Robert Craven, a 47-year-old construction worker, was experiencing pain, discomfort and stiffness in his right knee. "It would occur at any time of day, whether on the job, at home resting on the couch or in bed sleeping." he said.After an examination by his orthopedist, Craven began a journey that would take him back to where he started. First, physical therapy was prescribed. Then regularly scheduled appointments for injections of a drug-free solution designed to lubricate the knee so that it functioned smoothly and naturally. That didn't work, so arthroscopic surgery followed. But there was still no relief, his condition worsening. Finally, a recommendation by a physician led Craven to the Uni-Knee System and Gregory Lieberman, MD., of South Nassau Communities Hospital. A new, minimally-invasive surgical procedure, the Uni-Knee is a partial knee replacement that eliminates osteoarthiritis and repairs the damage it has caused, facilitating a return to pain-free, healthy living. Approximately four months have passed since the surgery, and Craven's knee is tip-top. "The Uni-Knee has been designed to provide a minimally-invasive, long-term solution for osteoarthiritis of the knee," said Dr. Craig Levitz, also of South Nassau Communities Hospital. "It enables the patient to regain full use of the knee and enjoy painless participation in activities and hobbies." For more information, call 1-877-South-Nassau.
Mental health program launched
Hispanic Counseling Center has received Ryan White Title I Care Act funding to provide mental health treatment for individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties. HCC is a bilingual, bicultural New York State Licensed outpatient mental health clinic, expert in dealing with the Latino community.Mental health treatment is available in both Spanish and English. Support groups for families will also be offered.Please direct all inquiries to Teresa Maestre, program coordinator, at (516) 538-2613.
Annual educational conference
The Alzheimer's Association, Long Island Chapter, will host their annual educational conference for professionals and caregivers on Thurs., Nov. 15 at the Garden City Hotel in Garden City. This important conference is recommended for anyone who cares for or interacts with an Alzheimer's patient. This includes nurse's aides, geriatricians, neurologists and internists as well as family caregivers.The conference for professional caregivers will be from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be $55. For family caregivers the conference is from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information and to make reservations, call (631) 580-5100.
AIDS Extreme Challenge
In response to the 20th anniversary of AIDS, the AIDS Awareness Committee of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System Foundation is hosting an educational forum, entitled "AIDS Extreme Challenge," on Fri., Oct. 26, 10 a.m. The program will be held at Hofstra University, Hempstead. The program will educate high school and college students on the continuing threat of AIDS. Mark Kaplan, MD, the director of the Center for AIDS Research and Treatment, will present recent medical developments in HIV/AIDS. Real-world experiences will be shared by an HIV-positive educator. A panel of AIDS/HIV experts, including Kenneth Cole, will participate in an open Q & A session.For more information, call (516) 465-2527.
Other events and activities
Mammograms for women over 40 are being offered on Fri., Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. The Nassau Health Care Corp. mammography van will be in the Planned Parenthood Hempstead Health Center parking lot, 540 Fulton Avenue. Call (516) 750-2500 to make an appointment...Perspectives in Health People with diabetes can enjoy a special evening featuring new technologies and information at Winthrop-University Hospital's free program on Thurs., Nov. 1. The event will begin with registration and a products fair at 6:30 p.m., followed by a lecture, "Diabetes Nutrition: Myths & Facts" at 7:30 p.m. It will be held at the Winthrop Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola. To make reservations, call (516) 663-8300...Medicare: Issues, Options and Changes," will be held Thurs., Nov. 1, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Rust Auditorium at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. For more information and to make reservations, call (516) 465-2600...CPR certification course will be offered on Sat., Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Goldstein Auditorium at Long Beach Medical Center. Fee: $50. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. Call (516) 897-1504.Compiled by Francisco Mejia
