By: Robert Remler
In an effort to assist those dealing with these challenges, Winthrop-University Hospital is offering "I Can Cope," a new educational support group for patients with cancer and their families. The group will meet during four consecutive Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Radiation Therapy Office in Winthrop-University Hospital, 259 First Street in Mineola.The structured program is designed to increase the participant's knowledge, positive attitude and skills for coping with cancer. Individual learning is enhanced by others who share a common experience."I Can Cope" is facilitated by two of Winthrop's Institute for Cancer Care nurses and presented in conjunction with the American Cancer Society. Sessions are free, but seating is limited. To reserve a space, call Julie Mischo, RN, Oncology Nurse Clinician at (516) 663-8843 or Maureen Oliveri, RN, MSN, Clinical Nurse Specialist at (516) 742-6294.
Coping with war
Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre offers support to those affected by the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and related events including the current war. Project Liberty at Mercy offers support groups for anyone experiencing stress due to the state of the world; anyone concerned about their safety, or the safety of a loved one overseas in the military. If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness or despair, Project Liberty is available. This free help and support is available to the entire community.Project Liberty is a program sponsored by the Nassau County Department of Mental Health, the New York State Office of Mental Health and funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. For more information or to register, call Mercy's BHS Project Liberty Program at (516) 705-3400 or after business hours at (516) 705-2248.
Screening for heart abnormalities
Neonatologist Robert Koppel, MD, of Schneider Children's Hospital, has demonstrated the effectiveness of a revolutionary screening tool to detect congenital heart abnormalities in newborns.Koppel described this new technique in the lead article of the last month's issue of "Pediatrics" magazine, entitled "Effectiveness of Pulse Oximetry Screening for Congenital Heart Disease in Asymptomatic Newborns." The test, which offers a safe, painless and bloodless examination agent for finding cases of serious heart defects in babies who appear to be well enough to go home.According to Koppel, congenital heart abnormalities occur in six to eight per thousand newborns. "While most of these abnormalities are not an immediate concern," he said, "about one in 1,000 newborns has a heart problem that requires early diagnosis and timely treatment."Koppel noted that in the metropolitan New York area, most infants with serious heart defects are identified by fetal ultrasound. "However, not all serious heart defects are easily seen before birth," he said. "Some of the infants might be identified in the nursery because of blue color, rapid breathing or the presence of a murmur. Nevertheless, a small proportion of infants with serious heart defects remain undetected before discharge, only to experience potentially life-threatening deterioration at home, That's why pulse oximetry screening is important." The test is performed at approximately 24 hours of age, immediately prior to the state mandated blood test for metabolic diseases. The procedure involves placing a loosely fitting band on the baby's foot for about one minute. the band contains a small, red light and a sensor connected to the pulse oximeter, which measures the amount of oxygen in the baby's blood.
Bioterrorism ready plan
With the Federal Government's plan for initiating the vaccination of military personnel and healthcare workers throughout the nation from smallpox, Winthrop-University Hospital is among those partaking in the voluntary program. Healthcare workers are among the country's first line of defense against a potential bioterror attack using the smallpox virus. Winthrop takes seriously the task at hand, protecting the health of the community in good times and bad."The goal of implementing the smallpox vaccination program and a bioterrorism preparedness plan at Winthrop is to ensure that the hospital continues to function, serving all patients whether they have been exposed to the smallpox virus or are experiencing any other illness," explained Gerald Brody, MD, chairman of Winthrop's emergency services department. "Taking part in the vaccination program is one way to ensure the normal operation of the hospital in the event of a bioterror attack."The last smallpox vaccines were given in the late 1970s and the immunity lasts about 10 years. With the vaccination, a person's immunity is close to 100 percent.According to Brody, one of the pioneers of Winthrop's bioterrorism preparedness plan, the hospital is equipped with a series of antibiotics and antidotes, including Mark I kits, specific antidotes for nerve gases made available by the government.In addition, as part of the emergency department expansion and renovation project, new decontamination showers have been added and the department is doing surveillance of any unusual cases that come through the ER. Brody stressed that information is key. "It is important for healthcare workers as well as the general public to understand and recognize signs and symptoms of various diseases." Fro more information on Winthrop's Emergency Services Program, call 1-866-WINTHROP.
