By: Robert Remler
Noting that some 300 pints of blood a day are needed on Long Island, Franklin officials are encouraging donors to call (516) 256-6141 to make a pledge to donate.According to the hospital, people 17 to 76, weighing at least 110 pounds and who are in general good health, are eligible to donate. A photo ID is required at the time of donation, at which time donors will also receive a free mini-medical exam that includes checking temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron count.The drive will be held in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the preferred appointment time for community donors will be honored.
The "Balloon" technique
Osteoporosis has become a major health problem for the more than 28 million Americans living with the disease that causes brittle, weak bones and loss of bone mass. Eight million American women and 2,000,000 American men have osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and millions more have low bone density. Fortunately, there is a procedure to treat painful fractures of the spine caused by osteoporosis. Orlando Ortiz, MD, MBA, chairman of the Department of Radiology in Winthrop's Interventional Neuroradiology Suite, performs the technique called kyphoplasty or "Balloons for Bones," which utilizes a device called the KyphX Inflatable Bone Tamp (balloon) to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCF). VCFs, most commonly caused by osteoporosis, occur when a bone in the spine breaks and collapses.The minimally invasive fracture reduction procedure is done through a small incision in the damaged bone, which creates a pathway for the balloon to be inserted. The balloon is inflated to raise the collapsed portion of the bone and then deflated and removed, leaving a cavity that can then be filled with acrylic bone cement.In addition to kyphoplasty, Ortiz performs another procedure called vertebroplasty, which entails the placement of a bone needle into the compressed vertebral body using imaging guidance with an X-ray machine. Acrylic bone cement is injected into the vertebral body, stabilizing the fractured vertebrae, relieving pain and preventing further collapse and deformity.For more information on kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, call the Department of Radiology at Winthrop (516) 663-2123.
Gear-up for flu season
Although the wait is still on for the arrival of winter's typically nasty weather, the flu season is already here. The New York State Department of Health recently reported widespread outbreaks of the virus."This information should be taken as a warning that, despite the mild winter weather, the flu can occur at any time," said Alan A. Katz, MD, associate director of South Nassau Communities Hospital's Emergency Services Department. "It is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that can sweep through communities in epidemics."Normally, the flu season begins in October and lasts through April. The flu is associated with 20,000 deaths nationwide and thousands more hospitalizations. At greatest risk for serious illness and complications from the flu are the elderly and those with chronic diseases of the lungs and heart. People with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and immune system are also at increased risk.Symptoms of flu include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Other common symptoms are cough, loss of appetite and a runny or stuffy nose. Children who have the flu may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These gastrointestinal symptoms are not usually part of the flu in teens and adults.The flu can usually be treated at home with bed rest, plenty of fluids and a non-aspirin pain reliever, such as aceteminophen, to reduce fever. Do NOT give aspirin to infants, children or teenagers. However, call your doctor if you are experiencing signs of dehydration, seizures, earache or a cough that produces discolored mucus or your child suffers from a chronic condition, such as severe asthma or cystic fibrosis. Emergency medical attention is necessary if there is difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, severe chest or abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, coughing or vomiting blood, fainting or sudden dizziness.The best way to prevent the flu, according to Katz, is to get a flu shot. Although the vaccine is not recommended for children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does recommend that it be given to children who have chronic diseases of the heart, lungs or kidneys, diabetes, and conditions that weaken the immune system. The CDC also recommends the flu vaccine for all persons aged 65 or older and women who may be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season. Household members, including children of persons in high-risk groups, should also be vaccinated. The flu vaccine takes approximately two weeks to provide immunity and is between 70 to 90 percent effective.Other events and activitiesFranklin Ostomy's club is meeting at Franklin Hospital Medical Center, 900 Franklin Avenue, on Thursday, March 21, 7:30 p.m. Call (516) 256-6024...Eighteenth Annual Arthritis Foundation Spring Breakfast will be at Temple Avodah, 3050 Oceanside Road, on Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m. Call (516) 431-5533 or (631) 427-8272.. The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island offers an epilepsy neurological and diagnostic treatment program at 506 Stewart Avenue, Garden City. To arrange for an appointment or for further information, call Irene Cody at (516) 739-7733 ext. 415...Free educational seminar hosted by the American Liver Foundation, on Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m., at Winthrop University Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola. For information, call (212) 943-1059 ext. 12. Compiled by Francisco Mejia
