By: Robert Remler
Chaired by Fran Geier, a community philanthropist, the dinner committee has selected Dr. Dominick Sabatino, director of NUMC Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Division; Dr. Sujatha Kosuri, associate director of NUMC Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Division; Lavinia Branca Snyder, Auroro Libris Corporation; and Marty Lyons, 12 Year Veteran New York Jets Football Team, as honorees worthy of recognition for their commitment and support of NUMC's Pediatric Patients. An honorary committee comprised of community leaders and hospital employees has been formed to make this event a spectacular success and to raise the needed funds to support a Children's Center that will serve thousands of Nassau County's children. For dinner tickets and journal ad information, call 572-6279 or 572-5646.
October equals breast cancer awareness
This October will mark the 18th annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For some, it's a time to reflect on the lives of loved ones lost to the disease. For others, it's a chance to celebrate life or their own personal victories over cancer. But for everyone, October is an opportunity to increase awareness and education about the importance of early detection.This year approximately 211,300 mothers, sisters and daughters will learn they have breast cancer. Nearly 40,000 women will die from the disease. Although breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, it isn't a death sentence. According to the most recent data, mortality rates declined significantly from 1992 to 1999."Early detection saves lives," said Dee McCabe, regional vice president for the American Cancer Society's Nassau Region. "Clearly we have the tools to detect breast cancer earlier than ever before. Public awareness is helping women live longer by increasing the number of women going for screening mammograms and educating them about testing and treatment options."McCabe said the American Cancer Society recommends taking an active approach to detecting breast cancer in its early stages.
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All women age 40 or older should have an annual mammogram
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Those 20 to 39 should have a clinical breast exam every three years, while women age 40 or older should have the clinical examination annually
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Women age 20 and up can choose to perform monthly breast self-examination monthly
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And those with an increased risk may also benefit from earlier initiation of screening, shorter screening intervals and/or the addition of ultrasound or MRI testingBy using these techniques in combination and keeping an open dialogue with your doctor, you will drastically increase your chances of surviving breast cancer," said Sylvia A. Diaz, regional vice president for the American Cancer Society's Suffolk region. "You aren't' powerless against breast cancer, women need to be informed and get involved."The American Cancer Society offers a wide variety of free programs and support services to help women facing breast cancer find answers. Contact your American Cancer Society's 24-hour a day, seven days a week toll-free hotline at 800-ACS-2345 or log onto www.cancer.org."We're also fighting breast cancer through research," Diaz said. "This year alone, we've awarded nearly $80 million dollars in research grants earmarked specifically for breast cancer, some projects that are being carried out right here on Long Island. And, we're continually working with lawmakers to advocate for more research dollars and better policies."Long Islanders can get involved in the fight against breast cancer by joining the 10th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, Oct. 19 at Jones Beach State Park Field No. 5. The annual rally is the area's largest breast cancer awareness event with 26,000 participants last year raising $1.9 million on Long Island alone."Events like Making Strides make the free support services and research programs we offer possible," said Diaz. "It gives us all the opportunity to show we care and to fight breast cancer together."For general information or more on the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, contact the Americana Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org/stridesonline.
Diabetes education classes
Nassau University Medical Center is pleased to announce Diabetes Education Classes beginning in November to be held on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings.Each week will cover various topics including diabetes overview, nutrition, activity and foot care, diabetes medications, blood glucose monitoring and complications. Group classes provide the opportunity for greater learning opportunities. Classes are taught by Mary Sweeny, RN, EdD, ANP/CDE, and Adult Nurse Practitioner/Certified Diabetes Educator.Classes will be held at NUMC, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, in the TWC Room on the first floor. Classes will be held Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. from Nov. 5 to Dec. 17. Participation is limited to 20 people in each series of classes. Registration is required for all classes. For further information or to register, call public affairs at 572-6055.
Jump start basketball
The Jump Start Foundation will hold a Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament at the Island Garden on Saturday, Nov. 29. All proceeds will be donated to Mercy Medical Center's newly-renovated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which provides intensive medical care for premature and sick newborn babies. Contributions and volunteers are requested for this charitable event. To help children who need a jump-start on life, contact the Jump Start Foundation by e-mail at jumpstartonlife@aol.com, or call Dr. Anthony Colantonio at 746-3310.
Influenza and pneumonia shots for senior
The flu season is approaching and to combat this serious illness, Long Beach Medical Center is once again offering influenza and pneumonia vaccinations to those most at risk - our senior citizens. Each year, approximately 20,000 people nationwide die from the flu or flu-related complications and another 110,000 people are hospitalized. You can minimize your risk of becoming ill during the flu season by being vaccinated early.Long Beach Medical Center is offering flu and pneumonia shots to senior citizens ages 60 and older and their spouses on the following dates and locations:* Thursday, Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Long Beach Medical Center, 455 E. Bay Drive, Long Beach* Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at JASA, 570 W. Walnut Street, Long Beach* Friday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Peoples Protestant Church, 111 Deleware Ave., Long Beach.* Friday, Nov. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at East Elementary School, 456 Neptune Blvd., Long Beach.
