Nyack Summer 2024

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

HELP FOR

NEW MOMS

WHY YOU NEED A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING SAVES LIVES

HOW TO AVOID INJURIES

Montefiore Nyack

Hospital Updates

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Readers,

As warm weather arrives, we become more active outdoors. Whether you play a sport, walk, swim or garden, starting slowly to avoid injury is prudent. Warm up and stretch before attempting anything strenuous. If you do not have a primary care physician, I strongly recommend finding one to maintain optimal health.

In this issue, Highland Medical family medicine physician Dr. Noble Jacob shares the benefits of having a primary care physician and their relationship with specialists to manage your healthcare needs. Warm weather brings on allergic reactions to plants and pollen. Dr. Samuel N. Helman, otolaryngology and sinus specialist, discusses the causes and treatments for allergies and sinusitis. If you are considering taking up a new hobby or sport, Dr. Jason Fond, Director of Orthopedics at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, shares valuable tips on how to avoid getting hurt playing the latest craze of pickleball.

Should you need care for an orthopedic condition, Dr. Fond and his colleagues with Montefiore Einstein Orthopedics and Surgery can see you at the new Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Center. Patient comfort and convenience are interwoven with the building’s state-of-the-art design, which includes ample parking, calming and inviting waiting areas for caregivers, spacious exam rooms and private consultation offices.

Located at 3 Centerock Rd. in West Nyack, the facility is home to the largest orthopedic physician practice in Rockland County and top-class ambulatory surgery, advanced imaging and physical and occupational therapy rehabilitation centers. Patients have access to an advanced level of coordinated care from the academic experts with Montefiore Einstein Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons, Montefiore Nyack Hospital and Burke Rehabilitation—all under one roof.

Now that the days are longer, I hope you get outside and enjoy all that Rockland County and the lower Hudson Valley offer! Wishing you a happy and healthy summer,

Mark Geller, MD, FACR President and Chief Executive Officer

To unsubscribe, please email us at publicrelations@montefiorenyack.org.

MONTEFIORE NYACK HOSPITAL RECOGNIZED AS A 2024 HIGH-PERFORMING HOSPITAL FOR MATERNITY CARE

U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Montefiore Nyack Hospital as a 2024 High-Performing Hospital for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) This is the highest award a hospital can earn for the publication’s Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and is measured by factors that include newborn complications, C-sections in lower-risk pregnancies, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, early elective deliveries, birthing-friendly practices and transparency on racial/ethnic disparities.

Hospitals that earn a High-Performing designation meet a high standard in caring for parents with uncomplicated pregnancies and have C-section rates that are 26 percent lower than unrecognized hospitals and newborn complication rates that are 37 percent lower.

“This honor highlights the expertise of our physicians, obstetricians, gynecologists, neonatologists, pediatric hospitalists, dedicated nurses and support staff at The Jacobs Family Maternity Center,” said Maria Emerson, MD, FACOG, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

Best Hospitals for Maternity Care is an annual evaluation designed to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity care that best meets their family’s needs. For more information, visit montefiorenyack.org/maternity-center.

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Lauren Malone, Assoc. VP, PR and Marketing

Rose Croke, Director of Communications

Briana Tolve, Marketing Manager

Jasmine Gonzalez, Marketing Coordinator

Celia Vimont, Writer

4 SINUS TROUBLES DURING ALLERGY SEASON?

Your doctor can help you breathe easier.

6

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING SAVES LIVES

Take these important steps to reduce your risk.

8

WHY YOU NEED A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN (PCP)

Even young adults should see a PCP for early detection and prevention of health issues.

10

PREVENTING CERVICAL CANCER

Vaccination, safe-sex practices and screening can stop this cancer in its tracks.

Montefiore Nyack Hospital has received an evaluation of 95 out of 100, earning the designation of LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 17th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.

12 LOVE PICKLEBALL? HERE’S HOW TO PREVENT INJURIES

The popular sport has benefits—if you take steps to play it safely.

14

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: DIFFERENT THAN THE ‘BABY BLUES’

Medication and therapy can help new moms suffering from postpartum depression after giving birth.

promotes LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and affirming practices in healthcare facilities and formally recognizes those facilities that lead the field in LGBTQ+ inclusion. Participating healthcare facilities are recognized in one of three Tiers of Recognition. This recognition heightens Montefiore Nyack’s healthcare facility’s efforts to establish a track record of LGBTQ+ inclusion and aids in building and maintaining meaningful relationships with LGBTQ+ communities in Rockland County and the greater Hudson Valley area. 8 10 14

The HEI, a project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF),

SINUS TROUBLES DURING ALLERGY SEASON?

YOUR DOCTOR CAN HELP YOU FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE SO YOU CAN BREATHE EASIER.

Seasonal allergies can affect your sinuses and nasal passages. It can be tricky to tell if your drippy, stuffy nose is due to allergies or a sinus infection (sinusitis). “It’s important to determine the cause of your symptoms, so you can get the correct treatment,” said Samuel N. Helman, MD, an otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and sinus specialist at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

Allergies can be seasonal (allergy to pollen, trees or grass) or caused by allergens such as dust or pet dander. A sinus infection occurs when your nasal passages are infected. Both conditions can cause inflammation of the nasal passages, along with symptoms such as congestion and stuffy nose.

SINUSITIS BASICS

congestion, and facial pain or pressure over cheeks or forehead.

Sinusitis can be caused or worsened by a variety of factors. These include:

• Nasal allergies

• Asthma

• Nasal polyps (growths)

• Deviated septum. The septum is a line of tissue composed of cartilage and bone that divides the nose. A deviated septum isn’t straight, so it narrows the passage on one side of the nose.

• Smoking.

Treatment for sinusitis may include:

• Nasal irrigation, an at-home treatment to rinse your sinuses. Dr. Helman recommends using a neti pot to reduce the number of irritants, such as allergens, in the nose and the openings of the sinuses. You use the neti pot to pour salt water (saline) into your nostrils. “Using a neti pot is helpful even for people without allergies to keep the nose and sinus clean,” he says.

• A nasal steroid spray to reduce inflammation inside the nose.

camera) into the nose. This gives a clear inside view of the sinuses and nasal passages. He may also order a CT scan. “This test help us see the parts of the sinus that cannot be seen with the endoscope and gives us insight into what is causing a patient’s symptoms and what treatment plan would be best tailored to that individual,” he says.

WHEN ALLERGIES ARE INVOLVED

If Dr. Helman suspects a person’s sinus problems are related to allergies, he sends them to an allergist to find out what they are allergic to.

“In a perfect world,” he says, “you would be able to avoid allergens, dust and irritants, but this is not always possible and so an allergist helps identify what you are allergic to and can prescribe medications or start certain allergy treatments that may have a big impact. They can also help patients with allergy-induced sinusitis have improved symptoms.”

“Sinusitis is separate from allergy, but a person can have both at the same time and both diseases may impact each other,” Dr. Helman says. Sinusitis symptoms may include reduction or loss of taste or smell, postnasal drip, nasal

• Antibiotics if there is a sign of infection in the sinus.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT’S SINUSITIS?

SAMUEL N. HELMAN, MD

If a person has sinus symptoms, Dr. Helman may perform a nasal endoscopy to confirm the presence of swelling, polyp or infection in the sinuses. He inserts an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and

Often, a person who is found to have allergies will be prescribed allergy medication, such as a histamine nasal spray or oral allergy medication.

“If you have allergy and sinus symptoms, see your doctor. A teambased medical approach involving your primary care doctor, allergist and/or ear, nose and throat specialist can help improve your symptoms and quality of life, so you don’t have to dread allergy season every year,” Dr. Helman says. “They will come up with a plan that is safe, effective and tailored to you.”

Dr. Samuel Helman practices at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates (WPHPA) of Nyack located at 160 N. Midland Ave. within Montefiore Nyack Hospital. To schedule an appointment, call 845-849-3755.

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING SAVES LIVES

ALTHOUGH THIS TYPE OF CANCER IS COMMON IN THE U.S., THERE ARE IMPORTANT STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE YOUR RISK.

While new cases of colorectal cancer have been declining among adults over 50, rates are on the rise among younger adults. The reasons for the increase among adults under 50 aren’t known, but research shows that the disease is largely preventable for adults of any age through screening.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. It starts as a polyp, or an abnormal growth, in the large intestine, which over time may become cancerous and potentially spread to other parts of the body.

More than 140,000 adults are diagnosed with the disease each year. When adults get screened for colorectal cancer, it can be detected early at a stage when treatment is most likely to be successful. In some cases, it can be prevented through the detection and removal of precancerous polyps.

If you’re age 45 or older, you should start getting screened for colorectal cancer. If you have a family history of the disease, talk to your doctor about when you should start screening and how often you should be screened.

Several types of tests can be used. No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get tested.

Tests include:

• Colonoscopy. This is the “gold standard” preferred method for colorectal cancer screening. The doctor uses a flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope to look in the rectum and the entire colon. Samples of tissue may be collected for examination, or polyps may be removed. This test should be done every 10 years.

• Stool-based tests. These tests check the stool for signs of cancer. They are less invasive and easier to do, but they need to be done more often.

In addition to screening, other steps you can take to lower your risk of colorectal cancer include:

• Follow a healthy diet. Avoid eating a lot of processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon and some lunch meats. Instead, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Quit smoking. Chemicals in cigarettes have been shown to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

• Exercise. Being inactive increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Government guidelines recommend that every week adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (such as cycling, swimming or gardening) and two days of musclestrengthening activities (such as lifting weights or push-ups).

• Reduce your alcohol intake. Excessive drinking (such as 14 or more drinks per week) can increase the risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer. Federal guidelines recommend limiting your intake to no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

• Try to keep a healthy weight. Having a body mass index under 25 decreases the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer.

TREATMENT FOR COLORECTAL CANCER

If a screening test finds colorectal cancer, and it has not spread beyond the colon, treatment will involve surgery. Patients at Montefiore Nyack Hospital are generally treated for colorectal cancer with minimally invasive techniques. “This means smaller incisions, faster recovery, with

less pain and less need for opioid painkillers,” said Ziad N. Kronfol, MD, FACS, FASCRS, a colorectal surgeon with Highland Surgical Associates.

THE DA VINCI SURGERY SYSTEM

Many colorectal procedures at Montefiore Nyack Hospital are done using the da Vinci surgery system, which uses robotic arms and instruments that have a wider range of motion than humans do. This results in less pain for the patient and a shorter time for recuperation.

The da Vinci system has four robotic arms instead of a surgeon’s two arms. It also has multiple joints that maneuver better than a hand, wrist and fingers. Using the system, surgeons can produce finer movements with more accuracy. The system also gives the surgeon a threedimensional view that is magnified 10 times.

The surgery is minimally invasive, meaning the surgeon makes small cuts and uses thin long surgical instruments and a laparoscope (a telescope). This is a thin tube with a light and a camera lens. The robotic surgical instruments are inserted through the cuts. Sitting at the console, the surgeon uses the controls to perform the surgery.

“Surgeons have greater control and visualization, allowing us to operate with greater precision,” Dr. Kronfol says. “Before we used minimally invasive surgery, colorectal surgery patients often had to be in the hospital for at least a week.”

Now, with smaller incisions and less pain, patients return home faster, often in one to three days, with minimal discomfort. “In addition to a shorter hospital stay, patients have less blood loss, a quicker return to bowel function and a fast return to their regular diet,” Dr. Kronfol says.

Highland Surgical Associates is located at 1 Crosfield Ave., Suite 105, in West Nyack. To schedule a consultation, call 845-535-3362. For more information about robotic-assisted surgery, visit www.montefiorenyack.org/robotic-surgery. To find a gastroenterologist, search here: www.montefiorenyack.org/find-physician.

ZIAD N. KRONFOL, MD, FACS, FASCRS

WHY YOU NEED A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN

EVEN YOUNG ADULTS SHOULD SEE A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN FOR EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF HEALTH ISSUES.

Adults of all ages, even those in their 20s and 30s, should have a primary care physician (PCP). “While you may feel healthy now, having a primary care doctor is essential for maintaining your health in the long term and

ensuring that you have access to comprehensive, coordinated healthcare when you need it,” says Noble Jacob, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician with Highland Medical, Orangetown Family Practice in Tappan.

If you are healthy and don’t have extensive medical needs, it is a good time to establish a relationship with a PCP. The

NOBLE JACOB, MD

physician can get to know you and help you meet your health goals. And if you become ill, your doctor will already know your health history.

THE QUARTERBACKS OF MEDICINE

Dr. Jacob calls PCPs the “quarterbacks of medicine.” They connect and coordinate with other parts of the health system.

PREPARING FOR YOUR PCP VISIT

Here are some tips to make the most of your visit with your primary care physician (PCP).

• Before you see your PCP for the first time, gather any previous medical records you have. Also, bring medication lists and insurance information.

• Bring a written list of questions to make sure you remember to cover all your concerns.

• Find out how you should communicate with your PCP team between visits. Does the practice have a secure patient portal where nonurgent issues can be addressed? This may reduce the need for in-person visits.

Most adults will have to enter the healthcare system at some point in their lives. Having a PCP who knows you and your health history will help ensure that you get the care that you need.

A PCP provides:

• Preventive care. Regular checkups with a PCP allow for early detection and prevention of health issues. They can provide vaccinations, screenings and counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

• Continuity of care. Having a PCP means establishing a long-term relationship with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history. “This can be invaluable in managing your health over time,” Dr. Jacob says.

• Coordination of care. Your PCP can coordinate any specialist care you may need, ensuring that all aspects of your health are being addressed and that your treatments don’t conflict.

• Health education. Your PCP can educate you about your health, help you understand your risk factors and empower you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle and healthcare.

• Resource for health concerns. When you have health concerns or questions, having a PCP provides you with a trusted resource to turn to for advice and guidance.

• Access to referrals. If you ever need specialized care or treatment, your PCP can provide referrals to trusted specialists.

“Health problems get bigger, both physically and figuratively, over time,” Dr. Jacob says. “By the time you notice something is off, care will likely be more complicated, expensive and timeconsuming than if you had addressed it earlier.”

For instance, if you don’t attend to obesity-related diabetes in your 20s and 30s, you’re not only going to pay more in your 40s and 50s for care related to complications that have arisen over decades, but you’re also going to spend more time in and out of the hospital, and your loved ones will be tasked with looking after you, he says.

With office locations throughout Rockland County, our primary care physicians get to know their patients to deliver high-quality care that meets their needs and environment. Find a primary care doctor at www.highlandmedicalpc.com/primary-care.

PREVENTING CERVICAL CANCER

VACCINATION, SAFESEX PRACTICES AND SCREENING CAN STOP THIS CANCER IN ITS TRACKS.

Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in the U.S. Two important developments have dramatically reduced the rate of cervical cancer: the Pap screening test and the HPV vaccine, says Rocio Gonzalez, MD, an

obstetrician/gynecologist at Highland Medical OBS-GYN of Rockland.

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix—the lower part of the uterus, or womb. The cervix is covered with a layer of healthy cells that are constantly changing. They can become cancerous and divide and spread to other tissue. Up to 14,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer every

ROCIO GONZALEZ, MD

year, and about 4,000 die from the disease. It occurs most commonly in women over age 40.

Cervical cancer forms slowly, over many years. Most cases of cervical cancer occur in women who’ve never had a gynecological screening exam. If the precancerous cells are identified and treated, almost all these cancers can be prevented.

Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is

the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few will get cervical cancer.

THE HPV VACCINE

There are many types of HPV. Some types can cause changes in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer, while other types can cause genital or skin warts. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer and protects against the HPV strains that cause most genital warts.

The vaccine is recommended for preteens—both girls and boys—aged 11 to 12 years but can be given starting at age 9.

For those who have not yet been vaccinated, it’s recommended for everyone through age 26. HPV vaccination prevents new infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. That’s why the vaccine works best when given before someone becomes sexually active.

The HPV vaccine is highly effective— up to 99 percent, Dr. Gonzalez says. Two doses are required if given before age 14. If given starting at age 15 or older, three doses are needed.

Dr. Gonzalez tells her sexually active patients that even if they have had an HPV vaccine, they still need to use condoms to avoid HPV infections from strains that can cause cervical cancer but are not covered by the HPV vaccine. Condoms also protect against other sexually transmitted diseases.

SCREENING TESTS

In addition to being vaccinated against HPV, women should have regular screening tests to help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. These tests

are the Pap test (or Pap smear) and the HPV test. The Pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated. The HPV test looks for the HPV virus, which can cause these cell changes.

You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. Between the ages of 21 and 29, if your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next test. Between the ages of 30 and 65, your doctor will recommend which type of testing is best for you. The options are:

• An HPV test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

• An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.

• A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

IMPORTANCE OF ANNUAL EXAMS

Regardless of how often you have cervical screening tests, you should have an annual gynecological exam, Dr. Gonzalez says. On visits when you don’t have a screening test, the doctor will perform a pelvic exam to look for lesions in the cervix and vagina. The doctor will talk with you about issues relevant to your stage of life. These can include birth control, sexually transmitted infection screening and prevention, menstrual problems or osteoporosis.

“An annual gynecologic exam is also a time to talk about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimize health risks,” Dr. Gonzalez says.

If you would like to schedule a gynecologic exam, please call 845-634-8400 (New City office) or 845-947-2225 (Stony Point office).

For more information about the practice, visit www.highlandmedicalpc.com/obs-gyn.

LOVE PICKLEBALL? HERE’S HOW TO AVOID INJURIES

THE POPULAR SPORT HAS BENEFITS— IF YOU TAKE STEPS TO PLAY IT SAFELY.

It’s been called the fastest-growing sport in America. Pickleball, a cross between tennis and ping-pong, has plenty of health benefits. Jason Fond, MD, Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, says pickleball is so popular in part because people of many ages, activity levels and athletic skills can play.

“It has a lot of people moving who weren’t as active before they started playing pickleball,” he says. “It can make you more mobile, decrease stiffness in your joints and improve your heart health. There are also mental and emotional benefits to being active. Plus, it’s a social sport, which is beneficial too.”

With increasing popularity has come a rise in injuries from pickleball. Injuries from pickleball can range from an inflamed tendon in the elbow (“tennis elbow”) to a sprained ankle to a broken bone.

OVERUSE INJURIES

It’s common for a person who’s been playing pickleball for a few weeks or months to start complaining of pain in their wrist, elbow or shoulder.

“These are called repetitive action or overuse injuries,” Dr. Fond says. “Even people in great physical shape can have ligaments and tendons that become inflamed and develop tears. That can lead to tennis elbow, wrist injuries or shoulder strain.”

TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY

To avoid injuries while enjoying pickleball:

• Do some stretching or a gentle warm-up before playing. “Stretch the muscle groups you will be using—your quads, hamstrings and Achilles tendon,” Dr. Fond says.

• Have the right footwear. He recommends tennis court shoes. They provide better side-to-side support and can decrease the risk of ankle sprains and Achilles injuries.

• Recognize your ability and pick partners who are playing at a similar level, so you don’t overstrain yourself.

• If you’ve had injuries to the wrist, knee or ankle in the past, consider wearing a brace on that part of the body to protect yourself.

• To avoid slipping, tripping and falling, clear the court of leaves, sticks and rocks, and don’t play outside when the court is wet.

Some pickleball injuries are the same as those that can occur with any sport—a sprained ankle, low back sprain, rotator cuff injury in the shoulder or Achilles tendon injury in the heel. People can even suffer a broken bone if they slip and fall on the court.

• Drink plenty of water when you’re playing, especially if it’s a warm day.

If you do end up getting hurt, use the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) technique to start. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, if you can safely do so. If the injury is more severe, go straight to the emergency room or urgent care, Dr. Fond advises.

“There are so many benefits to playing, and it’s great to see so many people enjoying it,” Dr. Fond says. “Just be careful and understand what the potential injuries are and how you can prevent them.”

If you need orthopedic care or imaging, visit www.montefiorenyack.org/orthopedic-spine to find a physician and learn more about available services.

JASON FOND, MD

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:

DIFFERENT THAN THE ‘BABY BLUES’

MEDICATION AND THERAPY CAN HELP NEW MOMS SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION AFTER GIVING BIRTH.

Many women have what’s known as the “baby blues” in the days after they give birth. This isn’t the same as postpartum depression, which is more severe and may require treatment by a healthcare professional, says Maria Emerson, MD, FACOG, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Montefiore Nyack Hospital and a gynecologist with Highland Medical OBSGYN of Rockland in New City and Stony Point.

“If you have postpartum depression, you are not alone in this experience,” Dr. Emerson says. “Many women have gone through this, and many more will in the future. Effective treatment is available and can help you and your baby be as healthy as possible.”

‘BABY BLUES’ VS. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Baby blues usually happen shortly after birth. A mother with baby blues feels sadness, anxiety and possibly some anger with the new baby, partner or other children. “You may cry for no obvious reason, lose your appetite and have trouble sleeping or making choices. You may question whether you can handle caring for your baby,” Dr. Emerson says. Baby blues symptoms generally last only one to two weeks and do not require medication.

Postpartum depression is more severe. It affects your ability to perform your activities of daily living, which involve taking care of yourself, your baby and/or your family. It may involve feelings of being hopeless or worthless and thoughts of hurting yourself and/or others. Usually, postpartum depression starts one to three weeks following birth. Untreated, it can be diagnosed even a year after delivery.

COMMON CAUSES

There is not just one cause involved in the development of postpartum depression. It is thought that hormonal, emotional and physical changes, sleep deprivation, fatigue and adjustments to the new role as a parent can all contribute. Parents with a history of depression and with additional life stressors (such as a recent death in the family, moving or illness of a family member) could be at higher risk of developing postpartum depression.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

If you or your friends and family think you have postpartum depression, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Ask your partner or a loved one to call for you if necessary. Seek emergency help if you are feeling like hurting yourself or someone else.

Antidepressants and psychotherapy are used to support a person through postpartum depression. Although antidepressants can be passed to the baby through breast milk, the amounts are usually very small. In most cases, the benefits of breastfeeding (provided the mother wants to do so) far outweigh the risks. Talk with your provider about the risks and benefits for you and your baby.

Dr. Emerson also suggests that new mothers with postpartum depression consider joining a support group. Montefiore Nyack Hospital offers a bimonthly support group called New Moms Circle that welcomes all who are expecting or have babies, toddlers and young children. This parent support group features open and honest discussions on topics ranging from the realities of becoming a new parent and infant care to the importance of maintaining self-care and well-being.

“Postpartum depression is not supposed to be a secret,” Dr. Emerson says. “Treating it means doing the right thing for yourself, your baby and your family.”

To schedule an appointment with Highland Medical OBS-GYN of Rockland, call (845) 634-8400. To find a New Moms Circle support group, visit www.montefiorenyack.org/events

For more information on postpartum depression, visit the Office on Women’s Health website: https://bit.ly/MNH_PP_Depression.

MARIA EMERSON, MD, FACOG

The Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Orthopedic and Spine Center welcomes patients who can now access advanced, full-service musculoskeletal care in one location. Experts from Montefiore Einstein Orthopedics and Surgery provide orthopedic care and surgery, minimally invasive spinal intervention and pain management for all orthopedic issues.

Professionals from Montefiore Nyack offer the most advanced MRI system for diagnostic imaging and surgical care in the state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center. Patients requiring rehabilitation to recover from an injury or post-surgery have access to the experts from Burke Rehabilitation Hospital to regain strength and mobility. 3

www.montefiorenyack.org/orthopedic-spine