbert
is happening and whether he or she needs additional information.
Consider your community Do other families or their children comment about your child’s differences in social settings outside of school? Families may find themselves in situations where parents or peers unknowingly point out a behavior or a difference related to autism. In general, it can be helpful for parents to prepare a response in case others bring up your child’s disability unexpectedly.
Consider your partner Do you agree with your partner about whether to disclose your child’s disability? Parents may not be aware that this is a topic for discussion. They may find that they do not agree on whether or how to share a child’s disability. When parents do agree, it can still be helpful to prepare for these conversations. There are a variety of books that take a strength-based approach to disclosing a child’s autism diagnosis. For example, The Superhero Brain by Chistel Land and My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete.
Consider the timing When is the best time to share your child’s autism diagnosis? The first time a child hears about autism, it is best to hear it from a parent or someone who is qualified and well-equipped to deliver this sensitive information rather than an acquaintance or stranger. The timing of disclosure may also vary based on your child. Once your child has heard the autism diagnosis it is the beginning of an ongoing discussion. As your child develops and their environment changes, and as your child is better able to articulate their own concerns, conversations about the autism diagnosis will evolve. So who should be the first person to tell your child their diagnosis? Parents may have questions about whether it is best for their child to learn about their disability from them or from a provider. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option. In general, parents may want
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to discuss with their provider who is best equipped to present information and answer questions in a way that the child feels safe.
Consider your team Who else should be part of the conversation? Closing the loop by informing teachers and providers about what your child does and doesn’t know about their disability can help decrease the likelihood of any confusion and increase the sensitivity of their providers. Having a child diagnosed with autism presents a variety of challenges. Reviewing some key considerations can help families take a thoughtful approach to an emotional decision. Alison Gilbert, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine with a certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from U.C. Davis.
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HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
Toys For Children With Autism BY DAN QUINONES
Specialsections@antonmediagroup.com
Every child loves to laugh and play. For those children on the autism spectrum, sometimes the simple task of enjoying playtime can be difficult and frustrating. Check out this list for fun toys for your child.
Alphabet Sound Puzzle The wooden puzzle pronounces the correct name of each letter when it is placed in the correct spot. The puzzle is a great tool for teaching children with autism who benefit from visual and auditory learning. The puzzle is also a fun way for children to practice fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The puzzle is also available in a 21-piece number version. Adult supervision is recommended, as the small parts present a choking hazard. Available at www.autismcommunitystore.com.
Hoberman Mini Sphere The Hoberman Mini Sphere is both fun and educational. It can be used to teach cause and effect, develop motor skills, encourage imaginative play, and more. The simplicity of the expanding and contracting motions provide a child with the repetitive motions needed for busy brain activity. The rainbow of colors expanding and contracting is also a fantastic, eye-catching visual. It expands from 5 inches up to 12 inches in diameter, and the lightweight frame makes easy for a young child to carry around. Available at www. nationalautismresources.com.
Tangle Jr. Tangles are great for keeping children’s hands busy anywhere. This small toy is made of 18 interconnected pieces that can twist in a variety of directions. The toy makes no noise and is small enough to fit in a backpack or purse, making it perfect for any scenario. Tangles are great for keeping the mind busy while providing constant activity for a child’s hands. It comes in a variety of colors and textures, ensuring that there is one for every child to enjoy. Available at www.nationalautismresources.com.
Photo Conversation Cards for Children with Autism and Asperger’s The Photo Conversation Cards are helpful for developing the social skills of children with autism. Each photo card comes with a unique story that focuses on the development of the child’s communication and social skills. You can use the cards to discuss the specific social situations presented and the possible actions or reactions that would accompany the situation. The pictures of social interactions will help the child learn how to handle the situations on each card. Available on www.amazon.com/ Key-Education-Conversation-Children-Aspergers.
2018 Dates Apr. 19th Aug. 16th May 17th Sept. 20th June 21st Oct. 18th July 19th Nov. 15th Dec. 20th
Hippity Hop
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Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Support Group At Grace Plaza, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate and understand exactly what caring for someone you love with Alzheimer’s and Dementia looks like. We invite you, your family, other caregivers and friends to join us for our monthly support group. Here you will find a place to share your feelings, learn and exchange valuable caregiving information, and discover a supportive network of Grace Plaza staff and other families sharing a similar experience. Meetings are held on the third Thursday monthly at 2pm in the First Floor Parlor. For more information about the support group or for suggested RSVP, please contact facilitators Jaclyn or Debbie at 908-208-6059 or email jdagnallsentosa@gmail.com
We welcome you to take a personalized tour of the Facility!
The Hippity Hop is beneficial for a child with autism because it provides so many positives. Aside from being able to be used indoors or outdoors, the Hippity Hop is a great stress reliever because it is so mentally stimulating. Coordination skills are required to stay on while bouncing and to get on and off, keeping a child’s mind busy. While it relieves stress, it is also a way for a child to get exercise and build muscle in the legs. Available on www. amazon.com/HippityDiameter-IncludingChildren-Bouncing.
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HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
Building Good Nutrition In Children With Autism
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pril is National Autism Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion, and self-determination for all. If you have a child with autism, all of the conflicting information about what is “healthy” can be tricky. Plus, balancing your child’s behavior and your own feelings around food can also pose challenges as to what you end up feeding your child. Here are a few simple strategies to build good nutrition for your child as they grow.
Prioritize Family Meals A sit-down family meal is crucial for helping your child form a healthy relationship with food. Plus, sitting down for a meal can help keep your child more focused and in-tune with their hunger cues. If the whole family isn’t available for dinner, maybe breakfast is the best time for a nice sit-down meal together.
CHOOSING HEALTH Stefani Pappas
Try to get the kids involved with meal preparation as well, such as breaking lettuce leaves for a delicious salad or washing fresh berries for breakfast. If they prepare a healthy item, then they may be more inclined to eat it.
Don’t Give In To Battles Over Food Food should not be the source of anger or frustration with your child. Let them have a say in regards to food preferences, but not to the point that you become a short order cook. If you continue to prepare
substitutions, this will just make your child hold out longer next time to get what they want. Avoid using the word “picky,” as this can reinforce stubborn behavior around food. And instead of forcing your child to finish their plate, try to take a more relaxed attitude and let your child learn about their internal hunger and fullness. Encourage, but don’t force, a taste of everything prepared for the meal. Try to keep primarily nutritious foods in the house so that junk food is not readily accessible.
focus on emphasizing nourishing foods and talking with your child about feelings of fullness. Encourage appropriate portion sizes and try to avoid overeating.
Lead By Example You would be surprised just how much your child looks up to you and watches your every move. Children also have a strong impulse to imitate, so it is important to set a good example. Try to keep a positive approach when it comes to food and nutrition. Instead of complaining about your body or the number on the scale,
Be Patient Taste buds change as a child grows, and it may even take up to 10 times of seeing a food before a child decides to even taste it. Try to reintroduce foods in a creative way—if your child hates meatloaf, try baking meatloaf in cupcake tins for a new shape that may encourage your child to reconsider the dish. Pairing unfamiliar foods with familiar foods can also help. If your child loves carrots but hasn’t ever tried Brussels sprouts, roast them together and serve them as a combined side dish. Stefani Pappas, MS, RDN, CDN, CPT, is a Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist at St. Francis Hospital. She also provides private and group nutrition counseling at her office in Great Neck, NY. Visit her website www. StefHealthTips.com for more information or call 516-225-1745 to schedule an appointment.
Trust Your Body to New York’s Top Body Contouring Specialist Trust Your Body to New York’s Top Body Contouring Specialist
With age and child birth, some women struggle with their body’s shape and contours. For many, their breasts have lost their shape and volume, have loose and stretched skin, a protruding tummy or “pooch”, and fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise. For some women, getting their preferred body shape may be near impossible without a little surgical help. For these patients Dr. Cuber performs a combination of procedures often referred to as a Mommy Makeover that targets trouble areas such as the breasts, tummy, hips, and flanks.
nd child birth, some women struggle with their body’s shape and contours. For many, their breas r. Cuber will often combine a breast augmentation (sometimes along with a breast lift) for fuller, perkier looking breasts, a mini-tummy tuck to and stretched skin, aDremove protruding tummy “pooch”, andhidden fatincision, pockets that are resistant to diet and excess skin and flatten and tightenor the abdomen utilizing a short, and liposuction to contour the waistline area, creating hourglass curves. His mini-tummy tuck procedure utilizes a much smaller incision than a traditional tummy tuck so that you can still wear your red body shape may be near impossible without little ofsurgical help. these Dr. Cuber p bikini. The a combination these procedures truly helps For to restore your figure patients - and your confidence. often referred to as a Mommy Makeover that targets trouble areas such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Gynecomastia, Inverted Nipple
Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Arm Lift, Butt Lift, Body Lift, Ab Etching
Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction
will often combine a breast augmentation (sometimes along with a breast lift) for fuller, perkier lo Cuber, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon cess skin and flatten andShain tighten the abdomen utilizing a short, hidden incision, and liposuction to specializing in breast and body procedures. To learn about the Mommy Makeover or to schedule curves. His mini-tummymore tuck procedure utilizes a much smaller incision than a traditional tummy your consultation with Dr. Cuber, please call our Great Neck office at (516) 773-4646 or visit us at bikini. The combination of these procedures truly helps to resto newyorkfacialplasticsurgery.com. 184181B
Shain Cuber, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Gynecomastia, Inverted Nipple
Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Arm Lift, Butt Lift, Body Lift, Ab Etching
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HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
2017 Nobel Prize Winner Discusses Breakthrough Research
iologist Michael W. Young, PhD, who, together with fellow researchers Jeffrey C. Hall and Michael Rosbash, was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology/ Medicine, was the keynote speaker today at NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Neonatology 25th Anniversary Jubilee Conference. Young’s research, over the course of 40 years, led to the discovery of genes that help regulate what is called the biological clock. Those discoveries help to explain how other multicellular organisms—plants, animals and humans—adapt their biological rhythms to be synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions. In his presentation, Young made stunning revelations about the human biological clock that have profound implications for understanding human sleep disorders, the mechanisms of jet lag and depressive disorders. “We don’t have [biological] clocks only in our brains,” said Young. “These clocks are in almost every tissue in our body; our liver, lungs, even our skin.” To illustrate this point, Young
pointed to jet lag, which involves a “desynchronization” of the biological clock, also known as the circadian clock. A desynchronization of that clock in humans is exacerbated because, “Tissues move to new time zones at different rates.” So while taking an Ambien on a plane may help ease jet lag by helping put a traveler’s brain to sleep, it does not address other tissues and organs in the body that may also suffer the fatigue of desynchronization.
Young, a professor at New York City-based Rockefeller University, together with his fellow Nobel Laureates, isolated several genes that control the normal daily biological clock of the fruit fly and showed how these genes cause certain proteins to accumulate during the night and then degrade during the day when exposed to sunlight. He also pointed to Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD), or “night-owl disorder,” which is
when a person functions best late at night but then may be lethargic and drowsy during the day. DSPD is among the most common sleep disorders in the U.S., with approximately five percent of the population affected. The most important finding regarding the night-owl disorder, however, was a gene mutation that was identified as a predictor of DSPD. The mutation was found in one percent of all of the world’s population, with the mutation most prevalent in Europeans of non-Finnish descent. More than 250 physicians, neonatal intensive-care unit staff, and researchers attended the conference. “This type of research often leads to discoveries that no one imagined, so it’s vitally important that the path of research be open to all possibilities,” said Young. “We pursue clues in the most obscure of areas and follow them where they lead. The same is most assuredly true for research in neonatology.” —Submitted by NYU Winthrop Hospital
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HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
HEALTHY LIVING CALENDAR Wednesday, April 11 Lecture: Shedding a Light on Menopause NYU Winthrop Hospital’s “Inspiring Women” educational series will offer a free seminar, “Shedding a Light on Menopause,” at 7 p.m. It will be held at the NYU Winthrop Hospital Research and Academic Center, 101 Mineola Blvd., at the corner of Second Street in Mineola. Karyn Wat, MD, attending physician from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Winthrop, will define menopause and review common symptoms and changes women experience. Wat will also discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy and alternative therapies for menopausal symptoms. The seminar will include a question and answer session. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, call 516-663-8300 or email inspiring women@nyuwinthrop.org. Lecture: Update on Knee Arthritis: From Aspirin to Robotics NYU Winthrop Hospital will offer a free community lecture for seniors, “Update on Knee Arthritis: From Aspirin to Robotics,” at 1:15 p.m. The program will be held at the Mineola Community Center, 155 Washington Ave., in Mineola. Jan A. Koenig, MD, Chief of the Division of Joint Replacement Surgery at NYU Winthrop, will explain arthritis of the knee and the conservative measures that are used to treat early stages of the disease. He will also discuss total knee replacement and when an individual should consider it as well as computer- and robotic-assisted total knee replacement, procedures that Dr. Koenig has performed more than 2,000 times. A question and answer period will be included in the lecture. Seating is limited and reservations are required. For more information, call 516-663-3916.
Wednesday, April 18 Understanding Dementia NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Division of Geriatric Medicine is offering a free lecture sponsored by the NYU Winthrop Judith Haas Fund; “Beyond the Basics: Understanding Dementia” at 7 p.m. in the NYU Winthrop Research and Academic Center located at 101 Mineola Blvd., in room G-018A. This lecture is open to the community and is especially worthwhile for those caring for a loved one with dementia. The program will feature guest speaker Melanie Bunn, RN, MS, who will
cover the following topics: the basics of dementia and understanding the effects of the disease on the brain and how it influence approaches to care; understanding the challenges of care by understanding the perspective of the person suffering from dementia and positive approaches to care that can easily be shared with other family members. Space is limited so a reservation is necessary. To reserve your place for this free lecture or for more information, contact Linda Martinez, LCSW at 516-663-8220 or email lmartinez@ nyuwinthrop.org.
Sunday, April 22 Swim-a-Thon Every spring, young children, teens and adults alike are invited to take a dip for a worthy cause at NYU Winthrop Hospital’s Annual Swima-Thon. This fun-filled event for all age, which raises vital funds for the Hospital’s Child Life Program, will take place from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Hofstra University’s Swim Center, located at 240 Hofstra University, 1000 Fulton Ave., Swim Center Room 163 in Hempstead. All are welcome to attend. The registration fee for adults is $20;
$10 for children ages 4 to 17 and college students with a valid school ID. To register, visit www.nyuwinthrop. org/events or call 516-663-8275.
Katz Institute for Women's Health
Kick Off Your Heels, Kick Up Your Feet! Many of us have suffered a minor foot injury, causing temporary pain or swelling. But sometimes, everyday wear and tear, overuse, or injury can lead to chronic pain, tingling and other symptoms. Join our experts as they discuss: – Common causes of foot pain, including bunions and toe deformities, and treatment options for each – Tips for injury and falls prevention, including general conditioning exercises, proper footwear, and correct posture for balance and stability
Speakers: Adam Bitterman, DO Orthopaedic Surgeon Foot and Ankle Specialist Northwell Health, Orthopaedic Institute Lori Ginsberg, RN, MA Program Director Community Health Initiatives Katz Institute for Women's Health Center For Equity of Care
Jodi Tuzzolo, DPT Physical Therapy Supervisor STARS Rehabilitation Northwell Health Rehabilitation Network
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Melville Marriott Long Island 1350 Walt Whitman Rd. Melville, NY (855) 850-KIWH (5494)
$20; Dinner and light refreshments will be served; register with a friend and receive $5.00 off.
Register online at: kickofftheheels.eventbrite.com
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8 HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Common But Often Missed Diagnosis
Autoimmune hepatitis is a form of chronic liver disease that is very common in our area, usually affecting young women. Often, however, its diagnosis is delayed or missed as it does not have specific symptoms or laboratory tests. Autoimmune hepatitis is a result of alterations in the body’s immune system that lead to the production of specific factors that attack liver cells. The exact cause of the disease has not been yet determined but its course and treatment are well described. Autoimmune hepatitis classically affects young woman in their second and third decade of life. Having said this, however, this condition may present at any age. People with autoimmune hepatitis may seek care because they have been noted to have high liver chemistries or even mildly elevated liver tests. About fifty
THE SPECIALIST David Bernstein, MD
percent of people will present with liver chemistries in the high hundreds or even in the thousands. This scenario is no different than the presentation of any form of acute hepatitis including hepatitis A and B and any drug-induced hepatitis. A person typically complains of fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. The eyes and skin may become jaundiced or yellow. These episodes of abnormal liver
tests can spontaneously resolve and recur at a later time. Despite that fact that there are no specific markers for autoimmune hepatitis, there are certain blood tests that are typical of this condition. The serum total protein is usually very high and the serum immunoglobulins (chemicals made by the body as part of the immune system response) are also elevated. Autoantibodies such as the anti-smooth muscle antibody are usually positive. These tests are generally sufficient to make the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis and once the diagnosis is made, therapy should be initiated. A liver biopsy remains an important component in the evaluation of autoimmune hepatitis. It helps with diagnosis but more importantly it is critical in assessing prognosis as people who develop cirrhosis at an
early age are more likely to require a liver transplantation in the future. About fifty percent of people who first show signs of autoimmune hepatitis will already have cirrhosis on a liver biopsy. This is important for both the patient and physician to know. Classically, a the liver biopsy in autoimmune hepatitis is filled with plasma cells, the cells in the blood stream which are involved in the body’s immune system. The textbook describes the classic person with autoimmune hepatitis as a young woman with a history of acne, an abnormal menstrual cycle and hirsuitism. Most patients, however, do not follow the textbook and simply have the blood tests consistent with the disease. As this is an autoimmune disease, there are many other autoimmune conditions associated with it including arthritis, skin
diseases, kidney disease, lung disease, thyroid disease and anemia, to name just a few. The treatment of autoimmune hepatitis is aimed at modulating the immune system. Therefore, the initial treatment is a steroid such as prednisone that is very slowly tapered over a long time course. As steroids have significant side effects, especially when given over a long period of time, other immune modulators such as azothioprine or mycophenolate are given in an effort to reduce steroid dosages. If therapy is unsuccessful and the patient develops complications of cirrhosis, liver transplantation is an option in these patients although the condition may recur in the new liver. The key to treating autoimmune hepatitis is early diagnosis so it is important to remember this common condition and to adequately assess for it.
Join us for an afternoon filled with Brunch and an Informational Presentation on the Latest Options for Living with Parkinson’s Disease • • • • • • • •
What are the Options to Improve My Quality of Life?
Current strategies to treat Parkinson’s Disease. Overview of current medications and treatments and how they are used for motoric control of PD. Non-motor treatment strategies. Ongoing research and involvement in clinical trials. Non-pharmacological options for treatment. What’s on the horizon for new treatments? What is Deep Brain Stimulation, am I a candidate and when should I consider it? Why is Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy so important for me? What are my options? David Kreitzman, MD, Movement Disorders Neurologist Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Centers of Long Island, Commack Director of the Parkinson’s Disease Specialty Care Clinic at St. Charles Hospital, Port Jefferson Fiona Gupta, MD, Movement Disorders Neurologist Director for Movement Disorders Outreach at Mount Sinai Health Center Brian H. Kopell, MD, Neurosurgeon Director for Center for Neuromodulation at Mount Sinai Health Center Shari Gessner, PT, DPT/Doctor of Physical Therapy LSVT BIG, Rocksteady Boxing Coach and Physical Therapist at Fox Rehabilitation
Sunday, May 6th From 11am to 2pm at: Marquis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 2 Medical Plaza, Glen Cove, NY 11542 • VALET PARKING IS PROVIDED RSVP by Friday 4/27 to Mary Suddell cell: 516.512.2004 or msuddell@gmail.com Space is limited therefore reservations are required.
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HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018 ADVERTORIAL
Autism Communities: Meeting The Vital Housing Need For Adults With Autism Autism Communities a private, 501c3 organization, has a mission to provide housing solutions for adults with autism in vibrant, safe communities where they can enjoy fulfilling lives, supported by a person-centered culture of care for their lifetime. The organization was founded in 2015 by one of the nation’s leading wealth managers, Charles Massimo, CEO of CJM Wealth Management, a parent of two sons on the spectrum. Massimo and other parents of children with autism have joined forces to meet what is a critical housing need here and across the nation. There are an estimated 3 million people in the U.S. with autism. Over the next 10 years, approximately 500,000 will become adults. On Long Island, there are an estimated 10,000 adults with autism. All of these individuals will need quality, supportive housing. Massimo and his board of directors, which includes professionals, business executives and other parents of children with autism, are committed to bringing housing solutions to Long Island. Recently, the organization formed a strategic alliance with Life’s WORC, a well-recognized leader in providing comprehensive services and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. Under terms of the agreement, Life’s WORC will be providing various resources to help Autism Communities further
advance its operations and the development of its communities. Operating under the direction of its CEO Janet Koch, Life’s WORC will lend the service of select staff to support Autism Communities in such areas as: operations, financial management, real estate development, community outreach, fundraising, and most notably, the housing and integrated supports component which is central to Autism Communities’ primary mission. Massimo noted that Life’s WORC’s Senior Director of Integrated Supports Summer J. Ortiz (Boyd), MBA, will be the organization’s primary liaison heading up alliance activities and specifically, providing her direct expertise and services in helping Autism Communities develop an optimum housing solution for each of its residents. “We are very fortunate to have the direct assistance of Life’s WORC,” stated Massimo, who has actively supported that organization for years. “With its involvement, we will be able to reduce the learning curve every young organization experiences, and be in a better position, sooner, to give more individuals with autism the opportunity to live an independent, purposeful life in a safe, supportive community setting. Having Summer on board, to ensure that our communities are designed optimally, our residents are able to maximize their self-direction budgets, and the overall efficacy of our financial and service model, comes at an
especially critical juncture as we expect to be announcing the locations of our first communities in the very near future.” “The choice to partner on an innovative project that enhances the lives of people with autism is an easy one. Currently in New York State, there is both a lack of funding and a lack of housing options available for people with autism and other disabilities,” stated Koch. “In our efforts to combat this growing crisis, we are aligned with Autism Communities and its goals, and together we can work to ensure that housing resources and choices are made available to people with autism who seek greater independence.” The vision is to give every capable adult with autism the chance to live an independent, purposeful life in a community setting. Autism Communities will initially develop housing in close proximity to vibrant downtown areas offering a full array of resources. It is currently in collaboration with its development partner, Larry Gargano at Greenview Properties, to launch two communities in Bay Shore. The first is expected to break ground in the summer of 2018. Together, the complexes will provide over twenty residences for adults with autism. For more information on Autism Communities, visit: www.autismcommunities.org
BOOGIE NIGHT
AT THE MANSION - ’70s DANCE PARTY To Benefit Autism Communities of Long Island
Saturday, April 28th, from 7 to 11 PM
The Mansion at Oyster Bay, One South Woods Road, Woodbury, NY FEATURING
’70s Theme Music by DJ Toro and DJ Matty of GNA DJ Entertainment
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS - $150 The Sugar Hill Gang
TABLE FOR 12 - $1500
Visit: http://autismcommunities.org/boogie/
Corporate Sponsorships Available Call 631-302-0095
Autism Communities of Long Island is a private, 501(c) (3) organization, whose mission is to provide housing solutions for adults with autism in vibrant, safe communities where they can enjoy fulfilling lives, supported by a person-centered culture of care for their lifetime. Autism Communities’ residents will be given every opportunity to live a life filled with positive relationships and activities in a safe environment where their individual needs would be supported in areas such as healthy lifestyles, social and recreational activities, employment and volunteering opportunities. Our communities will be developed on Long Island in close proximity to vibrant downtown areas offering a full array of resources.
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Our Mission: To give adults with autism the opportunity to live fulfilling lives in vibrant, safe communities supported by a person-centered culture.
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HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
NSPC Neurosurgeon Is First to Implant Newest Nevro Spinal Cord Stimulator
Brian J. Snyder, MD, FAANS, an attending neurosurgeon and partner at Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC) was the first surgeon in New York State to implant the next generation Nevro Senza II Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system at NYU-Winthrop Hospital in Mineola. The new system is substantially smaller than the original Senza device but it delivers the same proprietary HF10 therapy, “an SCS therapy that provides electrical pulses to the spinal cord to alleviate” chronic pain in the back and legs. According to a company statement, “The electrical pulses are delivered by small electrodes on leads that are placed near the spinal cord and are connected to a compact, battery-powered generator implanted under the skin. HF10 therapy is the only SCS therapy indicated to provide pain relief without paresthesia,” the tingling sensation patients experience when a traditional, low frequency spinal cord stimulator is used to treat their chronic pain. Healthcare experts define chronic
pain as “a debilitating condition that can negatively impact all aspects of a person’s life—relationships, work productivity, and activities of daily living—yet it remains under-recognized and undertreated. Given the national crisis involving opioid abuse, it’s
‘‘
Chronic pain is challenging to treat and my goal is to restore my patient’s mobility and improve their quality of life with effective, longterm pain relief.
’’
more important than ever for Nassau and Suffolk residents suffering from chronic pain to have access to new, non-opioid treatment options. “Chronic pain is challenging to treat and my goal is to restore my patient’s mobility and improve their quality of life with effective, long-term pain relief,” said Snyder. “It’s more
PersPectives in HealtH
A Free Community eduCAtion SeminAr
SENIOR SCAMS: WHAT SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW Please join us for an informative program, Senior Scams: What Seniors and Their Families Need to Know. Speakers include: Jonathan C. Zweig, NYS Assistant Attorney General and Carole Filangieri, PhD, Department of Behavioral Health at NYU Winthrop Hospital. This seminar will expose some common scams, tips to prevent being a victim of scams,what to do to report a scam, and also some reasons why seniors are more susceptible to scams. A question and answer period will follow. Thursday, May 3, 2018 6:45 PM Registration; 7:00 PM Program NYU Winthrop Research & Academic Center 101 Mineola Blvd., Mineola (corner of Second Street) Admission is free, but seating is limited. Reservations are required. Please call (516) 663-3916 to reserve your space.
important than ever for NSPC to offer effective, long-term, non-opioid solutions to the people we serve. For the right patient, the Nevro Senza II SCS system may offer a new, innovative treatment option.” Snyder is a functional neurosurgeon who specializes in the treatment of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), tremor, and dystonia, the surgical treatment of epilepsy, as well as the surgical treatment of NSPC Neurosurgeon First to Implant New Nevro Stimulator pain. In addition to using neuromodulation, including SCS and peripheral nerve stimulation, to treat refractory pain, he has extensive experience with revision surgery of neurostimulators. Snyder serves as the Director of Functional and Restorative Neurosurgery at NYU-Winthrop Hospital. For more information visit www. nspc.com. To arrange an interview with Dr. Snyder, contact Richard Van Allen, 516-442-2250, ext. 110. —Anton Media Staff
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HEALTHY LIVING • APRIL 11 - 17, 2018
Law Firm GDGC Presents Fifth Annual Caregiver’s Conference The elder law and estate planning firm of Genser Dubow Genser & Cona (GDGC) is pleased to present its fifth annual Caregiver’s Conference, entitled “Embracing Aging on LI: Life Care Options at Every Stage” on Wednesday, April 25, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The conference will be held at the Melville Marriott Long Island, 1350 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville. Speaking at the event will be GDGC partner Melissa Negrin-Wiener who will discuss key topics of importance to caregivers, including: Planning Ahead to Protect Assets; Irrevocable Trusts; Crisis Planning; Qualifying for Medicaid; Home Care vs. Nursing Home Care; Pooled Income Trusts; and Protecting Retirement Income. Also featured are spokespersons from a variety of Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Life Plan Communities in Nassau and Suffolk counties, including Amsterdam at Harborside, Jefferson’s Ferry, Fountaingate Gardens, and Peconic Landing. Melissa Katz with the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation will also speak on Adult Day Programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia and InHome Respite for Caregivers. “Elder caregiving is a stressful and demanding job,” noted GDGC managing partner Jennifer Cona. “Our annual conference provides vital information and resources for caregivers and their loved ones. We educate both seniors and caregivers and bring together important community partners, each of whom plays a role in supporting the health and care of seniors on Long Island.” Based in Melville Genser Dubow
Be the
HOTTEST MOM
at the party! Be Be Be Be Melissa Negrin-Wiener Genser & Cona LLP is a well-respected law firm concentrating in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, disability planning and health care facility representation. GDGC is committed to providing the highest quality legal services, emphasizing the personal component of client service. GDGC prides itself on maintaining longterm, partnering relationships with clients so as to provide the best total solution to the client’s legal service needs. The firm has been ranked the #1 Elder Law Firm by Long Island Business News for the past seven consecutive years and was honored as “A Firm That Makes a Difference” by the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA-LI). The conference is open to the public and free of charge. RSVP by April 20 to Janet@genserlaw.com or call 631-390-5000. For additional information, visit www.genserlaw.com. —Anton Media Staff
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“A year ago I couldn’t think about hitting a softball. Now after back surgery, I’m batting .500 again. No pain, and I’m doing what I love... THANKS TO NSPC!” Joe’s road to recovery began with a call to Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC) and a same-day appointment with a member of NSPC’s team of world-renowned brain and spine surgeons. He received a personalized treatment plan that ensured the best possible outcome. Joe’s journey ended with minimally invasive surgery that restored his normal life, including turning double plays at shortstop.
Make the right call for... • Back Pain • Herniated Disc • Spinal Stenosis • Brain Tumor • Brain Aneurysm • Trigeminal Neuralgia
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