By: Robert Remler
This rehab is just one phase of the hospital's planned quarter-billion dollar expansion. During the tour, Chief of Radiation and Oncology Dr. Edward Mullen spoke at length about the medical capabilities of each of the hospital's cancer-fighting machines. The new technology includes the department's Linear Accelerator and Gamma Knife. The Linear Accelerator delivers radiation to precisely described targets of cancer in the body in multiple treatments. The Gamma Knife is more of a surgical procedure, whereby radiation is delivered in a high dosage to one specific location within the head. The problem area can be destroyed in one session. The use of this machine has led to "very large jumps in cure rates in certain types of cancers," according to Mullen. "I think it's wonderful," said Rose Russo, a member of South Nassau's Ladies Auxiliary. Her daughter-in-law is being treated for lung cancer at the hospital, so Russo had a vested interest in seeing the new medical equipment.
Mercy lights up tree of love
The Council of Leagues of Mercy Medical Center held their annual Tree of Lights celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The blessing and lighting of the tree took place in front of the hospital, followed by refreshments served in Mercy's main lobby.This year's proceeds from the Tree of Lights will be allocated to the Pediatric Clinic for the purchase of tympanic audiometry equipment needed for routine hearing screenings and diagnostic examinations on infants and young children. Lights may be purchased for the tree in memory of a loved one, in celebration of a special event, or in honor of a special person. Symbolic lights on the star that adorns the top of the tree are also available. Lights may be purchased until Friday, Dec. 19. One light is $5, and a light on the star is $10. The Tree of Lights book will be on display in the main lobby during the holiday season.A special mass will be held at noon in the hospital chapel on Tuesday, Jan. 13, for all those remembered in the Tree of Lights. For more information, call (516) 705-1021.
Have a stress-free season
The holiday season has begun, and there is a way to leave holiday stress off your holiday list. According to Dr. Ken Steier, D.O., and director of the Osteopathic Internal Medicine Residency Program at Nassau University Medical Center, holiday stress can be greatly reduced by allowing your holiday season to be truly your own. "You may not have the perfect holiday dinners or attend a record-breaking amount of parties, but the key to keeping stress down is to be realistic and focus on pleasing yourself - rather than pleasing others," said Steier. Steier recommends the following tips to keep your holiday stress under control:Create a gift-giving budget. This will avoid stress from over-spending. Remember that thoughtful gifts are often appreciated more than expensive ones. Be flexible. Decipher which traditions are truly important to you and which ones you can discontinue. Don't isolate yourself. Do not force yourself to attend every holiday function, but rather find company that is important to you.Do not expect a perfect holiday. Too high expectations will ensure failures. Speak with your children about realistic holiday expectations as well. "Most individuals who dread the holidays do so because their personal perception of the season is different than the conventional holiday ideas," said Steier.
Board of Health warning
Many residents enjoy chitterlings (pig intestines) as a holiday or New Year's dish. The Nassau County Department of Health reminds those who prepare chitterlings of the dangers of yersiniosis disease. When chitterlings are prepared, yersinia bacteria (which are present in the intestines of pigs) can be transferred from raw meat to hands, utensils, cutting boards, counter tops and from there to other foods or baby bottles. To avoid cross-contamination, which spreads the bacteria, it is important to wash hands and utensils with hot, soapy water after handling chitterlings. Food preparation surfaces as well as refrigerator shelves where chitterlings have been stored can be cleaned with a solution of bleach diluted with water. Yersiniosis is a serious intestinal infection that frequently affects infants, producing severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever. About 150 to 200 cases of yersiniosis are reported each year in New York State.
