By: Robert Remler
These activities include blood pressure screenings, workshops on maternal, infant and child health and tours of the facility. The Family Care Center also invites the community to a hot dinner with foods familiar to Hispanic culture. Bilingual professors who speak your language and who understand your concerns will navigate all activities.
Buenasalud will take place on Tuesday, March 5, 4 to 7 p.m. in the Family Care Center at Long Beach Medical Center. The cost is free with a reservation ($7 per person without a reservation) and children are welcome. To make a reservation, visit Circulo de la Hispanidad at 52 W. Park Avenue or call (516) 889-3869. Space is limited, first come, first served.
One stop shop
As part of Winthrop-University Hospital's ongoing commitment to women's health, the new Breast Imaging & Diagnostic Suite was recently opened, combining comprehensive screenings with diagnostic procedures in one facility.The Breast Imaging & Diagnostic Suite, 200 Old Country Road, Suite 250, is a warm and intimate setting with the most advanced technology and sophisticated diagnostic procedures. In addition to routine mammograms, there are ultrasounds, stereotactic biopsy, fine-needle aspirations, and mammotone-core biopsy.With breast cancer being the second leading cause of cancer death in women, the center was designed to provide women with the necessary tools to help prevent and fight breast disease. Patients can take care of all their needs in one appointment, including the scheduling of follow-up procedures and appointments.The new facility also has an experienced clinical nurse specialist on-site to act as an educator and help guide patients diagnosed with breast disease through the difficult process of taking the next step.For more information on the new Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Suite at Winthrop or to make an appointment, call (516) 663-2400.
Dangers of pain and fever medication
When children run a fever and complain of aches and pains, parents typically react by giving them acetaminophen, name brands such as Tylenol, Panadol or Tempra. Some parents, however, are overzealous in their use of these medications and take their effectiveness and safety for granted, while overlooking the dangers of repeated dosing."Although the incidence of toxic effects of acetaminophen in children remains low, more cases have been reported because of overdosing, the delay in diagnosing and treating overdose, and the general lack of awareness of children at risk of toxicity," said Clara Mayoral, MD, chief of general pediatrics at South Nassau Communities Hospital.To prevent misuse, Mayoral urges parents and pediatricians to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations on the use of acetaminophen.The AAP is calling on pediatricians to:
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Recommend dosage, frequency and formulation.
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Emphasize the danger of substituting alternative dosage forms.
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Warn that rectal acetaminophen therapy should be avoided unless specifically ordered by the pediatrician. Rectal administration produces variable drug levels that could mislead caregivers into giving too much or too little of the drug.
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And inform parents that many over-the-counter cold and cough preparations contain acetaminophen, and the simultaneous use of more than one such product may be dangerous.Parents have been advised to ask pediatricians for instructions on fever management, to read the labels of other drugs to determine if they contain acetaminophen, and to notify pharmacists when placing an order for a prescription drug that acetaminophen has been or is being given to the child.Symptoms of acetaminophen intoxication can include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and liver failure. Children at greatest risk include those with chronic disease, especially with liver problems, or chronic malnutrition. An overdose of acetaminophen can lead to serious liver damage, which could require a transplant."When treating a fever with over-the-counter medication, parents, as well as pediatricians, must exercise caution and follow the manufacturer's directions," said Mayoral, who led a study released last year on the dangers of alternating or combining acetaminophen and ibuprofen when treating a fever.Mayoral says that the excessive use of acetaminophen, as well as the increasing popularity of alternating or combining fever medicines, can be attributed to "fever phobia," which occurs when parents and younger, less experienced pediatricians overreact to a feverish child. "I strongly suggest that pediatricians take the time to inform parents on fever management, instead of feeding their fears," said Mayoral. "Incorrect dosing or double dosing increases the risk for toxicity, which can be much more serious than the fever."
Other events and activities
Coping and Caring Conference will be held on Sat., March 2, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Long Island Marriott Hotel, 101 James Doolittle Boulevard, Uniondale. This conference is geared for families and healthcare professionals caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Call (866) 789-5423... Arthritis support group will meet on Tuesday, March 19, 2 p.m., at the Long Beach Medical Center, 455 East Bay Drive. Call (631) 427-8272... All-day program for nurses entitled "Acid Base Balance," will be held on Sat., March 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow. For registration, call (516) 932-9360...Holistic strategies for stress management is an all-day program for nurses held on Thurs., April 18, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Westbury Memorial Library, Westbury. Call (516) 932-9360.Compiled by Francisco Mejia
