By Dan Gesslein
Cops are looking for five men who gave themselves the five-fingered discount to thousands of dollars worth of merch from a store inside the Bay Plaza Mall, the NYPD announced.
Cops released surveillance video of the five suspects wanted for the shoplifting spree back in January.
At around 7:40 pm on January 29, the five men walked into a store inside the Bay Plaza Mall at 200 Baychester Avenue. Cops said the men walked around the store taking items off the shelves
and stuffing them in their pockets. They then all left the store without incident.
Cops said the items stolen are valued at around $3,800.
All of the suspects are described as males with dark complexions and medium builds.
None of them tried to cover their appearances with masks.
Anyone with information in regard to
this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
All calls are strictly confidential.
By David Greene
Two men are dead, and a child and elderly woman are recovering after a series of violent, unrelated incidents that took place during ‘Holy Week,’ between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, cops said.
Police officers from the 52nd Precinct were called to East Fordham Road and the Grand Concourse at 1:43 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, after a 2-year-old child walking along the crowded thoroughfare with his parents, when he was grazed in the back by an errant bullet.
As hundreds strolled by,
police set up two separate crime scenes, one outside of the Capital One Bank at 151 East Fordham Road and a second across the street outside of the T.D. Bank at 148 East Fordham Road. Police have made no arrests and continue to investigate.
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funeral for NYPD Police Officer Jonathan Diller, Mayor Eric Adams arrived on East Fordham Road and was briefed on the incident and the child’s condition by the top police officials at the scene.
Adams speaking to the first arriving journalists at the scene, stated, “When you’re coming from a police funeral when a gun took the life of a young police officer, now you’re
hearing of a shooting like this tells you, the city, why we are just so committed to taking illegal guns off the street.”
Several hours later and just four blocks away, officers from the 46th Precinct were called to another shooting at East 187 Street and Tiebout Avenue. Police officials say at 8:53 p.m. on March 30, a 25-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and a 23-year-old man
with gunshot wounds to the stomach and buttocks.
Both victims were transported to St. Barnabas Hospital.
Police say the 25-yearold victim did not survive. Police identified the victim as Frankelis Tavarez of East 194 Street. Police had made no arrests and continue to investigate.
At 4:26 a.m. on East Sunday, March 31, cops in the 48th Precinct were called to the Gourmet Deli at
851 East Tremont Avenue where a 29-year-old man was shot in the right leg. By the blood-soaked bike lane that was still visible later that evening, the man clearly lost a lot of blood and did not survive.
Police would later identify the victim as 29-yearold Stefon Barnes, 29, of Manhattan. No arrests in the case have been made. The gunman reportedly fled the scene on a bike or moped.
Later that morning as many families were going to church, officers in the 46th Precinct were called to a building at Morris Avenue and East 181 Street where, police say, a 75-year-old female was followed into a building and stabbed several times in the head inside the elevator.
Detectives would later arrest and charge Edwin Rios, 38, of Waters Place, who is now facing a charge of attempted murder.
By David Greene
Members of The Bronx Conservative Party recognized a Belmont man who came to the aid of an elderly woman being attacked at the Pelham Parkway Station on White Plains Road in the early morning hours last month.
During their monthly meeting at the Sanz, at 815 Allerton Avenue on March 22, members of The Bronx Conservative Party presented Alfred Troche, Jr., 53, with a special proclamation for his heroism.
During the award ceremony Patrick McManus, the party chairman said, “Rather than turning and walking away, Alfredo decided to step in between the perpetrators and the elderly lady and protect her. In doing so he was injured. One of the individuals sliced him with a boxcutter on the hand.”
McManus added, “We’d like to recognize his courage and heroism in stepping up.”
Conservative Party member and fellow Belmont resident Joe Padilla said of Troche, “At a time when law abiding citizens have become prey just carrying out their daily lives in a chaotic city, It is important to recognize and honor those who choose to put their safety in jeopardy in defense of another instead of recording.”
The man of the hour Troche, Jr., 53, or “Batman” as he likes
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to be called, arrived at the Sanz with his friend Jorge Castelan. Troche, a former U.S. Marine is Puerto Rican, French and Italian and is originally from Brooklyn.
Troche recalled the chain of events began with an emergency
phone call that his dad was in a hospital in Bushwick, Brooklyn, suffering from complications from diabetes.
Troche only returned home to care for his dog.
Getting off the Number 2 Train at the Pelham Parkway Station at about 1 a.m. Troche
told the Bronx Voice, “Stepping out of the train I see an old lady screaming at the top of her lungs.” He added, “There were two of them and they were tugging on her purse.”
Troche recalled, “So I jumped up and I started punching and pounding. He started pulling
her hair and I started elbowing him and the other guy came running and cut me with a boxcutter. And then I broke the boxcutter and elbowed him. I think I broke his nose.”
According to Troche, the assailants jumped into a white SUV and Troche attempted to
follow the vehicle on foot, collapsing outside of the Pelham Parkway entrance to the Bronx Zoo where paramedics tended to his two wounds that required several stitches.
Police have not yet announced an arrest in the case.
By Dan Gesslein
An elderly man entering his building was knocked upside the head and robbed during a mugging across the street from Yankee Stadium, the NYPD announced.
At around 1:15 pm on March 24, a 70-year-old man was entering his building in the vicinity of Anderson Avenue and Jerome Avenue, across the street from Yankee Stadium. Cops said a man walked up behind the resident and hit him in the head with an unknown object.
The attacker then reached into the stunned victim’s right front pocket and re-
moved his wallet, cops said. The attacker then ran out of the building and fled in an unknown direction.
The victim was transported to a local hospital by private means. He was treated for bruising and injuries. Cops said the victim’s wallet only contained credit cards and a MetroCard.
The suspect is described as a male with a dark com-
plexion and a medium build. He is said to be around 50 years of age and is 5 foot 10. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket, blue jeans, black sneakers, blue winter hat and carrying a black book bag.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers. nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
All calls are strictly confidential.
When we came into office, we had a clear mission: protect public safety, rebuild our economy as quickly as possible, and make our city more livable for everyday New Yorkers. The key to livability is affordable housing. It is the bedrock on which New Yorkers can build a family, build a life, or simply continue to live in the city they love. But there is currently not enough affordable housing to meet our city’s needs.
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s 2023 Housing and Vacancy Survey showed that our city has a vacancy rate of 1.4 percent, the lowest this measurement has been since 1968. The only way to create more rental availability and lower prices is to build more housing.
To build more affordable housing, we must think creatively and bring every partner to the table. No partner has been more willing to answer the call than our faithbased organizations. They have been on the frontline of every crisis — from the COVID-19 pandemic to the asylum seeker crisis. Houses of worships have always
opened their doors to those most in need. Now, they want to lend a helping hand in creating critically-needed affordable housing. However, because of outdated and antiquated zoning laws that go back generations, houses of worship have been told ‘no.’ But those days are over. Our city must stop saying ‘no,’ and instead say ‘yes’: ‘yes’ to housing in God’s backyard. Under our ‘City of Yes’ plan — the most pro-housing plan in our city’s history — we are using every tool at our disposal to build a little more housing in every neighborhood, including doing away with outdated zoning rules that prevent us from developing the housing we desperate-
ly need. This means giving our houses of worship the flexibility to build homes on their campuses, permitting the creation of much-needed three-to-five story buildings on large lots owned by faithbased organizations, and allowing landmarked houses of worship to permit unused land on their sites to be used for development.
These changes to our zoning rules will help faithbased groups generate revenue, add more affordable housing across the five boroughs, and develop new resources and facilities for congregations at a moment when some are struggling to make ends meet. The changes will support both everyday New Yorkers who need affordable homes as well as our communities of faith.
This April, our ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ plan will enter public review and the City Council will vote on it by end of the year.
While we are doing everything we can on a city level with our ‘City of Yes’ plan, we also need the state to act.
At this moment, state leaders are negotiating a budget deal in Albany. We need their deal to include a new incentive for affordable housing construction and a tax incentive for office to residential conversions. We also need the
state to repeal the outdated FAR Cap, which will allow us to add more housing in residential neighborhoods, and to give New York City the power to legalize existing basement apartments so that they can meet health and safety standards. Finally, we need Albany to pass the Faith Based Affordable Housing Act, which says ‘yes’ to building affordable housing on the properties of faith institutions.
This fight is personal for me. I know what feels like to live without the security of housing because I grew up on the edge of homelessness. My siblings and I had to carry trash bags full of clothes to school because we didn’t know where we would sleep the next night. That is no way to live.
And it’s no way to live for
countless New Yorkers who want to continue to live in the city they love so much. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that affordable housing was critical to our country’s future, and we know today that it is critical for the future of our city. It was Dr. King who called out discriminatory practices by landlords and realtors that kept Black Americans out of certain neighborhoods. And it was Dr. King who advocated for the Fair Housing Act, the landmark legislation that was finally passed by Congress the week after he was assassinated.
But his life’s work did not end with that bullet. We are continuing to fight for it today so that all New Yorkers can live with the dignity, security, and peace of mind that they deserve.
By Kayla Mercedes Lee
At the heart of Albany's New York State Capitol on March 4th, a powerful assembly convened. Passionate advocates, healthcare providers, patients, and allies united with a shared purpose, amplifying their voices for a cause that resonates deeply.
The occasion?
CHCANYS 2024 Advocacy Day, an event orchestrated by the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), echoing with voices championing equitable healthcare access for all.
Among the honorable attendees stood MHHC (Morris Heights Health Center), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and devoted advocate for healthcare as a fundamental human right. MHHC's presence resonated with its mission to be the vanguard for quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare, aligning seamlessly with CHCANYS's overarching objectives.
The agenda for the day was clear: advocate for CHC (community health centers) and patient priorities in the NYS (New York State) bud-
get. With financial strains looming over Community Health Centers and questions surrounding the state budget, the need for collective advocacy is more pressing than ever. CHCANYS rallied its supporters to uplift health centers, communities, and patients across New York.
The morning program, featuring welcome remarks, insights from esteemed speakers, and the presentation of prestigious awards, set the tone for the day. MHHC, along with other advocates, shared insights into the vital role of CHCs in providing holistic care with an emphasis on preventative healthcare. Together, they highlighted the importance of transparency, inclusiveness, and integrity in healthcare advocacy.
As the day unfolded, dis-
cussions delved into the intricacies of healthcare policy, funding, and community engagement. Through networking opportunities and collaborative efforts, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to shaping a future where quality healthcare is not a privilege but a right for all.
As CHCANYS 2024 Advocacy Day ended, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The event served as a reminder that meaningful change requires collective action and unwavering commitment. With MHHC and other advocates leading the charge, the journey towards equitable healthcare access in New York continues.
In retrospect, CHCANYS 2024 Advocacy Day was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the power of unity, advocacy, and community engagement in shaping a healthier future for all. As the echoes of advocacy echo, one thing remains clear: the fight for equitable healthcare access is far from over, but with organizations like MHHC leading the way, change is within reach.
Beyond Advocacy Day
MHHC is dedicated to amplifying community voices and advocating for policies that prioritize wellness and equity. At the heart of MHHC's mission lies a commitment to preventive healthcare, offering accessible and high-quality healthcare ser-
vices that empower individuals to take charge of their health. Beyond healthcare facilities, MHHC's advocacy reaches into the broader community, addressing systemic issues that perpetuate health disparities. Through collaborative efforts with partners and elected officials as well as with community engagement through events and programs, MHHC works tirelessly to dismantle barriers to care, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to resources needed for thriving. With a steadfast commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and integrity, MHHC remains a beacon of hope, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for all. Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege.
By Jane Reilly, Clinical Case Manager, VNS Health Plans and Home Care
Growing up, I recall my parents caring for both sets of my grandparents, either in our home or in their homes nearby. It was always a good feeling, knowing we could be there for family—but caregiving, no matter where a loved one lives, isn’t without its challenges.
Not so long ago, generations of family might live in the same town, on the same block, even in the same house! But as technology and the economy transform the way we work and live, many families now find themselves living hours, if not days, apart from each other.
This distance can feel especially daunting when a loved one ages or becomes sick. Our first instinct is to be there by their side, but for those of us balancing work, kids, and the many other responsibilities we all carry, it isn’t always possible to care for someone 24/7. That leaves many of us in the position of becoming a “long-distance caregiver,” someone who feels responsible for the care of a loved one and wants to stay tuned in, but is not able to be with them in person.
If you’re in this position, you’re not alone: 15% of all caregivers in the U.S. are long-distance, and that number is projected to increase dramatically in coming years. And even if family does live close by, they may have issues visiting regularly
in person due to their own mobility or health challenges. In these situations, it’s common for people to feel guilty because they can’t “do it all” for a loved one. But the fact is, we all need help sometimes—and that’s especially true if you’re trying to care for someone long distance. When this is the case, figuring out what kind of help is right for your situation can be key to your loved one’s health—and to your own peace of mind.
Often this can mean enlisting the services of a qualified home health care organization. As a Clinical Case Manager with VNS Health, I witness daily how overwhelming it can be for families trying to navigate the caregiving journey, from both near and far. That’s why, when we first perform an assessment of a new patient in their home, one of the most important things we do is ask questions. What we’re looking for is a clear and comprehensive picture of not only what the patient expects and requires, but also the caregiver’s ability to support
their loved one safely and on a consistent basis.
Especially when families live far away, having someone provide an in-home assessment can help reveal challenges that may not be obvious if families aren’t with a loved one every day. For example, our team once went to meet a new patient who had serious vision issues and was living alone, far from family. We quickly realized that the home was in disarray and not conducive to getting around, and the patient didn’t know how to ask his family for help.
With this knowledge in hand, we connected with the designated caregivers in the family to inform them of the problem, then worked together to find a solution so this gentleman could live safely on his own. As a result, his family was able to rest easy, knowing there were people ready to support them and work with them to make their loved one’s home safer.
At times, the daily physical distance between you and a loved one can feel frustrat
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ing—but there are ways you can be part of the care team, even from afar, and rest easier knowing that your family member is being cared for.
If family members can’t provide care in-person, there are many home care options that can help bridge those gaps. When it comes to home care, there’s no one-size fits all approach. What you want is someone who listens to you and is responsive to your particular situation. An effective care plan often starts with a simple question— “What do you need?” We might ask a son or a daughter what they need most when caring for their homebound father, for example, while also asking the father what he wants and requires. This helps set expectations and enables our team to come up with a care plan that addresses the needs of everyone involved.
Once a plan of care is in place, the next step is putting it into action. This in-
volves more than just scheduling home care visits—it’s also about the relationship of your loved one and you are building the home care team, your loved one and you. Having someone new come into your home can feel intimidating, which is why home care workers first focus on building trust with those they care for. One of my colleagues, Lovern Denny Devarel, has worked as a home health aide for decades, and knows firsthand how important those first visits are.
“When you come in, it’s really important to explain to the family what the plan of care is and make sure we’re all on the same page,” she says. Lovern notes that one of her first priorities when meeting a new patient is building trust, and making sure they know that she is there to listen and support them. “Every day, I work to remind people that I’m there to help, to care, and that we are in this together.” says Lovern.
BE OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS FROM YOUR LOVED ONE’S CARE TEAM
A care team can supply
context that a family might miss when they don’t live in the same community. For example, clinicians might realize that a patient has close ties to a local church or community group, and can encourage them to reconnect. A care team is also likely to be knowledgeable about community resources, like free friendly visits/phone calls or social events designed specifically for older adults.
It’s important that family caregivers feel comfortable reaching out to the home care team on a regular basis to inquire about how their loved one is doing. Knowing how to ask for information helps ease frustration for the family, and as a result, means everyone can avoid misinformation. The home care team should also educate you and other family members about HIPAA regulations, since there are rules the care team needs to follow when it comes to protecting a patient’s medical information.
It’s critically important to know who is responsible for various responsibilities within a family. This might mean designating one person as a healthcare proxy, then desig-
nating another family member to help with communicating to the rest of the family and another to manage finances or be the power of attorney. Family caregivers can often feel they must carry the world on their shoulders, and that can take a serious toll on their well-being. Sharing care duties is one simple way to alleviate the stress of juggling responsibilities.
Just because a loved one isn’t nearby doesn’t mean you can’t have quality time together. For example, my sibling and I started a tradition where I created simple and fun workouts we could do together on the phone while sitting. This encourages us both to move, and at the same time provides a check in on family in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
There are lots of activities that can be done from afar, especially with the help of a video or phone call. For example, having a non-alcoholic “cocktail” hour together is a terrific way to stay connected and hydrated. Or try watching a funny movie together over video, which can also help build lung strength when you find yourself both laughing. With a little cre-
ativity, you can help support the health of a loved one, check in on them, and get to have fun—all at the same time!
For many homebound patients, their home health aides and clinicians may be the people they spend the most time with in person from week to week. As a result, the care team is intimately familiar with their patient’s schedules and needs. Lovern suggests that it can be useful to talk first with a patient’s home health aide and get their recommendations on the best times to schedule calls or visits. Lovern also notes that having a dedicated time of day for phone calls gives people something to look forward to and helps them feel less isolated.
The bottom line: Whether your loved one needs shortterm care as they recover from an illness or injury, or more long-term home care, there are many ways for you to be there for them, no matter where you are!
To learn more about Home Care at VNS Health, including tips and advice for caregivers visit: https://www.vnshealth.org/home-care
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals announced plans to open an $8 million health and substance use disorder clinic for pregnant and postpartum women and their families.
The clinic will offer pregnant and parenting individuals living with substance use disorder — a dependence on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs — a safe and supportive place to access prenatal and postnatal care, addiction medicine, and behavioral health care. As the city aims to reduce Black maternal mortality by 10 percent and reduce opioid deaths by 25 percent by 2030, this clinic will support healthy birth outcomes, reduce the likelihood and impact of postpartum relapse, and address the needs of older children living in these families. Funded with an investment through “Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equity” — the Adams administration’s $43 million plan with the ambitious goal of making New York City the most woman-forward city in the country — the clinic will build on the city’s cross-sector work to improve the health and well-being of all
women.
The 6,500 square foot space, expected to open in 2026, will serve approxi-
mately 200 families per year and will be located at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx — the borough with the highest rate of opioid overdose death in New York City. In addition to substance use support, patients will also not be able to access connections to community-based organizations for other critical services supporting recovery, such as housing, food, and
employment. Care teams will be comprised of medical and behavioral health providers, including social workers, community health workers, and certified peer counselors with lived experience of substance use disorder. Robin Hood provided a planning grant of $404,000 to design a treatment model for pregnant women diagnosed with substance use disorder.
"This is a critical moment for women's health in New York City and across the country," said Mayor Adams. "Addiction and substance use disorder doesn't discriminate, and overdoses are a leading cause of deaths in pregnant and postpartum women in New York City, affecting not only the new parent, but also their family and loved ones.
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Our administration has taken action to boost birth equity and support new families — expanding the doula program citywide, signing a package of bills to strengthen maternal health, and setting the ambitious goal of reducing Black maternal mortality by 10 percent by 2030 — and today’s announcement of the Family Substance Use Disorder clinic coming to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln is a continuation of that critical work. Our children are our most precious resource and by investing in them and their families from the start, we'll build a safer and healthier city for generations to come.”
“Today’s $8 million investment, part of ‘Women Forward NYC,’ shows concrete steps the administration is taking to build lasting structures to support families before and after welcoming a child,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom.
“We also know that the opioid crisis has touched so many families, and this new clinic will be a place for support, connection, and assistance as practitioners walk with new and expecting parents on their journey
to better health. Finally, this new clinic is part of a broader strategy to reduce Black maternal mortality by 10 percent by 2030 and to reduce opioid overdose deaths by 25 percent by 2030. Thank you to the specialized teams doing this work to help us tackle these issues that affect so many families in the Bronx and beyond.”
“Substance use disorder is not only detrimental to the user, but also impacts the pregnancy and family — nuclear as well as extended,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Machelle Allen, MD. “Pregnancy is a time when motivation for behavior change is high. It is our aim to leverage this personal motivation, coupled with peer support, professional guidance, and whole family engagement, to achieve a clean and sober intact family unit within which the child and his or her siblings thrive.”
“Unfortunately, substance use disorder does not discriminate for pregnancy, and overdoses are a leading cause of deaths in pregnant and postpartum women in New York City,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Women’s Health Ser-
vice Officer Wendy Wilcox, MD, MPH, MBA, FACOG. “There is a critical and harmful intersectionality between maternal health and substance use disorder, which may lead to disastrous consequences for both pregnant and postpartum people and their children. For this reason, I am thrilled NYC Health + Hospitals is launching a holistic program to treat pregnant and postpartum people who have substance use disorder with their families. This is a crucial step to lower maternal mortality and morbidity and save lives!”
“Supporting our pregnant and postpartum women through this clinic fills a crucial gap in our system,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Deputy Chief Medical Officer and System Chief of Behavioral Health Omar Fattal, MD, MPH. “We hope this new clinic will be a beacon for pregnant women and new mothers to ensure support is available across the spectrum of medical, behavioral health, and social services. We are excited to develop new ways to address the great need for specialized substance use services in the Bronx.”
“An integrated service setting like this changes the treatment landscape for fami-
lies challenged by addiction,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Director of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Growth and Strategy Jennifer Havens, MD. “Bringing the whole family into comprehensive non-judgmental care holds the most promise for parents’ and children’s well-being.”
“With overdose a leading cause of Black maternal deaths, and the tragic ripple effects, stigma-free access to substance use disorder and mental health treatment for expecting families is a must," said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. "We celebrate the opening of NYC Health + Hospital’s first family substance use disorder clinic and hope it will lead to healthier, stronger families and communities.”
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest provider of behavioral health care in New York City. The system provides almost 60 percent of behavioral health services citywide, serving over 75,000 patients annually across emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care. It offers a spectrum of services that treat substance use disorders, including several outpatient substance use clinics, four
opioid treatment programs, buprenorphine treatment in person or via a telehealth visit through Virtual ExpressCare, and treatment for withdrawal from alcohol and opioid use at five of its substance use clinics on a walk-in basis.
NYC Health + Hospitals’ wide range of obstetric and gynecologic services includes primary care, family planning, abortion care, prenatal through delivery care, midwifery and referrals for doula services, postpartum care, breastfeeding and lactation services, breast exams, nutrition, behavioral health referrals, preventive care, and vaccinations. Nearly 16,000 children are born at NYC Health + Hospitals each year. Gynecology services include menopause and fibroid treatments, as well as specialty practices for gynecologic cancers, pelvic pain, and endometriosis. Patients wishing to make an appointment can call 844-NYC-4NYC.
“Today we bring this gift to thousands of parents in the Bronx.”
“The substance use disorder clinic at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln will address the dual crisis of the opioid epidemic and maternal mortality and morbidity," said New York State Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia.
Each March, we strive to raise awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Why? Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and it’s the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women.
Far too often, both here and nationally, the cancer is diagnosed in the emergency room rather than during preventive screenings when there’s the best chance for treatment. Here in the Bronx, we see approximately 600 new cases each year.
As a patient navigator my job is to help people schedule appointments and understand what it’s like to have a colorectal cancer screening. Frequently I hear concerns from patients that too many other people in our community believe and prevent them from seeking a colorectal cancer screening.
I don’t have insurance coverage so if I have cancer, I won’t be able to receive treatment.
At our Montefiore Einstein
Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, we offer free screenings for age-appropriate patients, and if there’s a cancer diagnosis, we provide prompt treatment. We also work with patients to help them apply for Emergency Medicaid, which is processed quickly when there’s a cancer diagnosis.
MYTH 2
I’m not old enough to have a screening.
Just last year, the national colorectal cancer screening guidelines were updated, lowering the recommended age to begin screening to 45 years-old. This change was made because more young adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The earlier that cancerous or precancerous cells are detected, the better the chances at pre-
venting or treating the disease.
I don’t have any symptoms so I don’t think I have cancer. People with early-stage colorectal cancer don’t have any symptoms. When people notice blood in bowels, the cancer is more advanced and has a significantly lower chance of survival.
MYTH 4
A colonoscopy is the only option for colorectal cancer screening.
A screening colonoscopy, which allows us to directly see the colon and remove precancerous growths or polyps, is recommended by the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. In fact, a colonoscopy is the ONLY form of cancer screening that can both diagnose cancer and treat it by removing polyps during the exam!
We also offer non-invasive testing options as well, including fecal immunochemical tests (FIT Tests), that use a person’s stool. These tests are performed at home by placing a bowel movement in a special box that’s sent to our Pathology department. This test looks for hidden blood from the lower intestines.
Of the FIT tests distributed by our primary care practices and examined in-house, we’ve seen a 10 percent positivity rate in our community. While most tests are negative, people who do have a positive test result are referred to our colorectal cancer screening program for a colonoscopy to check for precancerous or cancerous growths or polyps. Bottom line – if there is a positive result, a colonoscopy is still required to remove the cancer.
MYTH 5
I don’t have time.
We understand that time is a precious, limited resource. We have made it easier to schedule colorectal screening appointments by offering weekend hours across our Bronx hospitals and outpatient sites. We perform up to 300 screenings each weekend.
We want the community to know that you will not be alone through this process. Patient Navigators are trained to communicate with patients and providers to get the necessary steps taken care of, including scheduling appointments, and are trusted resources and advocates throughout the process.
Colorectal cancer is Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable when detected early. We ask that anyone who lives in the Bronx and is 45 and above, to reach out to our Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at 718-920-7183. Don't delay, call today!
The culinary landscape in the Bronx and Westchester is blossoming again! Like planting seeds in the garden, restaurants are sprouting, spreading their wings. Expansions and openings are on the hot burner. Here is some of the latest grapevine…
The Major League Baseball season is underway. If you’re planning to eat while visiting Yankee Stadium, the food service throughout the park has been revamped for 2024 featuring some old and some new. For example: Bronx-born celebrity chef Christian Petroni, former executive chef at Fortina restaurants in Westchester and a regular on the Food Network, has brought his ‘Cheesy Garlic Bread’ for the fans. Mac Truck will be offering their unique take on Mac n’ Cheese with a variety of toppings. Also, noted Chef/restaurateur David Chang has brought Fuku, his fried chicken concept. Returning concessionaires include: Lobel Meat Market for tasty beef sandwiches and platters; Streetbird by Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Bobby Flay’s ‘Bobby’s Burgers’, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Chick & Pete’s, City Winery,
The Halal Guys, Sumo Dog, Benihana, Oatly, and Wings of New York. There are gluten-free, vegetarian & vegan options. You can also check out the Yankee Stadium Tower Garden. For more info: www.mlb.com/yankees/ballpark/food
For all you MET fans out there, the big culinary news coming out of Citifield this season is the return of Pat La Frieda Meat Purveyors and Pete Alonso’s Arctic Grill. Pete is the Mets 1st baseman. There’s also Whole Hog BBQ, Lobster Shack, Shake Shack, and Fuku. Vegetarian and vegan options, too. www. mlb.com/mets/ballpark/citifield-dining-guide BASEBALL SLUGGER PAUL O’NEILL LAUNCHES A BREW WITH WOLF & WARRIOR!
Owner/Brewmeister Michael Chiltern brought White Plains a popular microbrewery several years ago. Now he has collaborated with former Yankee baseball slugger Paul O’Neill on a new brew appropriately titled: ‘Warrior 21’, O’Neill’s number as a player. Chiltern describes the brew as a ‘hazy Northeast style IPA’. He adds: “It’s the first beer collaboration with a Yankees player”. Brandon Steiner, a noted sports mar-
keter and founder of CollectibleXExhange, was also part of the deal. By the way, Wolf & Warrior has expanded and is now serving brews and a new menu all afternoon and evening from noon, Tuesday through Sunday. The open-air backyard has extra seating. A daily selection of brews is listed on a big colorful blackboard. Comforting new kitchen specialties include: Birria Tacos, Blazin’ Wings, Hand Cut Free Range Chicken Tenders, a variety of Brew House Burgers, and Slammin’ Sandwiches like the South Paw Philly Cheesesteak. Octoberfest beers will be on hand. Games for the kids. Wolf & Warrior Brewing, 195A E. Post Road, White Plains. 914-368-8617
www.wolfandwarrior.com
Liebman’s original kosher Jewish delicatessen in Riverdale, the Bronx, has been serving their traditional larder since 1953. And now, for all you corned beef and pastrami mavens, owners Yuval Dekel and Craig Weitz have premiered a much anticipated new location at Addyman Square in Ardsley.
Liebman’s serves a wide selection of old-world favorites including matzo ball soup; frankfurters with mus-
tard & sauerkraut; knishes; smoked fish and appetizing; overstuffed sandwiches; stuffed cabbage; Hungarian goulash; and chicken in the pot with all the fixings. Dine in. Take out. Delivery.
Liebman’s original deli is located at 552 W. 235 Street, Riverdale, Bronx. 718-5484534 Liebman’s Ardsley, 472 Ashford Ave. 914-231-6222
www.liebmansdeli.com
STEW LEONARD’S HOSTS KATIE LEE
BIEGEL OF ‘THE KITCHEN’!
Stew Leonard’s Market in Yonkers recently hosted Food Network star Katie Lee Biegel of the popular show ‘The Kitchen’. Katie Lee offered a tasting of her newly branded ‘Kind of Wild’ wines and did cookbook signings. Co-founders and partners with Katie are Jordan Sager and Adam Sager. ‘Kind of Wild’ wines are certified organic, contains zero sugar, and vegan. A happy line of fans was there to greet her, chat and take pictures. By the way, Katie Lee’s cookbooks include: ‘It’s Not Complicated: Simple Recipes for Everyday’, and ‘Katie Lee’s Easy-Breezy Eats: The Endless Summer Cookbook’. www.stewleonards.com www.katieleebiegel.com
SPRING HUDSON VAL-
This popular dining out promotion originally created and sponsored by The Valley Table Magazine will include approximately 140 restaurants, past participants and some new from all over the Hudson Valley. Patrons are always anxious to cash in on the seasonal bounty at reasonable prices. There are added price options this year. Restaurants are expected to offer prix fixe luncheons for $24.95 or $39.95, and 3-course dinners for $29.95 or $44.95. Beverage, tax & tip are not included. Dine-in or take-out (in some cases). Sometimes there are caveats, so be sure to verify the hours and the menus. Reservations are advised. For additional information and an up-to-date list of participating restaurants go to: https://valleytable.com/ restaurant-week/
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.
