By: Robert Remler
Fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and increased urinary frequency as a result of enlargement of the uterus.At St. Francis, they use Uterine fibroid embolization to shrink the growth. The catheter-directed embolization delivers an injection through the femoral artery in the groin to block blood flow to the site of the fibroid, causing the growth to shrink. Multiple fibroids may also be treated during a single procedure. "This procedure provides us the opportunity to apply St. Francis Hospital's expertise in interventional radiology and vascular interventions to offer women a less invasive treatment for uterine fibroids, in most cases averting the need for a hysterectomy," said Dr. Alan D. Guerci, president and chief executive officer of St. Francis.
Needle disposal available
Needle and syringe disposal is available at New Island Hospital, 4295 Hempstead Turnpike. The hospital participates in the New York State Department of Health SHARPS program, organized to provide the safe disposal of needles, syringes and other sharp objects. The housekeeping department will accept sharps from the community Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m. - noon and 1 to 3 p.m., excluding holidays. Sharps must be in puncture-proof plastic container, such as a soda bottle. Call housekeeping at (516) 520-2305 to set up an appointment.
Driver-safety program offered
An AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program will be held at Franklin Hospital Medical Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 19. The course is open to individuals 50 years of age and older and will be held in Shankman Auditorium. $10 Fee. To enroll or for more information, call (516) 256-6397.
Joint replacement lecture
Orthopedist Paul Enker, MD, of North Shore University Hospital at Glen Cove, will host a lecture, "Joint Replacement for Arthritis of the Hip and Knee," at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, in the hospital's Pratt Auditorium, 101 St. Andrews Lane, Glen Cove.Refreshments will be offered at 7 p.m.For more information, or to register, call (516) 465-2500.
Blood needed
Franklin Hospital Medical Center has issued a call for the community to join with its employees by participating in the hospital's blood drive on Wednesday, July 10.Noting that some 300 pints of blood a day are needed on Long Island, Franklin officials are encouraging donors to call (516) 256-6141 to make a pledge to donate.Hospital Senior Vice President Dorothy Levin said there is always an acute need for blood, but with the loss of imported blood from Europe and other donor restrictions, the need is especially critical at this time. According to the hospital, people 17 to 76, weighing at least 110 pounds and who are in general good health, are eligible to donate. A photo ID is required at the time of donation. The drive will be held in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
