Healthy Living AN ANTON MEDIA GROUP SPECIAL
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ANTON’S IDE! COMMEM SPECIAL GRADUAORATIVE TIO ISSUE N
JUNE 10 - 16, 2020
DENTIST OFFICES REOPEN
Choosing The Right Sunscreen
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HEALTHY LIVING • JUNE 10 - 16, 2020
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A Return To Smile About
Governor Cuomo announces dentist offices can reopen statewide BY CYNDI ZAWESKI
czaweski@antonmediagroup.com
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onsider this a reminder to book your next check-up at the dentist. After months of social distancing prevented routine dental appointments from taking place in order to stop the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, dental offices are officially open for business. But it won’t quite be business as usual. As part of New York State’s fourphase reopening, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced last Sunday that dentists can reopen statewide on June 1 under the condition that providers follow state guidance on best practices for safety and social distancing. In the 12-page “Interim Guidance for Dentistry during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency” released by the governor’s office, the protocols outlined include wearing proper face coverings and maintaining appropriate physical distancing by limiting in-person interaction to necessary staff. Here on Long Island, dental providers have been taking steps to ready offices for the scheduled reopening during the peak of the pandemic by monitoring guidelines from the New York State Department of Health as well as the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A prime example is that dental employees will be regularly screened for the virus in accordance with the CDC’s recommendations. Dr. Harvey Passes, DDS and owner of Passes Dental Care in Great Neck, has spent the past three months discussing the reopening with colleagues nationwide via Zoom and WhatsApp. Passes said the consensus is that dentists are uniquely positioned to safely practice during the pandemic since disinfecting has always been a top priority within the industry. “We already knew what we’d have to do,” he said. “The concept of sterilization is not new to us. We have been doing it our entire careers with the same disinfectants that kill the coronavirus. We are prepared.” On the first of the month, ProHEALTH Dental reopened all of its nine offices in Lake Success, Huntington, Bay Shore, Oceanside, Long Island City, Howard Beach, Corona, Astoria and White Plains. “Setting up our offices to follow safety protocols for our patients and staff is the top priority in preparing to reopen,” ProHEALTH Dental
Management CEO Norton L. Travis said. “Dental health is a critical part of overall health, and we encourage everyone to schedule an appointment with us in order to maintain their overall health and well-being.”
because those items are difficult to clean and disinfect. Furthermore, appointments will be scheduled and managed to allow for social distancing between patients. “We will do our best to allow greater time between patient apWhat Patients Can Expect pointments to reduce waiting times Under the new safety for you, as well as to reduce guidelines, there will the number of patients be changes when in the reception area visiting dentists for at any one time,” an appointment. Travis said. “For ProHealth Dental’s Oceanside office For example, instance, you (Contributed photo) ‘The single most providers will can wait for your important thing we have ask screening appointment in now sterilize paperwork and paydone and will always questions about your car and we ment methods. do is listening, caring possible exposure will call or text you “The office is safer than any and explaining,’ to COVID-19 when it is time for other place you could be,” Passes said. prior to making an your appointment.” —Dr. Harvey Passes, DDS “Safely treating patients and protecting appointment. You’ll To prepare patients my staff is my priority.” be asked those same for this new normal, The pandemic has no doubt questions again when you are Passes Dental Care created changed the ways medical offices in the office, Travis noted. a two-minute video outlining its operate. Telehealth and telemedicine Of course, patients are required to new safety measures and patient visits, where patients can connect with wear face masks during their visits, but protocols. These steps include the a physician via a screen, are on the rise there will be other noticeable changes. installation of an air filtration system and will remain in practice long after Hand sanitizer will be readily available and requiring patients to rinse with Phase 4. Similarly, teledentistry, which and waiting rooms will no longer disinfecting mouthwash before and was used by ProHEALTH Dental offer magazines or children’s toys after any procedure. The office will during the shutdown, is here to stay for patients who may request teledentistry, Travis said. Anton Media Group would like to Even with this new normal, Passes remind our readers to practice said the practice is committed to the responsible social distancing. The CDC principals it always upheld: compasrecommends that you stay six feet sion and communication. 6 Feet apart from others when out in public “The single most important thing we have done and will always do is spaces. Also, make sure to cover up listening, caring and explaining,” and wear your face covering to protect Passes said. “I am a firm believer in yourself, your family and others. education.”
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Hearing The Call
Virtual mental health and wellness workshop for first responders BY CYNDI ZAWESKI
F
czaweski@antonmediagroup.com
irst responders bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Day in and day out, doctors, nurses, EMTs, health care workers, police officers, firefighters and other frontline workers risked their lives to save others during the crisis. Many were asked to perform duties outside their job description and show up to meet the unexpected. As New York comes down on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic curve, these individuals are starting to come out of crisis response mode for the first in months. In an effort to care and support these workers struggling with mental health issues including fear, depression, anxiety, exhaustion and trauma, the Molloy College Mental Health and Wellness Center is inviting doctors, nurses, EMTs, health care workers, police officers and firefighters to a free virtual COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellness Workshop on Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m. Dr. Laura B. Kestemberg, Ph.D. associate professor, chair, associate dean and director of Molloy College Master of Science Program’s Department of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, along with clinic director Kellyanne Brady, will lead the onehour Zoom call. “We always wanted to give back to the health care workers and first responders, and now is the time,”
Kestemberg said. “We are reopening, but there are long-lasting effects for workers coming off of working so many months. In the moment, they were in survival mode—going into work and doing what they needed to do, but it affected them tremendously. Many of them described it as a ‘war zone.’” During the workshop, Kestemberg and Brady will provide awareness and coping skills geared toward health care workers and front line responders who are dealing with the mental health challenges posed by COVID-19. Throughout the presentation, there will be discussion, dialogue and an opportunity to ask questions.
“The amount of grief and loss that these workers have experienced is different than what they’ve seen throughout their careers,” Brady said. “Many saw individuals pass away without their loved ones around them. Giving them a space that allows them to deal with what they witnessed is an important part of this workshop.” The workshop will also discuss self-care routines and the importance of fostering a reliable support system to help combat work-related stressors. “Burnout is real,” Kestemberg said. “We want to address that especially during the pandemic.” Launched last year, the Mental Health and Wellness Center at Molloy College aims to provide high-quality mental health care at a minimal fee. As a part of the college’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program, the center is an education source for graduate students. Its individual, family, couple and group counseling services are supervised by a licensed mental health professional in the state of New York. Since March, the center has been offering these services 100 percent online. Those interested in participating in The COVID-19 Mental Health and Wellness Workshop should register by emailing mhwc@Molloy.edu or by calling 516-323-3854. For additional virtual support sessions, visit www.molloy.edu/mhwe for a full list of events open to the community.
see HEALTHY LIVING on page 5A
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HEALTHY LIVING from page 4A
Fewer Hospital Admissions For Common Health Issues
What happened to non-COVID conditions in the COVID-era?
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uring the last three months, hospitals have seen a dramatic decline in the number of admissions for such conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal bleeding, diverticulitis, surgical emergencies such as appendicitis and other infections? Why? Does this mean that the incidence of these conditions actually declined during this time period or is there another reason? With all the stress related to COVID, social distancing and quarantine, it seems unlikely that the incidence of these conditions decreased. It seems more likely that people ignored symptoms because they were scared to go to a hospital emergency department. This may be substantiated by the documented uptick in home deaths. So how do we move forward and get people back to thinking about their health? There is no doubt that the delivery of medical care will be permanently
THE SPECIALIST David Bernstein, MD
changed from what it was just a few short months ago. Patients should be prepared for a different type of medical visit. Telehealth will play a big role in this transformation. Telehealth allows for a patient-provider visit through technology without coming to an office. It allows for questions and answers and discussion, but it does not permit a physical examination, a key component of medical care. While certain types of visits lend themselves to telehealth, many do not and patients will still need to come to
a medical office for an evaluation. For example, how is the eye doctor going to look in the patient’s eyes without the use of all the current sophisticated equipment or how is a gastroenterologist or cardiologist assess a simple complaint without listening to the heart or examining the abdomen? Office visits, therefore, will still be required. I can tell you that the flow of the visit will be different from what was done before. Certainly, a waiting room filled with patients and their families is not ideal. There will be no magazines or brochures to read. Likely, patients will wait in their cars and be called or sent a text when an exam room is ready. Accompanying persons will be discouraged or not allowed unless they serve a vital purpose. Masks may be required for patients and personal protective equipment (PPE) will absolutely be required for health care workers. Plexiglass will play a prominent role
in offices. Offices will move to become paperless with paper forms being replaced by online forms. Cash will no longer be collected. Yes, cash is a significant vector for viral infections. Exam rooms will need to be sanitized between patients. Patients requiring elective procedures will need to be tested for COVID. These measures will make offices and hospitals safe for patients and staff. It is critical that patients understand and believe that they will be coming to safe environments for their care. Many people have neglected their health due to concerns about COVID. While reasonable for a time, it is now time to get back taking care of oneself before neglect leads to complications. The medical community is committed to providing safe places to obtain care. COVID or no COVID, people still need medical care and the health care providers in our communities are ready and able to provide this.
Great News! ProHEALTH Dental Offices are Open for All Dental Care! This includes: • Routine Cleanings • Regular Exams & X-rays • Crowns & Bridges • Teeth Whitening
• Implants • Denture Care • Extractions • And more
Please take comfort knowing that all ProHEALTH Dental offices are fully compliant with all federal and state health and safety guidelines. Keeping you and our staff safe is our #1 priority.
So please put your health where your mouth is and make an appointment today!
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855-PHD-CARE/718-DENTIST ProHEALTHCareDental.com
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This program covers all your preventative care & provides significant SAVINGS on all other dental care.
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GENERAL DENTISTRY
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Chemical Vs. Mineral: How To Find The Best Sunscreen For You Dear Doctor, My kids are spending a lot more time outside now that the weather is warmer. I’m seeing some moms switching to mineral sunscreen this year. Should I be using it instead of what I’ve relied on for years? Sincerely, “Searching for SPF”
UV rays from the skin, preventing damage. Chemical sunscreens usually contain organic compounds that absorb sunlight like a sponge so it doesn’t cause damage to the skin. The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens are usually zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Chemical sunscreens usually contain oxybenzone and things that end in “-one,” “-ate,” and “-ene.” Many people are turning to mineral
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sunscreens because a recent study shows that chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the skin and that trace amounts can show up in the bloodstream. I know this sounds scary, but before you panic you should know that this may mean nothing. It’s similar to how some of your moisturizer gets absorbed by the skin. We don’t know if these trace amounts actually lead to any health problems later in life, and
Dr. Marlene L. Levy
PhD, LCSW, DAIPM
516.944.3885 CLINICAL HYPNOSIS AND PSYCHOTHERAPY
CONTACT:
Teletherapy and/or Video ANXIETY • STRESS MANAGEMENT RELAXATION TRAINING • INDIVIUAL & FAMILY ISSUES
During Covid-1 Coronavirus Pandemic
1-call for app’t: 516-944-3885 2-upload ZOOM app [wait for appt time/date] 3-upload ZELLE appt for payment: Use DrMarleneLevy@optonline.net
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Dear Searching: Kudos to you for being on top of sun protection. Shielding kids’ skin from the sun’s damaging rays is essential: Sunburns during childhood can raise the chance of skin cancer later in life. And sunburns are quite common; between 50 and 60 percent of kids get one each year. Aside from keeping kids inside—and who would deprive kids of the chance to play outside in nice weather?—an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is your best defense. Here’s what you need to know. Mineral sunscreens, which are also called physical sunscreens, contain minerals that sit on top of and deflect
we need to conduct more studies to find out. If you don’t want to chance it, though, you can go with mineral sunscreen to avoid this risk. There are other benefits to using a mineral sunscreen. It begins protecting against the sun as soon as it’s applied, whereas a chemical sunscreen takes up to 30 minutes to begin working. These products are not perfect, though. They tend to be thicker than chemical sunscreens and leave a white residue on the skin. Chemical sunscreens spread more easily on the skin, and you don’t have to use as much. In the end, since both protect against the sun equally well. If your kids have sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen might be your best bet. If they’re very active and don’t like to sit still for reapplication, chemical sunscreens that apply faster and easier may work better. The most important thing is that you find an SPF that works for your family. This article was contributed by The Well by Northwell. For more health and wellness tips, visit The Well by Northwell.
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Trust Your Face to the Specialists
440 Northern Boulevard Great Neck, New York 11021
(516) 773-4646
630 Park Avenue New York, New York 10065
(212) 570-2500
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Passes Dental Care 415 Northern Blvd., Great Neck, N.Y. 11021 www.passesdentalcare.com
We are conveniently located just west of Middle Neck/Lakeville Rd.
Call today …
877 693-9399 877877-693 693-9399 !!
Our top priority is our patients’ safety and comfort and we are working to maintain the high standard we have established over the past forty-five years. HERE ARE SOME OF THE NEW PROTOCOLS WE WILL BE ADHERING TO: • We are limiting the number of patients in the office at any time. Appointments will be spaced to ensure effective social distancing practices. • We ask that you please wear a mask into the office. • WE WILL NO LONGER BE USING OUR RECEPTION AREA PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT. When you arrive for your appointment, please remain in your car and call us to let us know that you have arrived and someone will escort you up. • We are acquiring medical grade air purification systems, which will filter out bacteria and viruses within the air.
We are so grateful for the confidence that you have shown in us through the years. We appreciate treating you. Like us on Facebook at: facebook.com/passesdentalcare
We Accept All Major Credit Cards • Interest Free Payment Plans Available • Convenient On-Site Parking 216540 S
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OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS CREATE
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITIES The dedication, compassion, and strength that The Bristal team displays daily is evident – especially to those who choose to call The Bristal home, as well as their families. The happiness and well-being of residents means everything to us, so their heartfelt appreciation is both powerful and motivating. We’re proud to share their sentiments for the outstanding individuals who make The Bristal such a special place.
We want to thank you for all you do to keep our Mom and all the residents safe! Your dedication and caring is so greatly appreciated at all times, but especially now. With all our love, respect, and admiration
– Nancy W. & Marla K. (family members) For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: THEBRISTAL.COM AN ENGEL BURMAN COMMUNITY
Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies.
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