Issuu

your HEALTH body / mind / fitness

and February 8, 2024

with a focus on:

Heart Health

GREATER LIVES HERE The only specialty-designated cardiac center in NY. And the only choice for your heart care.

You only get one heart. And St. Francis Heart Center isn’t just the best place to care for it on Long Island — it’s one of the best in the nation. Our pioneering technologies and procedures become recognized standards. We receive countless awards and accolades for our work. But those aren’t the things that drive us. You are. So, if you need cardiovascular care, you’re fortunate to live on Long Island — because Greater Lives Here, too.

Learn more at chsli.org/heart

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Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on Heart HealtH

Protect yourself for a lifetime of good health

It’s all connected

What’s good for the heart is also good for the brain

ou already know that looking after your heart allows you to enjoy better cardiovascular health, but now it seems you could be doing your brain a favor for the future, too. Current studies have found evidence that heart health is linked to brain health — and the sooner you start looking after your heart, the better the benefits to your brain in the long-run. But just what is the connection between these two parts of the body, and how can you ensure their optimal functioning throughout your life? Healthy heart equals a bigger brain A recent study that appeared in the journal Neurology has shown that caring for your heart in your 20s could lead to better brain health in middle age. To test this theory, 518 people were monitored for 30 years. Their heart-health measurements were taken at the beginning of the study when they were in their 20s, with follow-up tests every two to five years and a brain scan after 25 years. Researchers found that the larger a participant’s brain volume, the better their heart health. Those who had a large brain volume relative to the size of their head when the study started maintained a higher volume later down the line. What’s more, brain shrinkage was linked to lower cognitive function scores and an increased risk of stroke among the middle-aged participants. But if you’ve passed your 20s that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to improve your heart and brain health. A risk to your heart is a risk to your brai JAMA research, also published in 2017, discovered that middle-aged people who were at risk of having a stroke or a heart attack were more likely to develop the changes to the brain that cause Alzheimer’s Disease. A group of 346 people in their 50s without any kind of dementia was assessed for cardiovascular issues. After nearly 25 years, these same participants received a brain scan and the results were significant — 61 percent of the participants who had at least 2 cardiovascular risks in middle age had developed amyloid protein fragments, which are linked to Alzheimer’s Disease. Although these brain changes do not necessarily lead to Alzheimer’s disease, this study does suggest that it’s never too late to look after your heart if you want to change the future of your brain health.

Keeping your heart and brain healthy After reading about the results of this research, you’re probably wondering how can you boost your heart health as well as your brain health. It’s simple. Actually, it’s the American Heart Association’s list of heart-healthy factors, Life’s Simple 7. These recommendations were used by the scientists behind the Neurology study to evaluate the heart health of their participants when they were in their 20s. For every point participants missed from Life’s Simple 7, they presented with one year of agerelated brain shrinkage in their brain scans. Because following these measures can clearly lead to better heart and brain health, it’s a great idea to start working toward them today. On top of talking to your doctor, here’s a handy rundown of all seven points: Quit smoking — now. If you smoke you have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases which, as we now know, can also affect your brain health. Put out that cigarette once and for all. Get more exercise. Plenty of physical activity strengthens your heart, lowers your blood pressure, and improves your overall fitness. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Lose weight. By losing excess weight you remove unnecessary strain on your heart and blood vessels. Exercising regularly could help you maintain a healthy weight. Improve your diet. A heart-healthy diet upgrades wholesome products from all the food groups and limits ingredients that negatively affect your heart without offering any nutritional value. Reduce your blood sugar level. Lower the amount of sugar you consume as part of a heart-healthy diet. Our bodies turn most of what we eat into blood sugar (glucose) to use for energy, but too much strains the heart. Control your cholesterol. A heart-healthy diet can also go a long way in keeping down dangerous cholesterol levels, which can lead to clogged arteries, heart disease, and stroke. Manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure puts you at risk of heart disease and stroke because of the strain on your heart and arteries. Following the other 6 measures can also help lower your blood pressure.

Photo: Current research suggests that exercise, eating right and other hearthealthy habits are good for the brain, too.

Smart eating and staying active are still the best strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk. That’s the basis of the current guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. Beyond individual foods or nutrients, heart-healthy dietary patterns can significantly boost your cardiovascular health. What you eat can influence many aspects of heart health, including blood pressure, inflammation, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides. Get to the heart of the matter with the keys to keep your ticker ticking at its best. First, the message is out there constantly: optimize your nutrition. Consume a diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits and whole grains; poultry, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetables, oils and nuts and limit intake of high-fat dairy products, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages and red meats. Aim for a dietary pattern that achieves five to six percent of calories from saturated fat. For most of us, that means limiting, as much as possible, sources of animal fat such as meat and dairy. Reduce percent of calories from fats. Choose polyunsaturated fats such as liquid vegetable oils, monounsaturated fats and carbohydrates. Also watch your intake of calories from trans fat. Trans fats are found in commercialbaked goods, fried foods and processed or packaged foods. Lower sodium intake. For most of us, the majority of dietary sodium doesn’t come from the salt shaker. It comes from salt added to processed or restaurant food. Consume no more than 2,400 mg of sodium per day. Aim for more whole grain oats. When making food choices, look for whole grain oats or whole grain oat cereal that contains beta glucan, like Cheerios. Beta glucan is a natural soluble fiber found in oats that helps reduce bad cholesterol. To reduce the risk of heart disease, you need three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Try healthy swaps. Healthier options are out there, so make the switch. For instance, instead of full fat mayonnaise, spread smashed avocado on your sandwich, which is high in healthy fats that help your heart. Also, when eating out, don’t be afraid to ask your server for healthier preparation methods, like steamed and broiled instead of fried, or ingredient substitutes like whole grain pasta. Engage in aerobic physical activity. Try for three to four sessions a week, lasting on average 40 minutes per session and involving moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Have a list. Keep a running list of health to-dos, such as regular cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, as well as questions for your physician. Find out and jot down foods you can eat to lower cholesterol and other ways to take care of your heart. The bottom line is that diet and exercise really can make a difference in your cardiovascular health. Small changes can become healthy habits. Photo: A heart-healthy diet and active lilfetyle can reduce risk of heart disease or stroke by 80 percent, according to the American Heart Association. Improving your diet is an important step toward preventing heart disease. The food you eat can be just as critical for your heart as controlling your weight and exercising.

February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

The beat goes on

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HEALTHMEMOS MEMO HEALTH

‘It could have ended very differently for me’

70-year-old Long Island grandmother of 11 thanks Mount Sinai for saving her heart and her life

“I thought this can’t be happening,” Ms. Dickie recalled. fter a severe nausea and vomiting episode sent “I thought I was so healthy.” Jayne Dickie to an Emergency Department, the After Jason Freeman, MD, Director 70-year-old grandmother of Interventional Cardiology at Mount of 11 and a self-confessed “gym Sinai South Nassau, confirmed Ms. rat” who also taught calisthenics, Dickie’s preliminary diagnosis, she was learned she not only had a sky-high referred to cardiovascular surgeon blood pressure of 203/140 but also Robin Varghese, MD, Associate elevated cholesterol, for which she Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at was given blood pressure and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount cholesterol-lowering drugs. Her Sinai. Dr. Varghese told her that if she primary care provider referred her did not undergo triple bypass heart to a cardiologist for immediate surgery to restore blood flow to her follow-up. body, she could have a heart attack at But it wasn’t until Ms. Dickie’s any time. beloved older sister died from a “Dr. Varghese walked into the room, massive stroke that she took up her Mount Sinai South Nassau is proud to be rated and I swear there was a halo above his doctor’s recommendation to see a high performing by U.S. News & World Report head,” Ms. Dickie said. “He told me heart specialist. for care in heart failure. ‘Everyone recovers in six weeks, but “If my sister didn’t have a just by looking at you, you are strong and you will be up and stroke, I would not have gone to the cardiologist,” admitted about in two weeks.’” the Merrick resident, who scheduled an appointment with Days later, Ms. Dickie was at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Mount Sinai South Nassau cardiologist Sherry Megalla, MD. Hospital in Manhattan where Dr. Varghese performed the Dr. Megalla ordered a stress echocardiogram and surgery. As predicted, Ms. Dickie’s recovery was uneventful. CT-angiogram that revealed Ms. Dickie had advanced Today she is living her life to the fullest and is continuing her coronary artery disease with three clogged arteries.

follow-up care with Dr. Megalla at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside. “They saved my life,” she said. “It could have ended very differently for me.” Designated a four-star achiever by the American College of Cardiology and ranked “High Performing” in heart failure and heart attack by U.S. News & World Report®, Mount Sinai South Nassau is the only Long Island location of the internationally acclaimed Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital. Patients like Ms. Dickie who are treated at Mount Sinai South Nassau have access to a comprehensive network of board certified cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Using the latest advancements in medical technologies, they treat the full range of cardiovascular conditions, from coronary artery disease to hypertension management and prevention, in most cases right in their own community.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-SOUTH-NASSAU.

One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Compassionate Care that enriChes Lives

HEALTH MEMO Physical therapy for a better you

short term rehabilitation and Long term Care

tHE jOUrNEY tO WELLNESS StArtS

around the corner

2914 LINCOLN AVENUE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572 PHONE: 516.536.2300 • WWW.OCEANSIDECC.COM

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he key to a healthy life is movement and function. Dr. Emilian Emeagwali, PT, ABIVRC, leads an expert team at State of The Art Physical Therapy Rehabilitation ready to help you achieve full function Dr. Emilian Emeagwali and wellness. Dr. Emeagwali is a certified vestibular and concussion clinician, in addition to her expertise as an experienced, manually trained clinician. Practicing physical therapy for over 25 years, she offers unique and comprehensive evidence-based physical therapy services to individuals of all ages. She uses specialized techniques such as Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy Technique, and many more to rehabilitates her patients If you are experiencing dizziness, imbalance, or nausea, Dr. Emeagwali will customize a vestibular physical therapy rehabilitation plan just for you. She will work in an effective way to get you back on your feet, focused on your wellness before, during and after therapy. Patients receive a thorough evaluation on their first visit from an experienced physical therapist. The therapist will develop a personalized Vestibular and Balance Therapy treatment program that includes information about your condition; exercises and activities; ways to increase safety and independence at home, work, and in the community Patients with chronic conditions receive an

individualized treatment program that often includes a plan for continued home therapy after completing outpatient therapy. Most insurances accepted.

31 E Merrick Rd., Valley Stream (516) 612-4440

stateoftheartpt.com

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

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Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on Heart HealtH

February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

Get those zzzzzz’s Sleep well and your heart will benefit In addition to moving more and eating more colorful foods, getting a good night’s rest — seven to eight hours for most adults — supports a healthy heart. Without enough sleep, your risk for heart disease and heart attack goes up — no matter what your age, your weight, or how much you exercise. At the same time, people who already have high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure or a history of stroke tend to sleep more poorly, especially due to sleep apnea , a condition in which an airway temporarily collapses repeatedly during sleep, depriving the body of oxygen. Marishka Brown, Ph.D., director of NHLBI’s National Center on Sleep Disorder Research, likes to envision the body as a symphony. “You have the woodwind, the brass, the percussion sections, and they all work together to give you this beautiful music,” Brown said. “But, if any one person is out of tune, then it’s no longer a symphony — it’s a cacophony of sound.” Sleep, she explains, helps keep every system in the body, including the heart and blood vessels, in harmony. “Sleep health means not only are you getting enough sleep, but the quality of sleep that you’re getting is consolidated and refreshing,” Brown adds. The heart likes consistent sleep, according to some of the most recent research on sleep and heart health. In a study that followed older

adults for five years, those with the most irregular sleep schedules were nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease as those with more regular sleep patterns. It’s not known why going off a regular sleep schedule (with consistent bed and wake times) affects the heart, but sleep inconsistency may disturb the body’s circadian rhythms. Heart rate, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular functions vary with the time of day and may become disrupted by inconsistent sleep. An observational study of 400,000 adults, ages 37-73, underscored the benefits of sleep. Participants shared information about how much they slept each night, if they were a “morning” person, how alert they felt during the day, if they experienced insomnia, and if they snored. Adults who scored well across all can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The severity five sleep metrics were less likely to experience of sleep disruption also correlated with a highheart failure a decade later. Although, sleep er risk of cardiovascular disease. quality ranked first for risk reduction. To get enough high-quality sleep, Brown Participants who did not experience excessive recommends going to bed and waking up at daytime sleepiness were 34 percent less likely around the same time each day. Get outside to experience heart failure. each morning and expose yourself to daylight Other research has found similar connecto remind your biological clock what time it is. tions between disrupted sleep and heart disTurn off artificial light from screens an hour ease. before bed and instead opt for relaxing activiIn a study of 1,600 adults, fragmented sleep ties, like yoga or reading, to prepare your body patterns overlapped with inflammation that for slumber. increased risk for atherosclerosis, a hardening If you can improve sleep patterns, your of the arteries, which narrows blood flow andT:10.25"entire body will benefit, Brown explains. Sleep

improvements can prevent increases in blood pressure and lower stroke risk. Regular sleep schedules, particularly in children and teens, help improve diet and physical activity. Sleep supports behavior, cognition, and more. Sleep quality, timing and duration, notes Brown, like exercise and diet, supports the health of every organ and system in the body, including the heart. “When we make small, healthy changes in one area, we often see benefits in others,” she concludes. Photo: Sleep isn’t just a way to pass the time. It’s essential to health, right through to your heart.

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What does it take to get care at the best cancer center in the Northeast, right on Long Island?

Tracy Ann Moo, MD Breast Surgical Oncologist MSK in Nassau & Commack

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Our compassionate specialists are here for you in Uniondale, Hauppauge, and Commack.

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Because where you’re treated first matters.

HEALTHMEMOS MEMO HEALTH

February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

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Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis and Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute

ueens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute. QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program allows patients to transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. Through training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to home hemodialysis. If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and

rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability. Call with questions: (718) 289-2600. To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org. For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute is located at the Parker Jewish Institute.

Queens Long Island Renal Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600 Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

Compassionate care that enriches lives

Does your heart skip a beat?

he only skilled nursing facility in Oceanside, Oceanside Care Center is a 100-bed rehabilitation and nursing center that has been a part of the community’s fabric for more than 50 years. Their unique approach allows them to provide patient-centered care in a way that no other facility can. OCC specializes in an array of different services, from short-term rehab to long-term care. Oceanside Care Center provides unrivaled residentcentered care. Under the guidance of the highly skilled, professional staff, the team customizes a care plan matched to specific needs and abilities. The nursing team consists of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants who are driven to build warm and compassionate bonds with residents. The unique and intimately sized facility attracts many residents who enjoy a meaningful relationship forged between devoted staff members, residents and their families. Many staff members have worked at Oceanside Care Center for over

25 years and take great pride in the compassionate care they provide every single day. With private and semi-private rooms, OCC offers many comforts that create a homelike atmosphere, including complimentary flat screen TVs in every room and three home cooked meals a day. Residents enjoy numerous activities and

events that take place daily, and the kind and caring staff make it feel as if they never left home. The comfortable setting allows residents to focus on regaining their strength and independence while empowering them to enjoy fruitful lives with their families and friends. Come in for a tour today!

2914 Lincoln Ave., Oceanside (516) 536-2300 www.oceansidecc.com

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

early 10% of people over the age of 65 skip a heartbeat on a regular basis. ‘A-Fib’ (atrial fibrillation) is an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that can lead to various heart-related complications such as blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Perhaps the most disheartening fact about A-Fib is that it can occur without any signs or symptoms and, if left untreated, can result in lifethreatening complications. A-Fib is the most common arrhythmia diagnosed in clinical practice. Abnormalities or damage to the heart’s structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. You’re more likely to develop A-Fib if you have high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart defects, rheumatic heart disease or pericarditis. Hyperthyroidism, obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea and a family history of A-Fib are also contributors. Now comes the sobering news: A-Fib might increase the risk of dementia. Researchers at the University College of Medicine in Seoul Korea noted that the link between A-Fib and dementia was found even among people who hadn’t suffered a stroke. In an interview, Dr. Joung noted: “We found that the people who developed atrial fibrillation had a 50% increased risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not develop the condition; this increased risk remained even after we removed those who suffered a stroke from our

calculations.” The silver lining though is that people with A-Fib who took blood thinners to help prevent a stroke appeared to reduce their risk for developing dementia. Maintaining a healthy heart, a healthy lifestyle and addressing the associated medical conditions of dementia, i.e. treating hearing loss, can all go a long way to helping more people prevent dementia.

(516) 788-7830 ilovehearing.com

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

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February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

Rated 5 Stars Overall

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425 National Blvd | Long Beach 516.431.2600 Call to Book a Tour: ext. 3018 or 3019 www.ParkAveCare.com

Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on Heart HealtH

Exercise: The best prescription for a healthy heart Get moving and benefit body and soul

You might think that getting fit and boosting your heart health means spending hours upon hours at the gym, sweating and getting on machines that look more like torture devices than anything that’s going to help you. Well, that’s not true. In fact, reaping the heart-healthy benefits of exercise doesn’t have to take a huge time commitment — nor does it have to be torturous. It can actually be quite fun! Start with activities you love If you’ve had problems making exercise a regular part of your life, then you probably only think of exercise as something you have to do in the gym. But that’s just not true! Things like walking, dancing in your living room, bowling and even cleaning the house can count as exercise as long as you keep moving at a good pace. So sit down and make a list of all of the active things you do and find a way to make at least one of them a part of your day, every day. Then, after a few months of making those activities habits, try new ones or more traditional workouts like a group exercise class. As you get in the habit of being active and start to get more fit, you might just be amazed and what activities you like. Embrace the power of 10 Think you can’t get heart-health benefits from just 10-minute bouts of activity? Think

again. Ten minutes of walking three times a day has been shown to lower blood pressure more effectively than a longer 30-minute bout of walking. Something as simple as walking before work, over lunch and after dinner is a fabulous way to squeeze in exercise — no gym required! It’s not just about cardio When people think of heart-healthy exercise, they generally think of aerobic or cardio activities like jogging. But did you know that strength training (think lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises like push-ups and lunges) can improve the health of your ticker, too? When you lift weights at a moderate intensity, you get your heart rate up. This means that you’re working both your muscular system and your cardiovascular system. And when you make your muscles stronger, you make your body stronger, which helps everything. So definitely do some resistance training a few times a week. Use exercise to de-stress Stress plays a critical role in heart health, and exercise is great at kicking stress to the curb. Learn to see exercise not as something that you have to do, but instead as something you want to do because it makes you feel good. While most workouts will pump up your feelgood endorphins, workouts like yoga, Pilates

and Tai Chi are especially good for de-stressing and improving the mind-body connection. Try ‘em!

fats is key to overall health, along with helping to give you the energy you need to power through those workouts and your everyday life.

Support your efforts by eating well Of course, working out — as awesome as it is — is only part of the heart-health equation. Eating a nutritious diet that’s rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy

Photo: You want long-term heart health? Start moving. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise five days a week or 20 minutes of high-intensity exercise three days per week.

PARKER CARE. THE BEST. FOR THE BEST.

THEY GAVE YOU THE BEST

NOW IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO GIVE THEM THE BEST

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February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

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Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on Heart HealtH

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It’s Our 16t h Year Anniversary

February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

please continue to support us as we add more services & skilled individualized treatment for various conditions:

Dr. Emilian Emeagwali, PT, ABI-VRC

• Vestibular & Balance • Orthopedic • Pre & Post Surgical Conditions • Neurological • Cardiac • Pulmonary • Pediatrics • Sensory/ Integration

• Developmental Conditions • Fall Prevention • TMJ Dysfunction • Pain Management • Autism and Sensory Integration • Gait and Postural Training • and more...

Coming soon!

Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion

State of the art PhySical theraPy

Medications best for stable angina By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I get chest heaviness if I walk too fast or get excited. It goes away quickly when I stop or calm down. I think I have angina. Will I need to have a stent or surgery? A: Your symptoms suggest that you have stable angina. But you definitely need to call your doctor to arrange a thorough medical evaluation of your symptoms. If your doctor confirms it is angina, most likely it is due to coronary artery disease. Angina happens when the network of arteries that nourish the heart are narrowed by fatty and calcified plaque, a condition called atherosclerosis. The classic symptom — chest discomfort during physical exertion — is known as stable angina because it occurs in a predictable pattern. For decades, cardiologists debated the best way to treat this problem: a procedure to reopen the artery (angioplasty and a stent) or optimal medical therapy. Optimal medical therapy means taking medications you need to get your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels — the factors that underlie atherosclerosis risk — into a healthy range. The rationale for doing angioplasty on people with stable angina came from a long-held assumption that turned out to be wrong. Until about 30 years ago, the collective opinion was that atherosclerosis was an inexorable, progressive disease that would eventually block off one or more of the heart’s arteries, causing a heart attack. Doctors now recognize that most heart attacks occur in arteries that are only about 30% to 40% blocked but harbor so-called vulnerable

plaque that ruptures without warning. The resulting blood clot blocks blood flow, triggering a heart attack. The impulse to open a severely narrowed artery with angioplasty and a stent is understandable. But several major trials confirm that for people with stable angina, stents don’t offer any advantage over optimal medical therapy when it comes to preventing heart attacks or death. Medications help treat (and perhaps stabilize and even reverse) atherosclerosis in all the heart’s arteries, whereas stents address only specific spots. Drug therapy is also less expensive and has fewer serious side effects. Understandably, people with stable angina worry about having a fatal heart attack. But studies show that the risk is low — only about 0.4% per year in people who are careful to address all their risk factors. That means not smoking, eating a healthy diet with plenty of plant-based foods, getting regular exercise, and managing stress, in addition to taking the right combination and doses of medicines. In contrast to stable angina, unstable angina tends to occur without warning, with only slight exertion or even when you’re resting or sleeping. Angina that becomes more frequent, worsens, or lasts longer than usual is considered unstable and may signal a heart attack. If your chest discomfort or other symptoms don’t get better within 10 minutes, call 911. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. Photo: Angina happens when the network of arteries that nourish the heart are narrowed by fatty and calcified plaque, a condition called atherosclerosis.

Restore Your Restore Your Hearing Hearing

at I Love Hearing at I Love Hearing

At I Love Hearing, we use a special MEET OUR TEAM MEET At I Love Hearing, we use a special process to ensure that clients process to our ensure that our clients receive the ideal hearing loss receive the ideal hearing loss solutions forsolutions their needs. for their needs. Dr. Amy Sapodin,

Au.D., F-AAA, CCC-A

3 Hearing aid fitting 3 Hearing aid repair 3 Hearing aid fitting 3 Hearing aid repair

Dr. Am

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3 Hearing testing3 Hearing 3 Hearing testingprotection 3 Hearing protection 3 Tinnitus therapy 3 Eartherapy wax management 3 Tinnitus 3 Ear wax management 3 Auditory therapy & rehabilitation 3 Auditory therapy & rehabilitation

Dr. Alison Hoffmann, Dr. Alis Au.D., F-AAA, CCC-A

(516) 788-7830 (516) 788-7830 ilovehearing.com ilovehearing.com

Merrick Avenue, Suite 109109, 3030 Merrick North, Suite 30 Merrick Avenue North, Suite 109,Avenue EastMeadow, Meadow, New New York 11554 East 11554 East Meadow, New York 11554

Seth Dank,

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Ask the doctor

31 E. MErrick rd., VallEy StrEaM Ny www.StatEofthEartpt.coM • 516.612.4400

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We accept most insurances including: Medicare, Medicaid, No Fault, Worker’s Compensation And Self Pay

Clinical Audiologist, M.A., F.A.A.A

Au.D., F

Clinica M.A

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February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

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The Parker Jewish Institute helps patients transition from skilled nursing facility to home

o help patients transition from a skilled nursing facility to home, New Hyde Park-based Parker Jewish Institute has enhanced its award-winning Patient Education Resources Project. This comprehensive video series reinforces Parker’s guidance to patients and their caregivers, so they feel prepared and confident to manage care at home. Featured on Parker’s YouTube Channel and website, the series is available 24/7, so viewers can access the information whenever they need it. Updated titles in the series include “Medical Equipment,” “Smooth Transitions” and “Advanced Directive Planning.” Additional videos include “Preventing Falls,” “Diabetes Care” and more. The series earned a McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Award. This project is part of Parker’s robust support for patients and their families when a person is discharged from the Institute. Parker also offers Parker At Your Door (PAYD), a medical house-call service for patients, including in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, who can no longer make visits to a physician’s office. PAYD’s services include annual wellness

provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of communitybased health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), led by an interdisciplinary team of experienced Nephrologists and Dialysis Registered Nurses, a Renal Social Worker, and a Registered Renal Dietitian. Parker Jewish Institute offers robust programs and services for patients who are discharged from the skilled nursing facility. For more information visit parkerinstitute. visits, medical house calls, chronic-condition patients and their caregivers,” said Michael N. org or call (877) 727-5373. management, post-hospitalization transitions, Rosenblut, Parker’s President and CEO. and advance-care planning assistance. Other programs include Parker’s Certified Home About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Comprehensive Community Health Care and Rehabilitation Hospice. The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care “We are proud to offer these programs and and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New services, which improve quality of life for Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212 • lscacco@parkerinstitute.org Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

Park Avenue Extended Care honored with 5 Star Rating

Hypnosis reinvented

nder the leadership of Administrator Vicky Shaw, Park Avenue Extended Care Facility has been given the rating of 5 Stars by CMS, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This significant designation is awarded to those facilities that meet a standard of excellence as described by CMS. This can be attributed to Park Avenue’s exemplary staff of coworkers from the offices of Admissions, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Dietary, and Recreation. Park Avenue’s credo is built on the foundation of a cohesive team with respect for one another’s work ethic and an emphasis on collaborative teamwork. The 240-bed skilled nursing facility is centrally located in the heart of Long Beach, with views of the ocean and bay and in walking distance to the Long Island Railroad. The warm and inviting environment features a fully enclosed outdoor patio, beauty salon and concierge to welcome and meet with families. Park Avenue has several medical programs available to its residents, such as HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) and wound care, neuro/stroke recovery, bariatric program,

secure dementia unit, and diabetic program, along with a Spanish speaking unit, “La Comunidad”, to name just a few. It is the proud recipient of the Eli Pick Award; only 7% of skilled nursing facilities qualify nationwide. Tours of the facility are always available. Call to reserve a time that works for you.

425 National Blvd. Long Beach (516) 431-2600 Ext. 3018, 3019

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fter 30 years in practice as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Terry Biener still believes that the key to using hypnosis as a helpful tool — often referred to as Hypnotherapy — is knowing what to say, how to say it, and which techniques to use. Each person processes information differently. So, origins of habits, fears, and other challenges vary greatly. Sessions are private, tailored to the person’s lifestyle, personality, triggers, and sometimes, the past. In March 2020, everything changed. As her clientele canceled appointments, Biener abruptly shut down her practice. Uncertainty prevailed. Months passed, and it was apparent that safe distancing and masks would continue indefinitely. Since her work entailed up-close communication, and talking through a mask was a muffled no-go, reinvention was necessary. She used her time to research, take online courses and even attend virtual hypnotherapy conferences, worldwide. Embracing online technology was clearly a solution. After all, many health providers and therapists were going virtual. While most clients lived locally, distance is no longer an issue. By summer of 2020, Biener was offering Zoom hypnotherapy sessions, allowing extra time to help people find the most effective environment, both physically and technologically. “I was skeptical at first,” she admits, having worked in person for so long. “But once I retrained, I realized that online sessions were not only successful, but many people prefer it. Scheduling was always a challenge. Now a person can set aside an hour of their time rather than three, and they can contact me from anywhere. I recently helped a former client with test anxiety, while he

attended college, out of state.” Having had phobias and panic attacks herself, which were ultimately eliminated with hypnosis, Biener chose fears and trauma as her niche. By combining Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques with hypnosis, she reduces unwanted, and sometimes devastating anxiety. Since the pandemic, new concerns have surfaced — healthrelated fears, life’s uncertainties, grief, procrastination, weight gain, sleep issues, etc. “Ignore what you’ve seen in movies; that’s entertainment. A hypnotic trance is a natural state we visit frequently — daydreaming, reading, playing a video game. A hypnotist induces this type of trance to “reframe” the subconscious mind, which rules how we respond. A good subject is strong-willed, intelligent and creative. The person being hypnotized never loses control.” A thorough intake session is done first. The number of hypnosis sessions recommended varies. Motivation and willingness to work on a conscious level are important. Trust and a good rapport with the hypnotist are important. Formerly a New York City teacher, Biener is certified though the American Board of Hypnotherapy and the National Guild of Hypnotists. She has done speaking engagements for local organizations and wellness centers. Call for a free phone consultation or visit the website.

Terry Biener, CCH (516) 791-6174 www.easychanges.com

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Small steps make a difference

Make breakfast count. Start the day with some fruit and a serving of whole grains, like oatmeal, bran flakes, or whole-wheat toast. Stop drinking your calories. Cutting out just one sugar-sweetened soda or calorie-laden latte can easily save you 100 or more calories a day. Over a year, that can translate into a 10-pound weight loss. Have a handful of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and other nuts are good for your heart. Try grabbing some instead of chips or cookies when you need a snack, adding them to salads for a healthful and tasty crunch, or using them in place of meat in pasta and other dishes. Sample the fruits of the sea. Eat fish or other types of seafood instead of red meat once a week. It’s good for the heart, the brain, and the waistline. Breathe deeply. Try breathing slowly and deeply for a few minutes a day. It can help you relax. Slow, deep breathing may also help lower blood pressure. Count your blessings. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge the blessings in your life is one way to start tapping into other positive emotions. These have been linked with better health, longer life, and greater well-being, just as their opposites — chronic anger, worry, and hostility — contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

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Change is an important part of living with heart disease or trying to prevent it. A jump in blood pressure or cholesterol earns you a lecture on healthy lifestyle changes. Heart attack and stroke survivors are often told to alter a lifetime of habits. Some people manage to overhaul their exercise pattern, diet, and unhealthy habits with ease. The rest of us try to make changes, but don’t always succeed. Instead of undertaking a huge makeover, you might be able to improve your heart’s health with a series of small changes. Once you get going, you may find that change isn’t so hard. This approach may take longer, but it could also motivate you to make some big changes. Here are small steps to get you on the road to better health. Walk on. Take a 10-minute walk. If you don’t exercise at all, a brief walk is a great way to start. If you do, it’s a good way to add more exercise to your day. Give yourself a lift. Lifting a hardcover book or a two-pound weight a few times a day can help tone your arm muscles. When that becomes a breeze, move on to heavier items or join a gym. Eat one extra fruit or vegetable a day. Fruits and vegetables are inexpensive, taste good, and are good for everything from your brain to your bowels.

HYPNOSIS CAN HELP!

February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

Keep on tickin’

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Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on Heart HealtH

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February 8, 2024 — YOUR HEALTH - Herald Community Newspapers

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