LI Image Magazine Volume 01 Issue 01 by Morey Publishing

2017 Issue 1

L o n g I s l a n d I M AG E M a g a z i n e

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

Welcome to the Premiere Issue of Long Island Image Magazine As the Chief Executive Officer of Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology and publisher of Long Island Image Magazine, I am pleased to introduce the premiere issue of our new lifestyle publication. For more than 60 years, ZwangerPesiri has been providing an unmatched level of patient-centered care, research, education and commitment to the Long Island community. We believe in the proven value of radiology and its outcomes, yet believe there is always room for progress, and with partnerships and collaboration, we can radically improve the medical industry throughout the world. Zwanger-Pesiri is now Long Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest provider of radiology services, treating tens of thousands of patients every year. We recently opened our 22nd location on Long Island, and will continue to expand throughout 2017. I hope you enjoy reading Long Island Image Magazine, which was written to provide you with interesting information, not only about radiology and medicine, but about the beautiful island where we live and work.

Long Island Image Magazine is produced by Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology 150 east sunrise highway, lindenhurst, ny 11757

Warm Regards, Steven Mendelsohn, MD

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Custom Publishing by Morey Publishing LLC 6901 Jericho Tpke. Suite 215, Syosset NY 11791 MoreyPublishing.com

631-444-5544 | Zprad.com info@longislandimagemagazine.com

Edited by Beverly Fortune

PAGE DETAILS AND PAGE NUMBER

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WOMEN IN STEM

MARIE CURIE: A STANDOUT IN SCIENCE PG. 16

ALSO INSIDE:

PEAK PERFORMANCE HEALTH & FITNESS NEWS

MONDAYS AT RACINE

ICE BREAKERS

MILDREDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREATEST GIFT PG. 22

NEWS TO WARM UP A CONVERSATION

PARTNERS IN HEALTH

MEET DRS. BARRY & DAVID BALOT

RECIPROCAL GIVING 6 32 WH S? AT I S H A P P I N E S

STAT ATTACK

DATA VISUALIZATION

NEVER SAY DIE(T)

SEIZE THE DAY, NOT THE CANDY!

TAKE OUR HAPPINESS QUIZ

NEW + NATURAL

HEART OF A WARRIOR LI WOMEN SHARE THEIR BATTLE WITH BREAST CANCER THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS PG. 12

INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS

PET FRIENDLY ON LI

5 FUN DESTINATIONS TO TAKE YOUR PET

2017: YOUR PERSONAL YEAR BY JULIE ERBE

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LONG ISLAND IMAGE MAGAZINE

PEAK PERFORMANCE

It’s Just Kicks Nike Hyper-Adapt 1.0 Sneakers The sports world is buzzing about the world’s first self-lacing sneaker with adaptive fit technology that with just the touch of a button the nylon laces contract and loosen. This super-sneaker features four main components: a heel sensor that alerts the shoe when a foot enters; a cable lacing system with a high-tech mini-motor to tighten and loosen the cables; a rechargeable battery that provides power to the motor; and LED lights. NIKE.COM, $720

Move Over Vitamins

“Rockstar” Minerals Are Where It’s At Experts are calling minerals the real health “rockstars,” especially magnesium, which is being touted as a cure for everything from regulating blood pressure to improving muscle and bone strength. Topically, magnesium is being used for acne and now is being embraced by adults as an anti-aging miracle when applied directly to the skin. Re-mineralizing with supplements, using topical oils and soaking in Epsom salts will become the norm, as minerals are credited with alleviating everything from stress to eczema.

Make Sense Of Your Sleep The first system that helps you understand your sleep patterns, Hello Sense uses state-of-the-art sensors to monitor the conditions of your bedroom to give you insight into how you can sleep better. The batteryoperated “Sleep Pill” clips to your pillow and recognizes your sleep through your movements during the night. Download the Sense app, which then provides details about your sleep patterns. HELLO.IS, $149

I MaaggE E MMaaggaaz zI nI nE E L Loonngg I sI sL Laanndd I M

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HeALTH & FITNess NeWs

Halotherapy For The Family Salt therapy, or halotherapy, is a clinically proven, drug-free and natural respiratory, sinus, allergy and skin treatment protocol used for the reduction of inflammation and congestion. The benefits of salt therapy are wideranging. Salt levels affect our cell activity, energy and blood sugar levels, plus, salt is a natural disinfectant, antimicrobial, and is antibacterial. Dry salt air is more powerful than moist air, and even skin conditions can be improved with halotherapy (psoriasis, rashes, eczema, acne). Children can benefit from halotherapy, too. The Port Jefferson Salt Cave offers Mommy ‘n’ Me sessions featuring a half hour of free play in the cave with glow-inthe-dark beach balls and other toys. PORTJEFFSALTCAVE.COM

Going Wireless Apple AirPods will forever change the way you use headphones. Take the AirPods out of the charging case and they instantly turn on and connect to your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac. AirPods automatically play as soon as you place them in your ears, and pause when you take them out. To adjust the volume, change the song, make a call, or get directions, just double-tap to activate Siri. APPLE.COM, $159

Acro Yoga Fly Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease A mixture of partner acrobatics, Thai massage and yoga, AcroYoga is not just about movement, it’s about trust. A typical class can include basing, flying and how to spot your partner. Students learn how to connect with balance and unleash their inner acrobat. Photo above: Dawn Jessica Strain and Natasha Poindexter in a Back Bow pose. BIKRAMYOGACARLEPLACE.COM 2017 Issue 1 2017 Issue 1

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Around 400 BC, Hippocrates, a Greek physician known as the Father of Medicine, used the term “carcinoma” to describe finger-like tumors shaped like a crab. Later, Roman physician, Celsus translated the Greek term into “cancer,” the Latin word for crab. Since then, technological advancements have provided a much more accurate diagnosis and many different treatment options for the disease. While survival rates have vastly improved, breast cancer remains an epidemic. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 230,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2015 in the United States. Modern mammography methods were developed in the late 1960s and officially recommended for breast cancer screenings by the American Cancer Society in 1976. There is no method to prevent breast cancer, but there are things women can do to lower their risk or catch it at an early and more treatable stage by getting a mammogram. It’s widely recommended that women 40 and over perform monthly self-breast exams and have an annual mammogram.

A MOTHER’S LEGACY

With 22 locations, Zwanger-Pesiri is Long Island’s largest provider of radiology services. According to Dr. Steven Mendelsohn, Chief Executive Officer of ZwangerPesiri, it’s not enough to have the most locations. He believes using only quality equipment is of the utmost importance, along with employing only highly trained technicians. “It’s so important to invest in good quality,” says Mendelsohn. Unfortunately, Mendelsohn’s own mother was a victim of poor-quality equipment and a misdiagnosis. In 1992, Edith Mendelsohn was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, and passed away only four months later. Shocked, both Dr. Mendelsohn and his father wondered how this could have happened. “For years my mother would faithfully have an annual mammogram, breast sonograms and clinical breast examinations,” Dr. Mendelsohn recalls. “The results she was given was there were no changes reported.” Mendelsohn learned that her doctors were only comparing her mammogram images to images from the previous year.

Depending on individual insurance plans or the lack of insurance, a mammogram screening can be expensive, making it difficult for some women to afford the test.

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“It was the same thing every time. They kept saying it was a small nodule, year after year,” he explains. Three years prior to her death, she had an ultrasound test that showed a biopsy needle tip missed the nodule on the sonogram. “The needle was not in the cancer so it came back as normal breast tissue,” says Mendelsohn. “It was a discordant report. It’s an element of poor quality repeated a number of times.” “My mother’s death made me realize how important it is to focus on quality of care,” he says.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE & RESOURCES

Edith Mendelsohn was a teacher, and helping others was vitally important to her. Of the many things Dr. Mendelsohn learned from his mother, one in particular stands out. “My mother taught me not to be selfish with knowledge. If there was an opportunity to teach someone something, she wanted me to share my knowledge with others,” he says. Mendelsohn vowed that providing top-level care would always be ZwangerPesiri’s number-one priority, and in order to consistently deliver that level of care, he would invest in only the highest-quality equipment.

After conducting his MRI, they found an Epidural Hematoma that required emergency surgery. “If he had not been seen that day, this man could have died,” he says.

GIVE BACK SUNDAYS

Then, he launched Give Back Sundays, a Zwanger-Pesiri-sponsored program, to provide free radiology services to those who could not afford them. The idea for the program came about in 2008 after the recession, when there was a high-rate of unemployment resulting in a decrease in insurance coverage and an increase in unknown and undiagnosed illnesses. The program began in 2009 and was offered once a month at a rotating Zwanger-Pesiri location. Staffed by volunteer radiologists, technologists and administrative staff, the program was open to Nassau and Suffolk county residents with an income of less than $40,000, and required a referral from a doctor.

The program has been a huge success, saving many lives.

After that episode, Mendelsohn immediately expanded the program from monthly to daily at all Zwanger-Pesiri locations. They also included MRI’s, CT Scans, PET Scans and X-Rays in their offering.

“So far, we’ve diagnosed well over 60 new breast cancer diagnoses, along with hundreds of other cancers,” he says.

Zwanger-Pesiri’s investment in the program is about $2.5 million per year, and the human factor is incalcuable.

Then, a life-changing incident altered the program dramatically.

“Our volunteers have a true sense of pride and inspiration helping others, but more importantly, they give people the diagnostic testing that they need but cannot afford,” he says.

millions of dollars in top-of-the-line equipment.

“One Monday morning, the day after a Give Back Sunday, a patient called that needed a brain MRI,” recalls Mendelsohn. “There was something about this particular call that bothered the receptionist so she offered the patient an appointment that day.”

RECIPROCAL GIVING

Even though the program is still called Give Back Sunday, Dr. Mendelsohn now asks the recipients of these services to reciprocate the favor. “No matter what point they are in life, I would like for them to do something nice for someone else. It could be for their neighbor or an organization or anyone,” he explains.

“Everyone should have the same opportunity to receive quality care, including the uninsured or under-insured,” Mendelsohn says.

“I call it Reciprocal Giving. If everyone participates, it will create a domino effect,” says Mendelsohn.

“Hundreds of thousands of undocumented individuals use our services because they don’t have healthcare, nor do they have the opportunity to apply,” he continues.

“WE WANT TO INSPIRE MORE PEOPLE TO HELP EACH OTHER ON LONG ISLAND.”

Because of high demand, the program was expanded to multiple locations, and in order to ensure that every patient, regardless of economic need, received quality service, Zwanger-Pesiri invested

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO ZPRAD.COM

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LONG ISLAND IMAGE MAGAZINE

NEWSY TIDBITS TO WARM UP

EASY ON THE EYES

This bionic eyeball is a symbol of hope for millions of people with retinal disease and age-related macular degeneration. A tiny camera, attached to a pair of glasses worn by the patient, gathers images much as a real eye would, then wirelessly transmits the images to a titanium-encased microchip on the eyeball. The chip stimulates retinal nerve cells, which send pictures along the optic nerve to the brain. While this device won’t restore full vision, the wearer should be able to maneuver in familiar places without a cane or guide dog.

ARMY OF OHM: BASIC YOGA TRAINING

This troop’s mission is to keep inner peace. Yoga Joe was developed from the beloved GI Joe to inspire adults to try yoga. A platoon of posing servicemen comes packaged in a mini yoga studio, complete with a bamboo floor. YOGAJOES.COM

MAKE A STATE-MENT

There is no shortage of gift items and collectibles featuring the 50 states. The trend began with state-shaped cutting boards and now includes a line of products from furniture, home goods, garden items, natural beauty products, toys, jewelry, glassware, to beer cap maps. Whether you want a cast iron skillet in the shape of Wisconsin for yourself or to share, these items say “there’s no place like home,” like nothing else can.

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B R E A K

WARM UP A CONVERSATION

CE A K E R S

A NATURAL ALCOHOL ALTERNATIVE?

Kava is derived from the Yaqona plant, found in the Pacific and is totally natural. To prepare Kava for consumption, roots are dried, pounded into a powder and mixed with water. Its active ingredient, kavalactones, is said to have proven stress-relieving properties. Kava offers a non-alcoholic way to wind down at the end of the day, especially if you’re working late or have trouble falling asleep. Kava can help you relax without dulling your mental edge, and is said to significantly relieve anxiety, with mild to no side effects, and it does not impact mental clarity. A cup of kava tea will help you feel pleasantly relaxed, similar to the way a glass of wine might, but remain sharp mentally. Kavasutra.com

ENLIGHTERTAINMENT: A NEW HAPPY HOUR

The news is sobering. Teen alcohol consumption has dropped to its lowest level since data was first collected in 1975. College students are becoming teetotalers, with some young adults abstaining from drinking all together. Many are gathering at “Juice Crawls” for an evening of meditation, “enlightertainment” (live music and film) and vegan food. For travel experiences, dating and get-togethers for those who would rather not imbibe, check out: CLEANFUNNETWORK.COM

HAPPINESS: SCIENCE-BASED?

Happify is a website that claims it can teach you how to be happy and live a more fulfilling life through cutting-edge activities and science-based games. Try a few games and take control of your feelings and thoughts by breaking old patterns and forming new habits. HAPPIFY.COM

TAKE OUR HAPPINESS QUIZ

SPECIAL NEEDS TABLEWARE EatWell is an assistive tableware set that was developed in a universal, user-centric design to benefit those with cognitive (Alzheimer’s and other dementias), motor (Parkinson’s disease, various scleroses), and physical (injury, infirmity) impairments. The set simplifies the process of eating, making it more comfortable and efficient, which can result in increased appetite and reduced visual confusion. High contrast colors, specially curved spoons, bowls with a slanted bottom and and an anti-tip design makes for an easier mealtime. EATWELLSET.COM

ON PAGE 32 TO SEE HOW HAPPY YOU ARE

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65+

STAT ATTACK

Working past age 65 is linked to longer life (Oregon State University)

City dwellers suffer from a rate of depression thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 39% greater than rural dwellers. (Naturejournal.com)

Car heaters, fire escapes, dishwashers, circular saws, chocolate chip cookies and rectangular bottomed paper bags.

Data Visualization

90%

5g.

88%

The percentage of adults who say their mother had a positive influence on their lives. (Psychology Today)

Percentage of women with breast cancer who will survive at least 5 years.

10x

Grams of fat removed from a slice of pizza by dabbing it with a napkin. (Labdoor.com)

12,000,000

All Invented By Women

A woman is 10 times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer. (AHA)

The approximate annual number of dogs and cats diagnosed with cancer.

20%

You can burn 20% more fat by exercising in the morning on an empty stomach.

2 yrs

People who read books live an average of almost 2 years longer than those who do not read at all (Yale.)

SILVER

When buying a new car, choose silver. The color is the most visible on the road and the least likely to get into an accident.

Diabetes is the #1 cause of blindness in the US.

1.5g

19%

Percentage of Americans who spend more than they make. (Wallethub.com)

3hours+ If you sit for more than 3 hours every day, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cutting nearly 2 years off of your life expectancy.

16,215 vs. 15,669

Average words per day spoken by women vs men (University of Arizona)

#1 1,000,000

A 1.5 mg dose of Melatonin can reduce systolic blood pressure up to 10mmHg.

The number of lives that would be saved annually if everyone properly washed their hands.

PARTNERS IN HEALTH Drs. Barry & David Balot

he Balot family is firmly entrenched in the medical community on Long Island and has built a robust practice located in the Zwanger-Pesiri building on Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst. Their story revolves around their unique connection to their family, friends and the local community. Barry Balot and Caryn Pincus met while students at George Washington University. Barry attended medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly NYCOM), one of the largest medical schools in the United States. The couple married and had two sons, David and Michael. The boys grew up in an environment centered on healthcare and that dynamic led them to pursue careers in medicine. “Both David and Michael saw their father working hard helping people and wanted to be just like him,” Caryn says. “Being in the healthcare field is the norm for them, so their career choice just came naturally.” David continued his parent’s tradition at George Washington University and then medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. Michael is in his third year of medical school and is keeping his options open for which specialty he’ll practice. “Going through medical school the boys always had someone to talk to, their father understood,” Caryn says. Watching his father connect with and care for his patients was one of the reasons why David made the decision to work with him. “It was clear my dad enjoyed being a physician,” the younger Balot says. David graduated from medical school in May 2016 and

daVId and BaRRY BaLoT

joined the practice a few months later and is board certified in family practice. Barry specializes in internal medicine. David’s wife, Katelynn, is studying to be a nurse practitioner at Stony Brook University. Being a family —and treating families— has its rewards, and the Balots offer seamless care to their patients. David, like his father, sees his patients in their Lindenhurst office, several nursing homes and Good Samaritan and Southside hospitals. All of the Balot’s are grateful for the opportunity to work together, including their staff, which is comprised of many of their childhood friends. “What’s interesting, is now we’re hiring their children to work for us. It’s a nice continuum,” Caryn says. “We strive to provide the highest standards to our patients. Because of our location in the Zwanger-Pesiri building, some of our patients can have tests done, then come back to our office and we can give them the results,” Caryn says. As Caryn reflects on the past 25 years, she says, “We’ve gone from hoping someone would walk through our doors to having a full and thriving practice.” Balot Primary Care is bound by the love of family and friends and at the heart is the father and son who share a unique and special bond. “Raising a child and then having them follow in your footsteps is a wonderful legacy,” Barry says.

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ROSEMARY KANE:

“I Love Life” photo by Camile graCe Ciaobellaphotos.net

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H E A RT

WARRIOR

Long Isl and Women Share Their B a ttl e W it h B r e a s t C a n c e r Through Photographs Two years ago, Camile Grace, a professional photographer from Hauppauge, came up with an idea for a project to photograph women who were in various stages of breast cancer. “I take all kinds of portraits, headshots and boudoir photography, so it was a natural progression for me to consider this kind of photo shoot,” she explains. “My intention was to create something that would start a conversation, but I didn’t want to overstep any boundaries. I thought this visual would be helpful for people to understand what happens before, during and after cancer treatment.”

For Camile, that statistic became a reality when two women who were integral parts of her life were diagnosed with breast cancer. First, her cousin Sara was diagnosed at the age of 31, and soon after, her good friend Lisa was diagnosed at 27. “I was really curious about the healing process and wanted to portray women with cancer as beautiful, no matter what they’ve lost,” says Camile. Sara agreed to share details about her journey, and then Camile asked Lisa if she would be interested in being photographed, too.

“If you live on Long Island, you know the statistic: 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and as such, the odds of knowing someone with breast cancer are pretty high.”

“Before I even finished asking the question, Lisa was not only ready to have her picture taken, she asked if she could be photographed topless,” Camile continues. “That’s how ‘Heart of the Warrior’ was born,” she says, referring to the name of the photo project. Continued on next page

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breast cancer survivor and warrior, deanna lilimpakis, one week before giving birth to daughter, alexandra photograph by Camile Grace

By telling the stories of women living with cancer through photographs, Camile hoped to empower them to reclaim their bodies, scars and all. “I wanted to illustrate the struggles they faced, but also bring a message of hope,” she says. The Heart of the Warrior project began with 18 women, ages 27 to 75, all from Long Island and in various stages of breast cancer. They agreed to share a most private moment by being photographed as women, not defined by their cancer. On the day of the shoot, after each woman had their hair and makeup done, Camile asked them to participate in a guided meditation exercise she created that included completing an “I Am” statement. “I had them answer some questions for me and then they had to write their own statements: ‘I Am Fearless’ or ‘I Am a Creator,’” Camile explains. “I wanted them to feel beautiful and powerful and highlight their Inner Warrior. Then, they were ready to be photographed.” The results of the project have been intensely moving for everyone involved. “They still stay in touch and tell me how much this project meant to them,” Camile says. “All of the women are thriving.” Lisa Mongiello shared her thoughts on being photographed by Camile: “Working on the Heart of the Warrior project has helped me reconnect with my body in a positive way. When I was battling breast cancer, I felt betrayed by my body. My body began to feel more like a medical instrument and less like mine. I started to lose myself in the treatments and the timelines. Camile helped me feel like a person again, an attractive woman with more power than I knew I had.

“I Am a Warrior.”

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Deanna and her daughter, Alexandra, 5 months

WARRIOR STORY:

photograph by Camile GRACE

DEANNA LILIMPAKIS Deanna Baisley grew up in Wading River, and at 27 years old, like many young women, was looking forward to getting married and starting a family one day. In March 2009, she was well on her way to realize that dream when she got engaged to Stavros Lilimpakis. The happy couple began planning their dream wedding, set for that October. One month after their engagement, Deanna noticed a lump in her breast. “I kind of brushed it off,” Deanna recalls. “I wasn’t really thinking it could be breast cancer.” The lump didn’t go away, and Stavros urged her to see a doctor. She made an appointment with her OB/ GYN, who at first didnt seem too concerned about the lump, but to be sure, she had Deanna schedule a mammogram. “When I went for the mammogram, they immediately called the doctor in, and that afternoon I left the hospital knowing I had cancer,” she says. “They confirmed my diagnosis the next morning, and within a week, I was tested and began treatment at Sloan.” Cancer didn’t deter the couple from planning their wedding, even during Deanna’s eight rounds of chemotherapy treatments. “My family was a huge source of strength,” she says. “We did everything we could to ensure that I looked the same for my wedding as I did before treatment.”

Deanna found a wig maker in New York City who designed a wig using Deanna’s own hair. On her wedding day, two weeks after her last chemotherapy treatment, Deanna says, “Everything went beautifully.” After her chemotherapy was completed, Deanna was prescribed Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer that is usually taken for five years. After that, she was given a clean bill of health. The next step was to try and start a family. Deanna says that shortly after her cancer diagnosis, they went to a fertility specialist for a consultation and to discuss their options. They decided that when the time was right, they would let nature take its course. Not long after, a baby was on the way. “We were very fortunate and blessed when our daughter Alexandra was born,” she says. During her treatment, Deanna, a special education teacher in the Port Jefferson School District, was an inspiration to her co-workers. One was Lucy Arnone, who introduced Deanna to her daughter Camile. When Camile heard Deanna’s story, she asked her to be part of the Heart

of the Warrior project. Deanna agreed and was photographed a week before giving birth. When her daughter Alexandra was 5 months old, she agreed to be photographed again, this time as a Warrior. “Initially I was a little hesitant to do it,” Deanna recalls. “I’m a private person, and was going to be photographed as an outspoken Warrior wearing war paint with my baby. But having Alexandra in the picture with me was what made me push forward.” The transition from patient to survivor gave Deanna the courage to tell her story. “It was important for me to be a part of the photo shoot for myself,” she says. “Then, I felt I could share it with everyone else.”

For more information about the project go to HeartoftheWarrior.org or email: Camile@HeartoftheWarrior.org

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SCIENCE - TECHNOLOGY - ENGINEERING - MATHEMATICS

MARIE CURIE A STANDOUT IN SCIENCE By JAIME FRANChI

Marie Curie’s scientific accomplishments are well-documented: She discovered the radioactive elements Polonium and Radium and was the first person (and woman) to win two Nobel prizes in physics and chemistry. Curie’s discovery of Radium became the key to our understanding of matter and energy, and her work ushered in a new and exciting era in medical research and treatment. Along with her husband, Pierre Curie, an accomplished scientist and professor in his own right, Marie set the groundwork for our modern understanding of radioactivity, a term that she coined herself.

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WOMEN IN STEM

FROM POLAND TO PARIS

were rare, so she had to keep meticulous records to ensure that her discoveries were attributed to her and not her late husband.

Marie was born in poverty, the youngest of five children in Warsaw, Poland.

“I have frequently been questioned, especially by women, of how I could reconcile family life with a scientiﬁc career,” Curie said. ”Well, it has not been easy.”

It was not an easy childhood. Poland was occupied by Russia at the time, so Marie attended a secret school where forbidden subjects were taught, like Polish history and culture, as well as physics and math. Marie’s education was hardfought. Too poor to attend university, she worked as a governess for her sister until she earned enough money to pay her tuition. When she was 23, Marie traveled to Paris to study at the Sorbonne, where she obtained degrees in physics and math. At Sorbonne, she met Pierre Curie, a professor of physics. They were married in 1895 and began a collaboration in both life and in science. The couple struggled at every turn, living and working in wretched conditions, but it did not dampen the Curies’ enthusiasm for the study of physics, which at the time, was of great importance to France. They were continually making exciting discoveries, which fueled Marie’s scientific visions. Marie was especially inspired by French physicist Henri Becquerel, who was studying the mysterious “rays” given oﬀ by Uranium. From those experiments, Marie began her journey into the fundamentals of radiology, and in 1903, Marie and Pierre were honored with a shared Nobel Prize in physics with Becquerel.

KNOWLEDGE LEAVES NO REGRETS For Marie, any semblence of a work/life balance seemed non-existent. She worked tremendous hours and lived a minimalist life with only the bare necessities. With

In 1914, Marie was appointed Director of the Curie Laboratory at the Radium Institute in Paris, created in honor of Pierre. little use for luxuries, she dedicated her time to the often tedious and repetitive work of science, even investing her Nobel Prize money into building a more sophisticated laboratory, instead of nicer living quarters for herself and her family. Marie continued to break the barriers of science by isolating other radioactive elements, which led to the discovery an intensely radioactive element called Polonium. Just six months later, the Curie’s discovered another new element, Radium.

THERE IS NOTHING MORE WONDERFUL THAN BEING A SCIENTIST Marie endured criticism by many who believed that she was spending too much time in the lab and shirking her maternal responsibilities. Yet this woman, a rare working mother at the turn of the century, managed to alter the fabric of how science and medicine were perceived and connected. Sadly, their collaboration ended when Pierre died in a tragic accident. After his death, accolades for Marie’s fi ndings

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That same year, Germany invaded France and World War I was declared. As a result, scientific research came to a halt at the Institute, but not for long.

DANCING SKELETONS Before World War I, radiology was on the fringes of medical practice. Curie knew that doctors could use X-Rays to save the lives of wounded soldiers by revealing their broken bones, shrapnel and bullets.

Curie’s ideas were met with derision from the French government. After all, she was a woman, a volunteer, and oﬀered a service that the military did not have. Undeterred, Curie converted the Institute into a school for radiology technicians and between 1916 and 1918, personally trained 150 female technicians to operate the new machines. Getting the X-Ray machines to the front lines was her next hurdle.

PETITS CURIES Marie was undaunted by any obstacle, and came up with a plan to convince wealthy people to donate their cars for the war eﬀort. Her plan worked. With her 17-year-old daughter Irene as her assistant, they converted the donated

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WOMEN IN STEM

cars into a fleet of 20 mobile X-Ray units that transported a doctor, technician and driver to the battlefront. The car’s engine powered the X-Ray tube, and each unit was outfitted with of all the necessary equipment available at that time. The mobile units, affectionately called “Petits Curies” by the French soldiers, were dispatched to the front lines to attend the wounded. Within 30 minutes, the team would unload and install the flouroscopy and radiology equipment needed to examine the patient. Observations were recorded, and the team would pack up and drive the unit to their next case. In addition to the mobile units, Curie amassed a huge cache of radiology equipment that was either underutilized in laboratories or sitting idle in the offices of doctors who had been mobilized for the war. This equipment was used to outfit 200 stationary X-Ray stations for the treatment of injured soldiers in the French and Belgian armies.

FAIRY LIGHTS Even then, Marie was not finished with her contribution to the war eﬀort. She discovered another use for radioactivity that would eventually save a massive amount of soldiers’ lives.

Marie died in 1934 at the age of 66 of complications from aplastic anemia, a blood disorder related to radiation exposure.

This unprecedented practice led to the development of the fi rst radiation therapy and the mass use of radiography throughout World War I.

In our own busy lives, it’s hard to reconcile that Marie faced untold challenges as a female scientist and a working mother, and surmounted them in the same amount of hours that the rest of us have.

By the end of the war, it was estimated that Curie’s X-Ray equipment and Radon syringes may have saved the lives of a million soldiers.

Her incredible discoveries opened new horizons for women in the sciences that will forever be remembered as incredible in the realm of human accomplishments.

FIRST PERSON TO WIN THE COVETED PRIZE TWICE THE ONLY PERSON TO WIN IN MULTIPLE SCIENCES

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A pioneer, a visionary, and a true destroyer of glass ceilings, Marie left an indelible mark on the scientific world, bringing science to the forefront of modern medicine.

At the Radium Institute she prepared tiny glass tubes with Radon for use on the battlefront. The tubes, which were stored on shelves, were said to look like glowing fairy lights. Doctors would insert the tubes into wounds where the radiation would sterilize and destroy diseased tissue.

FIRST WOMAN TO WIN A NOBEL PRIZE

BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING

Even in death she made history as the fi rst woman to be buried at the Pantheon of Paris. A year later, her daughter Irene and her husband received the Nobel Prize for discovering artificial radiation.

“Nothing in the world is to be feared... only understood.”

Profile: MODERN WOMEN IN STEM

Robin Scarlata, MD Marie Curie was considered the First Lady of Science and her legacy now includes tens of thousands of women who have dedicated their lives to advancements in science and medicine. There are many women in STEM careers who are role models right here on Long Island including Robin Scarlata, MD, a board certified radiologist who has worked at Zwanger-Pesiri since 1994. As a woman in medicine, Dr. Scarlata uses her leadership skills and inner drive to help others succeed in this challenging field. Radiologists are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques such as XRays, Computed Tomography (CT), 3-D Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Ultrasound. To become a board-certified radiologist, Dr. Scarlata attended four years of college, then four years of medical school, followed by one year of pre-requisite internal medicine internship, a four-year radiology residency and one year of fellowship, which is sub-specialty training in her field of interest. “We went through a lot of training,” Dr. Scarlata says. “I was board certified

in radiology and had my license when I started my career at Zwanger-Pesiri.” In the 80’s when Dr. Scarlata completed her fellowship, many of her colleagues elected to work in a hospital with the plan to go into private practice in the future. Scarlata thought that would be her career path as well. “When I came out of my fellowship, my philosophy changed. I wanted to live on Long Island. I knew I would be better off building my professional career in this area. I turned down a very nice job offer in the city to work at Zwanger-Pesiri.” “It was a great decision and I’ve never regretted it. I am close to my family and comfortable in the Long Island environment,” she added. Dr. Scarlata is involved in her community as well, as a Member of the Medical Society of the State of New York, and a credentialed delegate and Past President of the Nassau County Medical Society. In her role as a delegate, she is an advocate on behalf of any issues of importance to physicians and for quality patient healthcare. “Because of my involvement in the Medical Society, I have the opportunity to talk to legislators about how operating expenses can affect doctors and their ability to open a practice and serve the community. “Today, we’re at a point where young physicians typically join hospital-based practices rather than privately owned practices. This represents the evolution of healthcare in recent years,” she says.

Dr. Scarlata conducting a lecture.

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Robin Scarlata, MD As the Director of Zwanger-Pesiri’s medical student education program and the Director of Medical Imaging at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT/ COM) for Zwanger-Pesiri, Dr. Scarlata has a dual teaching role. “Ninety-nine percent of our students are from NYIT/COM. I teach the second year students at the college and lecture three different courses: Cardio-Pulmonary, Gastroenterology and Introduction to Clinical Medicine. “In essence, the students spend two years in the classroom and two years on rotation,” she says. Teaching at Touro College is also under Dr. Scarlata’s purview. “I teach the radiology curriculum for the Physician Assistant program at their campus’ in Bay Shore and Mineola,” she says. As one of the leading women radiologists on Long Island, Dr. Scarlata’s spirit of creativity, innovation and commitment fosters an important connection between the doctor and patient. Not only does she serve as a role model to her students, by example she has inspired radiologists to excel in this essential medical specialty.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO ZPRAD.COM

LONG ISLAND IMAGE MAGAZINE

Never ever Say

DIE(T)!!

Tips on How to Seize the Day, Not the Candy!

Does this sound familiar? Monday: “I’m starting my diet today! I ate all of my junk food last night! I had egg

whites for breakfast and salad for lunch, so I’m on the right track!”

Dieting is a $6 billion industry and growing, and our waistlines seem to be growing right along with it.

Tuesday: “Day 2 on my diet! I have all of my food measured, so hopefully today will

Dieting might help you lose weight at first, but does it keep the weight off?

be as good as yesterday!”

Wednesday: “When I got on the scale, I didn’t see the number go down. Am I doing something wrong?”

Thursday: “It’s Mary’s birthday at work, so there will be cake. I’ve been so good all week, I can have a slice. What harm can there be in having one piece of cake?”

Thursday Evening:

“I had cake, and then I had more. Then I went home and had ice cream too, but tomorrow is another day!”

Friday: “It’s almost the weekend...I’ll just start my diet again on Monday!”

While dieting might be right up there with gett ing a colonoscopy on your list of things you don’t want to do, in order to lose weight, you need to go on a diet.

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For 95 percent of dieters, the answer is no. Only about 5 percent of those who are on any given diet plan keep the weight off for more than a year. The rest of us become “yo-yo dieters” who never really change our eating habits or improve our health. Fortunately, there is a way you can break the dieting cycle, lose weight and keep it off!

Try these five tips and you'll never have to diet again!

#1 Don't Eat Diet Foods You will rarely see a fit and healthy person shopping in the diet food section of the grocery store. Your body was not designed to process those chemicals and many of

the ingredients in fat-free, sugar-free, and other diet products are illegal for consumption in other countries. Think about food in terms of nutrition. Nutrients are the tools your body needs to keep you healthy.

you didn’t burn off to put that weight back on. Don’t make yourself crazy about the number on the scale. Focus on your eating habits and the fat will come off and stay off!

When your body does not have those tools, you might experience weight gain, thyroid problems, diabetes, etc.

#4 Eat Foods You Love

The bottom line is, if you can’t pronounce the ingredients on the label, don’t eat it.

The instant we tell ourselves we can’t have something, it’s all we want!

#2 Drink More Water

This deprivation can create a tumultuous relationship with food. Instead of feeling like you’re being punished when you’re on a diet, try to eat healthy and nutritiously most of the time.

Never underestimate the power of water. Water comprises about 95 percent of our bodies, so it is important that we constantly replenish it. When our bodies don’t have enough water, it has to work harder at its other jobs, and fat metabolism might fall off its priority list. The more hydrated you are, the more fat you will burn. Try to increase your water intake to 64 ounces a day.

#3 Not All Pounds Are

A special occasion is just an exception. After the exception is over, get right back on track. This diet philosophy is easy to do if you find healthy foods you love. There is no shortage of healthy options available. If you enjoy the food you’re eating, it won’t be a chore to get back on track after an indulgence.

#5 Improve, Don’t Perfect Ease yourself into diet changes to make sure they stick.

Created Equal

When dieting, most people go from all to nothing.

There is a big difference between how much room a pound of feathers takes up compared to a pound of bricks. If you have ever experienced rapid weight loss, it was most likely water and muscle, which doesn’t take up much space in our bodies. The goal is to lose fat! There are 3,500 calories in a pound of fat, so it takes some time to lose, but fat also takes up a lot of room!

Look at it this way, a college graduate doesn’t become the CEO of a company immediately. He or she needs to develop the necessary skills to work their way up. It’s the same thing with dieting and eating. Don’t try to go from eating cheeseburgers and French fries to a diet of only grilled chicken and egg whites. It just won’t work.

A pound of body fat is about the size of a coffee mug, which is about three times the size of the same weight in muscle or water. Body fat may come off slowly, but it comes back on slowly, too. You would have to eat an additional 3,500 calories that

NutrishMish.com Michelle@nutrishmish.com

Your body is used to the way you are eating right now, so if you improve your eating habits every week, you will see results every week!

FEATURE STORY

MILDREDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREATEST GIFT MONDAYS AT RACINE An

Inspirational Story of

Sisters,

Hope & Beauty By Beverly Fortune

Mildred DeMolfetto

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A BOND STRONGER THAN BLOOD The bond between sisters runs deep in the town of Islip, especially in the DeMolfetto family, where Mildred DeMolfetto raised five daughters and a son, teaching them to not only love one another, but the importance of making the lives of those around them better through acts of kindness. Sisters Cynthia, Rachel, Karla, Ann Marie and Michelle were close growing up, but their mother’s diagnosis of cancer in 1984 brought them even closer. Rallying together to ensure that Mildred felt loved and supported, the sisters did everything possible to help their mother feel better about her selfimage, something she struggled with as a result of the side effects from her cancer treatments. “We saw our mother lose her femininity and her sense of feeling beautiful,” Cynthia says. Sadly, after a five-year battle, Mildred passed away in 1989 at the age of 58. Rachel, karla, Cynthia & Rosemary at the ﬁrst Long Island Beauty Ball

HOW DO PEOPLE MAKE IT THROUGH LIFE WITHOUT A SISTER? The sisters’ devastation and grief inspired them to honor their mother’s memory in a very significant way. In 1998, Rachel and Cynthia opened Racine’s Salon and Spa on Main Street in Islip. They grew Racine’s into a flourishing communitydriven landmark, eventually putting the salon on the map, both locally and internationally. In honor of Mildred, the sisters introduced the Mondays at Racine (MAR) program in 2003 that would be housed inside the Racine Salon and Spa. The MAR program would offer complimentary services for anyone undergoing cancer treatment to reduce the physical, emotional and cosmetic side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Since its inception, more than 6,000 men and women have had MAR services, including head shaving,

cosmetic services, facials, eyelash applications, wig styling, scalp treatments, nail and skin care, massage, yoga and meditation. While beauty might seem trivial at such a crucial time, Cynthia says, “the mirror is a powerful tool.”

WHEN SISTERS STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, WHO STANDS A CHANCE AGAINST THEM? Cynthia is the President and CoFounder of Mondays at Racine and has more than 30 years of experience in aesthetics and cosmetics. Working with so many clients with cancer, she was committed to learning about the link between the chemicals used in beauty products and cancer. Cynthia searched for quality cosmetics and beauty products that were safe, long-lasting and chemical-free.

2017 Issue 1

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FEATURE STORY After years of not being able to find the right products, she started her own line of products, Life on Mars Beauty.

Mondays at Racine, where everyone supports one another in the ﬁght against cancer.

“My passion as a makeup artist has always been to make people feel better about themselves. I was able to create a beautiful line of cosmetics that are safe, and high-performing, without compromising the health of my clients with Life On Mars Beauty,” Cynthia says. Cynthia’s daughter, Rosemary Berger is MAR’s Vice President. A licensed practical nurse and aesthetician, Rosemary has been an integral part of the program from its inception. As a key player in MAR’s success, she is responsible for creating their menu of services and the protocol for the MAR Charter Salon Program. “Being able to help a patient release anxiety and regain strength to face their challenge is at the core of what we do. Then, watching them have the desire to suddenly put some lipstick on is like icing on the cake,” Rosemary says. Rachel is the Co-Founder of MAR and owner of Racine Salon and Spa. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the program’s success. Using her salon as the model for the Charter Salon Program, Rachel closes the doors to Racine’s one Monday a month, so that complimentary services can be offered in private. “As a salon owner who has been in the beauty industry for more than 30 years, I understand that this industry has a great deal of power in making people feel and look their best. MAR not only helps our clients, it teaches young professionals in this industry the magnificence of benevolence,” Rachel says. Karla (DeMolfetto) Waldron is MAR’s Executive Director and is responsible for overseeing the administration and strategic planning of the organization while leading its programs and fundraising events.

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“I am committed to seeing a great change in cancer care. The beauty, health and wellness industries have a unique opportunity to come together and elevate the lives of those going through this devastating disease,” Karla says.

A WOMAN WITHOUT HER SISTER IS LIKE A BIRD WITHOUT WINGS Fortunately, their community service did not go unnoticed. They were approached by HBO for permission to document the MAR story on fi lm. For more than two years, award-winning cinematographer Cynthia Wade worked alongside the sisters and their clients, crafting the now-famous documentary that was originally released in 2012 by HBO. The fi lm, Mondays at Racine, captured the heart-wrenching physical and crippling emotional toll that cancer takes on men and women and their relationships, and received an Academy Award nomination in 2013.

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After the fi lm was released, public support for the MAR program exploded. The sisters decided the best way to expand the MAR program was to apply for non-profit status, and once approved, add an educational component to enable them to reach even more people who were in treatment. To further this mission, the sisters asked the beauty industry for their support by opening the doors of their salons one Monday a month. Excited to be part of such an amazing organization, salon owners began to inquire about how they could become involved. “It’s fine for us to take care of these men and women when they’re healthy,” says Cynthia, “but it is the salon industry’s mandate to give back to the community and to take care of these people when they’re sick.”

HELPING ONE ANOTHER IS PART OF THE RELIGION OF SISTERHOOD

In response to the salon owners requests, the sisters created the Mondays at Racine Charter Salon Program, that included hands-on training, oncology

protocols, educational workshops and program certification. Once trained, the Charter Salon hosts a grand opening event with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a screening of the HBO documentary. Charter Salons also receive social media support, a MAR microsite, marketing and PR campaigns and the ongoing support of the Monday’s staff. “It is our dream to provide access to these vital services to everyone who needs them,” Karla says.

A SISTER IS YOUR MIRROR, SHINING BACK AT YOU WITH A WORLD OF POSSIBLITIES To ensure the growth of the Charter Salon Program, MAR needed to raise money. They wanted to host an event that was totally unique and outside of traditional fundraising. The Long Island Beauty Ball (LIBB) was conceived to be a showcase event, bringing the health, wellness and beauty industries together with a mission to educate and elevate cancer care on Long Island. The beauty ball was marketed to attract hundreds of like-minded people and organizations who were looking for a way to support people living with cancer. A strong and committed team of LIBB volunteers created an extraordinary event based on individual experiences that attendees could participate in.

This past September, the 2nd Annual LIBB raised the bar, with an astounding 30% increase in revenue. Funds have been earmarked to continue to strengthen and grow the Charter Salon Program. Many healthcare providers have recognized the value that the MAR program brings to every community and has given the organization a tremendous amount of support through sponsorships, referrals and exposure. Dr. Steven Mendelsohn, Chief Executive Officer of ZwangerPesiri, is one of the organizations that supports MAR and the LIBB and says, “Mondays at Racine is an organization led by caring people who bring much-needed services to the Long Island community that truly give back in a meaningful way. It is an honor to help them in any way we can.” “The incredible leadership at Zwanger-Pesiri has demonstrated an authentic commitment to better the lives of people living with cancer. Mondays at Racine is thrilled to be partnered with such a remarkable organization,” Karla says.

A SISTER IS A GIFT TO THE HEART, A FRIEND TO THE SPIRIT, A GOLDEN THREAD TO THE MEANING OF LIFE

The best testimonial about the organization comes from those who have gone through the MAR program: “I truly believe that what Mondays at Racine gives to others cannot be found in any prescription bottle. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and am currently undergoing chemotherapy. The benefits from the services received from MAR make me feel beautiful and happy again as I must go on this tragic journey. It has helped me cope with all that I face every day. I look forward to going to Mondays at Racine, as I know Mondays are the best day of the week,” says Annette G., a client of MAR.

IN THE COOKIES OF LIFE, SISTERS ARE THE CHOCOLATE CHIPS While the sisters continue on their paths to make notable achievements both individually and together, they always support one other. “I think my mother would be thrilled that her girls did something with their lives, that we have a purpose,” says Cynthia. She would always say:

“Make your mark. Have the guts to stand up for something.” FoR MoRE INFo vISIT: MoNDAySATRACINE.oRG

Sisters: Cynthia & Rachel

The LIBB was a huge success. The once-separate industries came together with more than 700 attendees for an evening like no other. The event raised more than $175,000 and the proceeds were used to locate and train more than a dozen charter salon owners and their staff.

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Shopping for sustainable products doesn’t have to be boring! In fact, it can be really interesting and fun! Here is a sampling of some of the newest and most innovative environmentally friendly products available today.

Solar Suntree This beautiful Suntree has nine solar “leaves” to charge your mobile phone or MP3 player, using solar cell

technology with a powerful 1350mAh rechargeable

lithium battery. A real eye-catcher for any desk, place

the tree by any window and this bamboo beauty aligns nature and technology together. The solar charger has a USB output, and mini-USB input and comes with a mini USB cable.

Little Balance Box Invented by a mom who is also a physical therapist, the Little Balance Box provides

stability for children while transitioning from

sitting to kneeling and standing to walking. The

spring-loaded contoured feet (no wheels) move up and down, allowing the box to glide safely

over level carpet, tile and wood surfaces. Safe

and eco-friendly, BPA- and PVC-free, made from sustainable bamboo.

LONG ISLAND IMAGE MAGAZINE

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iBamboo Speaker Combine the high-tech of modern day music with the simplicity and aesthetic of nature using this electricity-free

speaker made from a single piece of bamboo. The natural resonance of

the bamboo ampliďŹ es sound using the iPhone 4/4S, 5 and 6.

Revel Gear Light & Night Owl Solar Pack

Built by adventurers for adventurers, this gear is essential for the modern camper. The kit comes with a solar powered bat-

tery and LED light combo and can be set up or taken down in seconds. Plus, when you buy this product, Revel will donate a solar-powered light to someone in a developing country.

These stunning tiles combine advanced tech-

nology with elegant dĂŠcor. The panels feature a

Smart Wall & Ceiling Tiles

fully integrated LED lighting system that can be managed with their mobile app and the includ-

ed remote control. Easy to install, with a tongue and groove system, they allow you to rearrange the tiles to suit your needs, and can be used

on walls and ceilings. Available in pine yellow, white marble and raw concrete.

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Long IsLand IMagE MagazInE

Pet Friendly

LONG ISLAND

Pets are an integral part of our families, so it’s only natural that we seek out places where they are welcome. For some of us, where we go, they go. Luckily, Long Island is ﬂush with like-minded business owners who cater to people and their fur-babies. An overnight stay in a luxury hotel? Check. Wine tasting? Check. Even brunch is covered.

Feel like a frolic with Fido in the backyard of a medieval French chateau? Coindre Hall, an 80,000-square foot mansion overlooking Huntington Harbor might be the most beautiful dog park on the East Coast. Leashed dogs have the run of 34 acres of rolling hills that end with a swimming ramp into the Long Island Sound. Spend the afternoon with other dog lovers and roam this gorgeous North Shore landscape with your furry pal. SUFFOLKCOUNTYNY.gov

Long Island is synonymous with wine country. While several welcome pets on premises, Martha Clara Vineyards has the most dog-friendly policy on the North Fork. Take your pup on a guided tour of the vineyards on weekends, or set up a picnic on the petfriendly grounds and enjoy live music. Dogs are also welcome in the tasting room. MARTHACLARAVINEYARDS.com The Refuge in Melville is a fun, upscale restaurant that has been a popular mainstay on Long Island’s culinary scene since it opened in 2014. And they don’t just aim to please their people-patrons, but pets as well. On any given Sunday, restaurant-goers are welcome to bring their leashed pooches for a Barkin’ Sunday Brunch on the outside patio (weather permitting.) No doggie bag necessary, the Refuge provides complimentary refreshments and treats for doggie-guests. THEREFUGE.com Take your pup for a stroll through one of Long Island’s most picturesque villages. Northport’s Main Street is lined with old-fashioned ice cream parlors, boutiques, and cozy eateries, many of them dog-friendly. Some savvy shop owners keep water bowls ﬁlled for furry friends who accompany their owners through this Mayberry-like village. Better yet, Northport Harbor has a tree-lined promenade adjacent to the water, with spectacular views. NORTHPORT.com

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The Garden City Hotel welcomes pooches with open arms. This premium hotel, which was recently awarded the 4 Diamond Award by the AAA, prides itself on luxury amenities, and this applies to more than just their human clientele. The hotel offers a variety of dog treats, along with a plush dog bed and water bowl, and a door hanger alerts housekeeping and guests of a pet in the room. They also offer pet sitting and dog walking services by request. Now, if you’re going on an overnight trip you can bring your pup with you and there will be no sad “puppy face” haunting you when you walk out the door. THEGARDENCITYHOTEL.com

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DEVASTATINGLY

HUMAN Patient Safety: An Under-Recognized Epidemic Ilene Corina, a leader in patient safety

In 1990, Ilene Corina was a clerk

with the United States Postal Service and had a son Michael, almost 3-years old. Michael had been suﬀering from chronic ear infections, so his pediatrician recommended that he have a tonsillectomy. Michael had the surgery and was sent home later that day to recuperate. The following week, Michael was still bleeding at the site where the surgery was performed so Ilene took him back and forth to the doctor’s oﬃce and the ER several times. Despite doctors and nurses telling her repeatedly that the bleeding was normal and everything was fi ne, Michael died from profuse hemorrhaging. In laymen terms, Michael bled to death. At that time, his death was one of thousands chalked up to physician error. Corina quickly learned that there was no support system in place to help people in this kind of situation. “No one should go through this alone,” Corina says.

SPEAK UP, ASK QUESTIONS, PAY ATTENTION

To help others in similar situations, Corina founded a grassroots patient safety and advocacy group, Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy (formerly PULSE of NY), the first organization of its kind in the entire nation. PULSE’s mission is to create awareness about patient safety through advocacy, education and support. “People who work in healthcare want to do the right thing. The system has fallen apart. PULSE brings the patient, healthcare provider and the family together. We oﬀer education and support and advise that the advocate become an active member of the healthcare team,” says Corina.

It is estimated that on average, there is at least one medication error per hospital patient, per day.

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SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS

With the overwhelming number of medical errors reported, getting PULSE’s message to the public is 2017 Issue 1

mission-critical for Corina. The estimated cost of preventable medical errors has topped $1 trillion, based on an of average of at least one medication error per hospital patient, per day. “What other industry allows that kind of safety record?” she asks. “We need to program people to look at the medications they are taking and read the labels.”

EMPOWER THE PATIENT

In 2002, Corina spearheaded the fi rst Patient Safety Awareness Week to shed light on the importance of partnerships between patients and health care professionals to eﬀectively reduce medical errors.

Corina’s mission is to have the three silos working closely together for patient safety.

Several years later, she developed Long Island’s first Patient Safety Advisory Council (PSAC), an independent, community-based group of leaders brought together to incorporate patient safety into their organizations and programs and to educate community members with information for the best possible outcomes in their healthcare services. The organization is now known as the Healthcare Equality Project (HEC). Many HEC members have been trained in patient safety by PULSE and share what they’ve learned with their community in order to break down the silos that exist between healthcare organizations, clinicians, and patients and their families.

CONVERSATIONS MATTER

Corina speaks frequently at medical conferences, hospitals and healthcare organizations throughout the country discussing the patient’s role in patient safety and the changing culture needed to form partnerships that will improve outcomes. She is a nationally recognized patient safety advocate, and has appeared as a patient-safety expert on CNN, Fox News and other TV and radio shows. “I use the true stories of patients, their families, and those who work in the healthcare system to engage and motivate the audience,” she says. “I focus on health literacy/communication and specializing in patient and family engagement for patient centered care.” “We teach them the right questions to ask.”

TO ERR IS HUMAN

clinicians

Medical errors are now the thirdleading cause of patients & death in the US, families only behind cancer and heart disease. “I understand how these “mishaps” can be healthcare corrected and how, if they are organizations not taken seriously, are similar to playing Russian Roulette with a patient’s life,” she says. Patients, family members and friends can all help combat these hidden dangers in medical care if they “New Yorkers often assume that know what to do. they have access to some of the best healthcare in the world, and in some LI HOSPITALS ways they do, with many leading phy& SAFETY sicians and state-of-the-art facilities A recent report released by Conin the area. But our analysis suggests sumer Reports on Safety Ratings for that, when it comes to patient safety, New York-area hospitals rated only New Yorkers often receive sub-stanthree Long Island hospitals with a dard care.” better than average rating for safety: • St. Francis Hospital • Peconic Bay Medical Center • Glen Cove Hospital

A SHARED RESPONSIBLITY

Michael would have been 30 years old this year, a milestone birthday. In his honor, Corina continues her mission to advocate and educate the public and the healthcare sector on paying closer attention to their care. Corina stresses that it is crucial for loved ones to know how to help the patient get back on their feet, fast. “We are the last line of defense. It’s that important,” Corina says.

“Our analysis suggests that, when it comes to patient safety, New Yorkers often receive sub-standard care.” The report was based on four key measures of hospital safety: Hospital infection, re-admissions, discharge instructions and medical instructions. According to John Santa, MD and Director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center:

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For information: PulseCenterforPatientSafety.org or email: icorina@PulseCenterforPatientSafety.org

L o n g I s l a n d I M AG E M a g a z i n e

HAPPINESS

QUIZ

By Joann M. Bello, Phd

WHAT Is HAPPINess?

2 3 4 5 6 32

Research suggests that it’s a combination of how satisfied you are with your life and how good you feel on a daily basis. YOU CAN ACCESS YOUR HAPPINESS LEVEL WITH THIS SIMPLE QUIZ AND FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN RAISE YOUR HAPPINESS QUOTIENT.

Close ties with friends and family and interacting with others makes us feel supported and connected, and therefore happier. How often do you share your feelings with friends and relatives?

Hardly ever or infrequently