South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside will hold its first blood drive of 2004 on Friday, Jan. 30 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., in the hospital's Albert Conference Room.The December inventory of blood was the lowest it has been since 2000, according to Long Island Blood Services officials. The less-than-five-day supply might lead to rationing of some blood types unless the supply dramatically increases."Blood is vital to the health of our patients," said Joseph Quagliata, president and CEO at South Nassau. "With supplies running low because of the holiday season, travel schedules and certain federal restrictions, we really depend on donors in the community and are grateful for their acts of generosity."Donors must be at least 17, but no older than 75, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be in good health and have not donated blood within the last 56 days. Federal guidelines exclude people who have spent three or more months in the United Kingdom or lived five years or more in Europe.
Avoid skiing injuries
With winter officially here, so too is skiing season. But before hitting the slopes, all types of skiers from beginners to experts should get both themselves and their equipment into shape if they want to prevent injury, according to Steven Rokito, MD, director of Orthopedic Sports Medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center."Skiers should be in proper shape before they take to the slopes," said Rokito. "Jogging or using a stationary bike, treadmill, stairmaster or elliptical trainer will help build the muscles in the thighs, hips and lower back used in skiing. These types of exercises, when performed at least three to four times a week for 15 to 30 minutes, also help build the endurance that skiing requires."Another way to increase the strength of the thigh muscles is by doing a particular exercise known as a wall-sit for two to five minutes each day. They way to properly perform this exercise is to stand with your back against a wall and slide down until your knees are at a right angle to the floor. Then, hold this position for a couple of minutes, or do this exercise in intervals, that is, hold the position for a minute and do five sets.Skiers can get their equipment in shape by having their bindings properly set at a local ski shop at the beginning of the season. They should also ensure that their boots fit properly.Once on the slopes, skiers can prevent injury in the following ways. First, and most importantly, always ski in control. Secondly, when falling, do not try to fight the fall, which can cause the skis to go in one direction and the body in another. Instead, keep your arms to the side, skis together and head tucked in. Wear a helmet, and don't ski when tired.
Quit smoking at Mercy
Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre offers the American Cancer Society's Fresh Start Program. Fresh Start is designed for the adult smoker using group interaction to support quitting goals. Participants are provided with essential information and strategies needed to direct their own efforts at quitting smoking. Individual situations are given more attention. It is designed to help you stop smoking in two weeks.Each meeting is 90 minutes and meets for four consecutive weeks. The program is being facilitated by the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. Meetings are conducted on Mondays at 8 p.m. in St. Anne's Center. There is no fee for this helpful program. For information, call 705-2687.
Learn life-saving skills
South Nassau Communities Hospital, an American Heart Association community training center, is offering courses in Basic Life Support (BLS), Infant and Child CPR, and BLS renewal. The courses, which are run by the hospital's Department of Community Medicine are open to members of the community. The following courses will be offered during January and February at either South Nassau's Conference Room #4 or the Mental Health Counseling Center at 2277 Grand Ave. in Baldwin.
The Child & Adolescent Bereavement Center of St. John's Episcopal Hospital, South Shore, is hosting free workshop that will engage people to begin to heal unresolved grief and to make changes in their lives. The workshop, entitled "Healing Our Losses," will be conducted by Jack Miller, PhD, and held on Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Teaching Center at St. John's Episcopal Hospital, South Shore, 327 Beach 19th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691.For more information about this day-long workshop, please contact the Child & Adolescent Bereavement Center at 718-869-8700/7411.
