Nyack Summer 2026

HealthWorks SUM M ER 2026

WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS

THE SKINNY ON GLP-1s GET READY TO GOLF!

PREVENTING INJURIES HIP REPLACEMENT REHAB

ALL THE SUPPORT YOU NEED

PROSTATE CANCER A SIMPLE TEST SAVES LIVES

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Montefiore Nyack Hospital Updates FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Readers, As we were eagerly waiting to thaw from this past winter’s frigid temperatures, nature was quietly conserving, resting, and renewing the world around us in preparation to bloom. You might say her rejuvenation is a form of self-care.

In this issue, we focus on taking a proactive approach to your health: Urologist Dr. Daniel E. Rabinowitz shares a “PSA” on prostate cancer; obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Betty Varghese discusses how the pressures of motherhood can manifest as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; and clinical exercise physiologist James Dowling encourages us all to take our cardiac care—and overall well-being—to heart.

Speaking of heart, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Kathy Lunney, MS, RN, vice president and chief nursing officer (CNO), who served Montefiore Nyack Hospital with compassion, kindness, and professionalism for 11 years. What began as an interim role evolved into transformative leadership—guiding the hospital through the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in workforce development, and helping the hospital earn multiple honors, including the 2025 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award and the Beacon ICU Nursing Excellence Award.

Her expertise and leadership helped build a strong foundation for our new CNO and vice president, Stacey Conklin, MSN, NI-BC, MHCDS, NE-BC, who joined us in February.

We are also proud to mark another important milestone for women’s health: the launch of our Menopause Program. In response to growing demand, this initiative expands our specialty care services and strengthens our commitment to meeting women’s health needs at every stage of life.

Now that the warmer season is in full swing, I hope the sunshine inspires you to get outside and take up a new sport. Aspiring golf pros should check out page 8, where orthopedist Dr. Richard Popowitz offers some tips to make sure your game is on par.

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy summer. As always, we are here if you need us. Your health is our mission.

Thank you,

Mark E. Geller, MD, FACR President & CEO Montefiore Nyack Hospital

facebook.com/MontefioreNyack @MontefioreNyack To unsubscribe, please email us at publicrelations@montefiorenyack.org.

@MontefioreNyack @Montefiore_Nyack

Montefiore Nyack ICU:

A BEACON OF EXCELLENCE

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently conferred a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. This is a significant achievement, as more than 575 units from around the country applied for the award in 2025.

The Beacon Award for Excellence is a prestigious honor that recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve unit outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards: skilled communication, true collaboration, effective decision-making, appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, and authentic leadership. Units earning this annual gold, silver, or bronze award meet AACN-established criteria for unit environments that support nursing excellence.

“Receiving this award is a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments,” says Jennifer Shannon, MSN, RN, NE-BC, senior director of nursing critical care and telemetry at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. “I am so proud of our critical-care team nurses, whose commitment to continually improve patient outcomes exemplifies this award of excellence.”

Beacon-awarded units distinguish themselves by excelling in various areas demonstrated in their application. All awardees exhibit dynamic and outstanding performance in patient outcomes, nursing workforce, and work environment.

EDITORIAL STAFF Lauren Malone, AVP, PR and Marketing Briana Tolve, Director of Marketing Angelique Morelli, Communications Manager Jasmine Gonzalez, Assistant Marketing Manager

linkedin.com/MontefioreNyackHospital

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summer

2026

IN THIS ISSUE

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Popular weight-loss drugs can have multiple benefits, but lifestyle changes are important, too.

Here’s what every golfer should know to stay healthy and on the course this season.

It’s important to build exercise into your cardio health routine as a preventive measure.

THE SKINNY ON GLP-1s

GET READY TO GOLF!

WE GOT THE BEAT

6

10

14

Betty Varghese, DO, breaks down hypertensive disorders that can occur during and after pregnancy.

Daniel E. Rabinowitz, MD, shares facts about prostate cancer and why men should get checked regularly.

A patient finds strong support after his second hip replacement.

UNDER PRESSURE

AN IMPORTANT PSA

A ROAD MAP TO RECOVERY

MONTEFIORE NYACK HOSPITAL DELIVERS BABIES AND EXCEPTIONAL CARE We’re proud to announce that Montefiore Nyack Hospital has been named a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report.

Approximately 900 hospitals nationwide submitted maternity data for evaluation. Hospitals were measured by C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, and birthing-friendly practices, among other measures.

Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings are intended to assist expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal-care providers, in making informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their families’ needs.

“We are proud to be once again recognized as a national leader in maternity care by U.S. News & World Report,” says Mark Geller, MD, FACR, president and chief executive officer at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. “This designation reflects the outstanding dedication of our team to deliver the safest, highest-quality care for mothers and newborns.”

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THE SKINNY ON

GLP-1s POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS CAN HAVE MULTIPLE BENEFITS, BUT LIFESTYLE CHANGES ARE IMPORTANT, TOO.

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O

zempic. Mounjaro. Wegovy.

Zepbound. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have taken a shot at the weight-loss industry—and chances are, you know someone who’s benefited from them. Whether you’re exploring your options or are just curious about the hype, Nandini L. Seshan, DO, MS, of Highland Medical Endocrinology, weighs in on what you should know about these drugs.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE GLP-1s?

GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the intestines. Today’s popular weight-loss drugs mimic this hormone to target the brain’s reward and hunger centers in three ways: by sending a signal to the brain to feel fuller faster and reduce thoughts about eating; by prolonging feeling full as a result of slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach; and by stimulating the insulin-secretion response while suppressing glucagon, which helps to manage blood sugar.

“Typically, GLP-1 medications are prescribed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30, or a BMI greater than or equal to 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity like hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or sleep apnea,” Dr. Seshan says.

But not all GLP-1s are created equal. There are four that Dr. Seshan prescribes based on a patient’s medical standing. While she recommends Ozempic and Mounjaro for those with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, she prefers Wegovy and Zepbound NANDINI L. SESHAN, DO, MS for weight

management, cardiovascular-risk reduction, and fatty liver disease.

“Depending on the medication, patients may see a total body weight loss of 15% to 22% over 72 weeks,” Dr. Seshan says. “Patients usually see 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss per week.”

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

As patients keep track of their weight-loss results, they should also keep an eye out for possible side effects. It’s common for patients to initially experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and acid reflux, but these issues usually subside as the body acclimates to the dosage.

If any of these symptoms escalate to severe, persistent abdominal pain (potential pancreatitis), signs of gallbladder issues, severe constipation, or significant mood changes, Dr. Seshan advises patients to call their doctor right away.

“Typically, patients have regular follow-ups with their doctor every four to eight weeks during the doseescalation phase,” Dr. Seshan says.

“At these appointments, providers monitor side effects, check vitals, review lab work, and check body composition to ensure that weight loss isn’t coming disproportionately from muscle mass.”

BEYOND A BELT NOTCH

Weight loss isn’t the only benefit of taking a GLP-1. As patients lose weight, they may no longer require blood-pressure, cholesterol, or

diabetes medications. In addition, patients reduce their risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke and may experience improved glycemic control (A1C reduction) and lipid profiles. GLP-1s also have been proven to protect against chronic kidney disease and potentially reduce fatty liver disease.

In order to maintain weight loss and additional benefits, Dr. Seshan recommends having a robust long-term maintenance plan. “It’s essential to minimize lean muscle loss, so it’s important to prioritize protein and fiber intake by eating more vegetables and taking a daily fiber supplement to minimize constipation as the dosage is escalated,” she says. “Strength training is also crucial, as the medication does not distinguish between loss of fat and muscle mass. And of course, staying hydrated is important.”

As with any weight-loss program, staying committed to lifestyle adjustments, including choosing the right foods to eat and sticking to a fitness plan, is key to maintaining a healthy weight. It’s also important not to be discouraged by plateaus, which are a natural part of the journey.

“Managing the side effects of a GLP-1 and maintaining the necessary lifestyle shifts requires significant effort and discipline,” Dr. Seshan says. “But stay the course, and you will reap the benefits for the rest of your life.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Seshan, call 845-897-8371 or visit highlandmedical.co/endocrinology for more information.

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UNDER

PRESSURE BETTY VARGHESE, DO, BREAKS DOWN HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS THAT CAN OCCUR DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY.

W

hether you’re a first-time mother or are preparing for the birth of your third child, pregnancy brings many pressures—some emotional, some physical. Dealing with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), a group of conditions related to high blood pressure, can be one of those added stressors.

Knowing what symptoms to look out for and how to treat HDP BETTY VARGHESE, DO

once diagnosed can help guide you through a high-risk pregnancy.

IDENTIFY COMMON RISKS

Among the different kinds of HDP are chronic hypertension (or high blood pressure); preeclampsia; eclampsia; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count; and gestational hypertension, which is the most common. According to Betty Varghese, DO, with Highland Medical OBS-GYN of Rockland, knowing if you’re at risk for any of these conditions is the first step in building a care plan for HDP. “There are a variety of high to

moderate risk factors, occurring preconception and during pregnancy, that can contribute to the development of hypertensive disorders,” she says. “The key is to be in tune with your body and share with your doctor any health issues you experienced prior to your pregnancy or new ones you’ve noticed while pregnant.”

Some high-risk factors include having had HDP in a previous pregnancy, a multiple gestation (twins, triplets, etc.), high blood pressure outside of pregnancy, or autoimmune conditions (like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis). Among

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doctor may recommend taking a baby aspirin daily to prevent or at least delay the onset of preeclampsia,” Dr. Varghese says.

“I also can’t stress enough how important it is to follow up for your prenatal appointments so that your doctor or midwife can make sure you are not having any concerning signs or symptoms.”

Among the symptoms that put the pressure on to get checked are headaches that don’t go away; blurred vision, seeing spots or floaters, or other vision changes; swelling of the hands and feet; sudden weight gain; elevated blood pressure; protein in the urine; pain in the upper abdomen; and shortness of breath.

I HAVE HDP—NOW WHAT?

SYMPTOMS OF PREECLAMPSIA

the more moderate HDP risk factors are a first-time pregnancy, a body mass index over 30, being over 35 years old, or a prior pregnancy with low birth weight.

It’s also important to note that preeclampsia can and does happen in the absence of any of these risk factors, so if you have any concerning symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor or midwife to discuss the issue.

But here’s some news that will

• A headache that doesn’t go away • Blurred vision, seeing spots or floaters, or other vision changes • Swelling of the hands and feet • Sudden weight gain • Pain in the upper abdomen, especially on the right side • Shortness of breath

release the tension: Once you identify your risk factors, there are steps you can take to prevent or get ahead of HDP.

KNOW YOUR SYMPTOMS

“If you have one high-risk factor or two or more moderate-risk factors for developing preeclampsia, your

If you are diagnosed with HDP, Dr. Varghese says to expect closer monitoring (both mother and baby), more frequent lab tests, and a possible early delivery based on the type of HDP and its severity.

Traditionally, the management of HDP consisted of delivery, as-needed blood pressure medications, and magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures in patients with preeclampsia.

However, it’s been discovered that manifestations of these disorders can occur for up to six weeks postpartum. Moreover, an HDP diagnosis puts you at increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and high blood pressure outside of pregnancy.

“This is why it’s so important to have routine follow-up with a primary care provider after pregnancy to ensure that any other risk factors in your life that can be modified are addressed, to prevent those complications from happening,” Dr. Varghese says.

To learn more about hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or to make an appointment, call our New City office at 845-634-8400 or our Stony Point office at 845-947-2225, or visit highlandmedical.co/obs-gyn.

M O N T E F I O R E N YA C K . O R G

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GET READY TO GOLF!

HERE’S WHAT EVERY GOLFER SHOULD KNOW TO STAY HEALTHY AND ON THE COURSE THIS SEASON.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY GEORGE PEJOVES PHOTOGRAPHY

G

GOLFING TIPS FOR ORTHOPEDIC PATIENTS • Warm up for 10 to 15 minutes before playing, including some gentle stretching and light swings.

• Strengthen the core, hips, and shoulders to provide support during rotation.

• Work with a golf professional to adjust swing mechanics and reduce harmful motion.

• Use adaptive equipment such as lighter clubs or larger grips as needed.

• Listen to your body.

Pain is a signal—not something to push through.

olf is often viewed as a lowimpact sport—one that people can enjoy well into their later years. While it is gentler on the body than many high-intensity activities, it still places unique stresses on muscles, tendons, and joints. For individuals with orthopedic conditions or those recovering from surgery, understanding these stresses is essential for playing safely and preventing further injury.

One of the most common misconceptions about golf is that it requires little physical effort. In reality, a golf swing is a complex, whole-body movement that involves coordinated rotation of the spine, hips, shoulders, and wrists. Because of this, orthopedic specialists often see golf-related injuries involving the lower back, shoulders, elbows, and knees.

Here, Richard Popowitz, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Orthopedic and Spine Center, shares some common orthopedic issues associated with playing golf and ways to avoid injury.

irritate the rotator cuff tendons, leading to tendinitis or tears.

Individuals who have had shoulder surgery or who have chronic shoulder issues should pay attention to warning signs such as pain with overhead movement or difficulty lifting the arm. Using clubs with appropriate shaft flexibility and working with a golf professional to optimize swing mechanics can make a significant difference.

LOWER-BACK STRAIN

Golfers with knee arthritis or prior knee surgery may experience discomfort from walking the course or rotating on the lead knee during a swing. Supportive footwear, knee braces, or modifying your stance and rotation can help reduce stress.

Many players find that using a cart for longer distances allows them to continue enjoying the sport without aggravating symptoms.

Golf can be an excellent way to stay active, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. With proper precautions, most people with orthopedic conditions can continue to play safely. Consulting an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist will help tailor strategies that protect your joints while keeping you on the course.

Lower-back pain is the most frequent complaint among golfers. A golf swing involves significant twisting and bending forces on the spine.

For patients with degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or a history of lumbar surgery, these motions can provoke pain or even reinjury. Proper warm-up, core strengthening, and technique modifications, such as limiting excessive rotation, can help reduce strain.

SHOULDER ISSUES

RICHARD POPOWITZ, MD

Shoulder injuries are also common, especially in older players. Repetitive swinging can

ELBOW AND WRIST INJURIES

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an overuse condition caused by repetitive gripping and wrist flexion during swinging. Wrist sprains and tendinitis may also occur, especially when hitting out of rough terrain or striking the ground. Stretching the forearm muscles, using proper grip size, and avoiding overly tight grip pressure can help prevent these types of injuries.

KNEE PAIN AND ARTHRITIS

To learn more or to make an appointment, call 845-358-1000 or visit montefiorenyack.org/services/orthopedic-spine.

M O N T E F I O R E N YA C K . O R G

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AN IMPORTANT

PSA DANIEL E. RABINOWITZ, MD, SHARES FACTS ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER AND WHY MEN SHOULD GET CHECKED REGULARLY.

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f you’re wondering if it’s time to get a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) exam, consider this a sign.

“Prostate cancer is the most common solid malignancy in men,” says Daniel E. Rabinowitz, MD, a urologist at Highland Medical Urology. “One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and approximately one in 44 men will die of prostate cancer.”

In 2026, it is projected that about 333,830 new cases of the disease will be diagnosed. Men who are BRCA2 carriers, or have family members who have been diagnosed, are at increased risk. It’s especially important for men who are of African American or Caribbean heritage to get checked, as they are also at higher risk. In addition to genetics, there is some evidence that saturated fats, red meat, high dietary calcium, and obesity may increase risk.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Fortunately, there are some ways to help prevent prostate cancer, including maintaining a healthy sex life—research suggests that men who ejaculate 21 or more times per month may have some protection against the disease.

Still, the best prevention is early detection through routine screening. “Screening is so important because prostate cancer usually doesn’t present with any symptoms until it’s advanced,” Dr. Rabinowitz explains. “If you’re between 45 and 50 years old, it’s time to schedule a PSA exam.”

If a PSA score comes back high, Dr. Rabinowitz first repeats the test to confirm that the elevation isn’t a false positive. If the second test also shows an elevated level, he may order additional tests, such as a prostate MRI, a 4Kscore blood

333,830

Screen your stream: In 2026, it is projected that about 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed. test, or an ExoDx urine test, along with a digital rectal exam. Based on these results, a biopsy may then be performed to determine whether cancer is present.

The most common prostate cancer that patients are diagnosed with is TNM T1c, which is determined by biopsy because of an elevated PSA.

FROM SURVEILLANCE TO SURGERY

If cancer is present, there are various grades of prostate cancer that place patients into different risk categories: low, low intermediate, high intermediate, and high. “Based on risk stratifications, the type of prostate cancer, and the stage of the cancer, we can determine what treatment option is best for the patient,” Dr. Rabinowitz says.

For low-risk and slow-moving cancer, the protocol is active surveillance, in which the doctor takes a “watch and wait” approach and monitors the cancer with regular PSA tests, biopsies, and imaging. Other options include focal therapy, which includes treatments that target only the part of the prostate that has the cancer, and whole-gland therapy, which includes treatments that target the entire prostate.

The good news? If caught early, in stage 1 or stage 2, the survival rate for organ-confined prostate cancer is 95% to 99%.

Dr. Rabinowitz can’t emphasize enough the importance of PSA exams in the fight against the disease. “The sooner we catch it, the sooner we can treat it, and the sooner a patient can get back to living their life,” he says.

DANIEL E. RABINOWITZ, MD

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rabinowitz, call 845-348-8578 or visit highlandmedical.co/urology for more information.

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WE GOT THE BEAT

IT’S IMPORTANT TO BUILD EXERCISE INTO YOUR CARDIO HEALTH ROUTINE AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE.

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et’s get to the heart of the matter: Don’t wait until you have a cardiac event to exercise. In fact, scientific studies show that incorporating physical activity into your weekly routine can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.

“I see it all the JAMES DOWLING, MS, ACSM-CEP

time in cardiac rehab: A patient begins their exercise routine after they have had a heart attack or a major cardiac procedure and are prescribed cardiac rehab to recover—many of whom have never done any sort of structured exercise previously,” says James Dowling, MS, ACSM-CEP, a program manager and clinical exercise physiologist at the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital. “It’s then that they realize

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FEEL THE how easy it is to incorporate simple, hearthealthy physical activities into their lifestyle and the added benefit of how good it makes them feel.”

GET A PULSE ON YOUR HEALTH

Your heart isn’t the only thing that will get pumped because you’re working out.

Research has shown that 30 minutes of physical activity each day has a positive impact on your overall well-being, including stress management, better sleep, and reduced risk of other chronic diseases, including dementia and depression.

“Lifting light weights, bike riding, walking on a treadmill, and resistance and balance training are part of the many customized exercise routines we create for patients in cardiac rehab that everyone can do,” Dowling says. “Intensity and duration of exercise may vary based on a person’s age, comorbidities, orthopedic limitations, and previous exercise experience. But from the moment you start working out, the overall health benefits kick in.”

The outcomes may make your heart skip a beat (in the best way possible). Lower blood pressure, healthier eating habits, weight loss, controlled cholesterol and blood-sugar levels, improved psychosocial well-being, and motivation to quit smoking are among the results Dowling has seen in his patients.

IT’S TIME TO BYPASS THE EXCUSES

Physical activity can be broken up throughout the day to fit into your lifestyle.

No matter your age or stage in life, there are workout regimens that can benefit everyone. Below are some physical activity recommendations, according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: • Preschool-Age Children. Ages 3 to 5 should be physically active throughout the day.

BURN

Among the many benefits of working out are: • Lower blood pressure • Healthier eating habits • Weight loss • Improved blood-sugar control • Improved psychosocial well-being • Motivation to quit smoking

• Children and Adolescents. Ages 6 to 17 should do at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity daily, including aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and bonestrengthening exercises, at least three days a week.

• Adults. Move more and sit less. Adults should work out two to five hours a week, incorporating muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days.

• Older Adults. Senior citizens should try physical activity that focuses on balance, aerobics, and muscle strengthening for two to five hours a week. For those who can’t do at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly due to chronic conditions, consult your doctor on activities that fit your physical abilities.

• Pregnant and Postpartum Women.

Moderate activity for two and a half hours per week is ideal for pregnant women and women who have recently given birth. If you’re pregnant and beginning a new workout, it’s important to consult a doctor to ensure your safety.

• Adults With Disabilities. Consult a doctor before starting an exercise routine if you have a disability. If you get the green light, aim to engage in two to five hours of aerobic activity each week, and add in some muscle-strengthening exercises on two additional days.

To learn more about heart health or to make an appointment at Highland Medical Cardiology, call 845-268-0880 or visit montefiorenyack.org/services/cardiac-care.

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A ROAD MAP TO

RECOVERY A PATIENT FINDS ALL THE SUPPORT HE NEEDS AFTER RECEIVING HIS SECOND HIP REPLACEMENT.

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s a teacher, Glenn Goldberg was used to giving exams. But in the spring of 2025, osteoarthritis in his right hip handed him a test of his own.

The progression of Glenn’s pain and discomfort motivated him to pursue a hip replacement.

Fortunately, he already had a road map to recovery: Eight years earlier, BARRY S. KRAUSHAAR, MD

his left hip had taken him down a similar path.

Pleased with the results of his prior surgery, Glenn returned to Barry S. Kraushaar, MD, a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon with Montefiore Einstein Orthopedic Surgery. This time, Dr. Kraushaar removed the arthritic portion of Glenn’s hip joint and replaced it with a prosthetic, which results in a positive outcome for 95% of patients. The surgery was successful,

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“The therapy at Burke is significantly more than what would be available with home care or immediate outpatient therapy two or three times a week.”

Malav Shah, MD

Director of Inpatient Orthopedic and Limb Loss Rehabilitation at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital

Barry S. Kraushaar, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Montefiore Einstein Orthopedic Surgery, and patient Glenn Goldberg

and Glenn received top care to support his journey toward healing.

SETTING GOALS

Dr. Kraushaar recommended rehabilitation for Glenn, due to an underlying cardiac condition.

“Glenn progressed a little slowly compared to other patients, which supported the need for inpatient rehabilitation,” Dr. Kraushaar says.

“I knew he would move better, and the rehabilitation would assist him

with the emotional encouragement he needed to succeed.”

A member of the Montefiore Health System, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains provided Glenn with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, and therapists. Together, they created a personalized care plan that included three hours of intensive physical and occupational therapy five days a week. Glenn set two personal benchmarks: to return within two weeks to the summer camp where he had been working for years and then to return to his teaching job at a local school district in the fall.

Malav Shah, MD, director of Inpatient Orthopedic and Limb Loss Rehabilitation at Burke, observed Glenn’s progress. “The therapy at Burke is significantly more than what would be available with home care or immediate outpatient therapy two or three times a week,” Dr. Shah says.

“Glenn’s admission to Burke allowed him to identify and efficiently reach his goals while remaining in a safe environment.”

After a 10-day inpatient stay, Glenn continued therapy at the Burke West Nyack Outpatient Therapy Center, located in the

Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Orthopedic and Spine Center.

“I arrived in a lot of pain, and the physicians were very caring; they listened to my concerns,” Glenn says. “I couldn’t have gone to a better place with better results.

The thing that kept me on track was the pace at which my recovery was proceeding. I was recovering at exactly the pace my therapists were telling me I should be.”

NEXT STOP: SUMMER CAMP

As for his benchmarks, Glenn made it back to summer camp and was able to create new memories as he continued working on his mobility.

“I was only a month out of surgery when I returned to camp, so my mobility was a bit hindered,” he says. “But that was expected. By the final two weeks of the summer, I was no longer using a mobility device of any type and was happily walking around comfortably.”

When Glenn returned to school in the fall, he was totally back in action. He says the experience served as an important lesson about caring for his well-being.

“Keeping healthy and using the skills I learned have definitely improved my life and given me new respect for my own mobility,” he says.

For more information about Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Orthopedic and Spine Center, call 845-358-1000 or visit montefiorenyack.org/orthopedic-spine.

To learn more about Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, call 914-597-2500 or visit burke.org.

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160 North Midland Avenue Nyack, NY 10960

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