By: Robert Remler
In observance of National Eye Donor Month in March, the Lions' Eye Bank for Long Island at North Shore University Hospital is encouraging people to become eye donors and give the gift of sight."It's vital that people discuss their final wishes about eye donations with family members and loved ones, because so many people with corneal disease can be helped," said Samuel Packer, MD, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at North Shore University in Manhasset and executive chairman of the Lions' Eye Bank for Long Island."The only substitute for one human cornea is another," said Packer. "Thanks to these generous donations, thousands of blind or visually impaired people are able to have their vision restored each year."To date, more than 6,500 have received corneal transplants locally, nationally and internationally through the Lions' Eye Bank for Long Island. "Corneal transplants could not happen without the help of donor families," said Stephen G. Knapik, RN, executive director of the Lions' Eye Bank for Long Island. "There is an urgent need for corneal donations in this country and becoming an eye donor can be a person's final act of altruism."Almost any adult can become an eye donor. An interested person can sign the back of his or her driver's license, complete a universal organ donor card, or next of kin can donate the eyes of a deceased relative by signing a consent form. For more information about eye donations, contact the Lions' Eye Bank for Long Island at North Shore University Hospital at (516) 465-8430 or visit its web site at www.lebli.org.
St. Patrick's Day
The Friends of Mercy Medical Center will sponsor their 36th Annual St. Patrick's Dinner to be held on Tuesday, March 12, at the New Hyde Park Inn. The men's black-tie dinner will support Mercy Medical Center's development of the Gamma Knife program. The first of its kind on Long Island, the Gamma Knife will treat previously untreatable deep-seated intracranial tumors, vascular malformations, and functional disorders, non-invasively and with extraordinary precision. Bringing this highly advanced technology to Mercy will allow the people of Long Island to receive the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art cancer treatment services within their community.Tickets are $200 per person, with 50/50 tickets available. To order, or for more information, contact Mercy's Community Relations department at (516) 705-1021.
Health advice for diabetics
Of all the indispensable information there is about diabetes, South Nassau Communities Hospital physicians Daniel Tucker, DPM, and John M. Feder, MD, say that the advice on preventive foot care is among the most critical to the health and wellness of the nation's 16 million diabetes patients.According to Tucker and Feder, foot complications caused by conditions such as neuropathy, corns or calluses, are the primary reasons for the hospitalization of diabetic patients in the U.S. Patients and doctors need to understand that the majority of severe problems can be avoided with proper preventive care," said Tucker. "Daily examinations by the patient combined with regular foot screenings are vital to reduce amputation."Research shows that diabetic-related amputations now total more than 67,000 annually and are rising with the rapidly increasing number of people in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes. "I can't stress enough how important it is for diabetic patients to examine their feet once a day, and undergo periodic screenings," said Luke Licalzi, MD, medical director of South Nassau Communities Hospital's Wound Care Center. "An examination could help make a difference in early treatment, and it's as easy as taking a mirror to check the bottoms of feet for small cracks or cuts."At South Nassau's Wound Care Center, foot screenings are performed by wound-care specialists using FootSense II, an advanced diagnostic tool. A foot screening is effective in determining if there is a present risk, impending risk or high risk for developing a serious complication. For more information or to schedule a screening, call (516) 764-HEAL.In addition to daily examinations and periodic screenings, the following is recommended:Change shoes several times daily - Shoes hasten 80% of foot problems. Changing shoes lowers the risk of subjecting feet to continual, damaging pressure.Do not neglect corns or calluses - See a doctor immediately for appropriate treatment.Do not perform "bathroom surgery" - Self-treating even minor foot problems, such as blisters or ingrown toenails, can expose the foot to risk of infection.Do not walk barefoot - Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes to minimize chances of infecting feet or exposing an open wound to germs.For more information, call 1-877-South-Nassau.
Other events and activities
[bold] Bone Tone Osteoporosis Program [unbold] at St. Francis Hospital DeMatteis Center for Cardiac Research and Education, Northern Boulevard, Old Brookville. The program runs from Monday, March 4 to Wednesday, April 10, 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. This is a gentle exercise program designed to counteract and prevent the debilitating effects of osteoporosis. $100 fee. Pre-registration required. Call (516) 629-2040...[bold] Miracle on Wheels [unbold] makes available power wheelchairs to non-ambulatory senior citizens (65 years-old and up) usually at no out-of-pocket expense if they qualify. Call 1-800-749-8778 or visit www.durablemedical.com for more information...[bold] Long Island Crisis Center [unbold] offers 24 hours - 7 days a week crisis intervention counseling. Free, confidential and anonymous. (516) 679-1111...[bold] The Arthritis Foundation's Television Special [unbold] "We Can Help" will air on Sunday, March 10, 3 to 5 p.m. on WLNY-TV55. For further information, call the Arthritis Foundation at (631) 427-8272...[bold] The COMPEER Program [unbold] matches people from the community with someone struggling with mental illness. Volunteers needed for just one hour a week. Call (516) 489-2322 ext. 121.
