The interactive, interpretive video-conferencing system designed to facilitate communication between hospital staff and hearing-impaired patients is breaking down the barriers that once existed."In emergency situations, immediate response is key," said Gerald Brody, MD, Winthrop's chairman of Ambulatory Care and director of the Emergency Department. "When we have an immediate need for a sign language interpreter this new system will be able to deliver communication in a matter of minutes. In critical situations, every minute counts."Specially for Winthrop, SignTalk America is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It uses a television with an attached video camera to send and receive images from the patient's hospital bed to a sign language interpreter on-call outside the hospital. The system can be connected to any television cable outlet in the hospital, and when activated, sends a signal to the signer. With the SignTalk America equipment already installed in the interpreter's home, an immediate connection with the patient is established upon receipt of the call and communication begins. The signer, specially trained in medical interpretation, then relays the patient's message by voice to the healthcare professional.
Get a home first-aid kit
If you're one of the thousands who have trouble keeping a New Year's resolution, Daniel Ferrara, MD, director of Emergency Services at South Nassau Communities Hospital, has an idea."Buy a home first-aid kit, or if you already have one, enhance it," says Ferrara. "It's quick, it's easy, and if you're one of the ambitious few who've already fulfilled resolutions for 2001, you can get a headstart on 2002 by taking care of it now."Most items included in the home first-aid kit can be purchased at the local pharmacy. Items should be stored in a tackle or tool box, tote bag or sturdy cardboard box, and be accessible, yet out of reach of children. "Age-appropriate members of the household should know where it is located and how to use each item," Ferrara advises. "And, remember to check and chart expiration dates of all supplies and any other items recommended by your physician."Every home or apartment should be prepared to respond to common medical emergencies with a home first-aid kit," continues Ferrara. "It can help you abate the impact of injury or illness and help prevent other complications."
New breast health web site
For those seeking more information about breast health and disease, including cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System has added a new comprehensive resource to its Web site. To access information, go to: www.northshorelij.com and click on "breast health."The Breast Health resource offers a free reminder service that can send women an e-mail when it's time to schedule a mammogram or perform a self-exam. In addition, Breast Health provides information about personal risk factors, diagnostic studies, breast cancer support groups, treatment options, including National Cancer Institute clinical trials, and how to contact North Shore-LIJ healthcare providers and services."Approximately 60 to 80 percent of breast cancer occurs in women who have no known risk factors," said Vicki Seltzer, MD, vice president for women's health services for the health system, and chairperson of North Shore-LIJ's Breast Health Initiative. "Proper screening, including a combination of monthly breast self-exams, periodic breast exams by an experienced clinician and regular mammograms, is essential in maintaining breast health. Regular screenings also increase the chance that if an abnormality is detected and it is cancerous, it is identified at the earliest possible stage."
Other events and activities
Stroke prevention lecture on Wed., Jan. 9. The program will be held at the Mineola Community Center, 155 Washington Avenue. It will begin with registration and blood pressure checks at 1:15 p.m., followed by the lecture at 1:45 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For information or to reserve your space, call (516) 663-3916... Stress management is a four session program at St. Francis Hospital DeMatteis Center for Cardiac Research and Education, Northern Boulevard, Old Brookville, beginning Tues., Jan. 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Fee: $100 per person/$150 per couple. Registration required. Call (516) 629-2038... Nassau Health Corporation board of directors is meeting on Mon., Jan. 28, 8:30 a.m., at Nassau University Medical Center auditorium, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow... Cancer support group is sponsored by Nassau Health Corporation and held at "S" Building, Oncology Center, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike. Meetings are on Fridays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. For further information, call (516) 572-5849... Mental Health Association of Nassau County needs volunteers to be a friend to someone recovering from mental illness. Training and continuous support is provided. You bring friendship and commitment for one hour a week. Call for a COMPEER application at (516) 489-2322, ext. 121. Compiled by Fracisco Mejia
