At the Urodynamics Center at Nassau University Medical Center, patients feel comfortable talking about their problems. The staff is sensitive to the patients' needs and will perform testing appropriate to their complaints. All medical and surgical options will be discussed in a supportive atmosphere. The center is open Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and most insurance plans are accepted. For more information call (516) 572-4670.
Celebrating women's health
North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, in recognition of September Women in Healthcare Month, is sponsoring a two-day conference entitled "Celebrating Women's Health: Staying Healthy at Every Age." It will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19. The conference will take place at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset in the Rust Auditorium. Betty Rollin, writer, news correspondent and award-winning journalist, will be a guest speaker. Medical experts of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System will discuss cancer, peri- and post-menopause, Alzheimer's disease, healthy pregnancies, prenatal screening and testing, infertility, complementary and alternative medicine, and coronary heart disease in women. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System's Department of Professional and Public Health Education at (516) 465-2500.
Beware of poisonous mushrooms
As a result of the rainy spring in the northeast this year, many lawns and grassy areas are now populated with mushrooms. The Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center at Winthrop University Hospital is warning the public to avoid naturally occurring mushrooms, as they may be poisonous. According to Dr. Thomas Caraccio, manager of the LIRPDIC, there were 19 cases of mushroom poisonings in 2002. So far in 2003, there have already been 19 poisonings reported. "This year's significant rainfall has produced an overabundance of mushrooms," said Caraccio. "While many are not poisonous if consumed, there are a certain species of mushrooms, specifically known as chlorophyllum molybdites, which are poisonous. People should avoid eating any mushrooms that grow on lawns and in grassy areas to prevent a poisoning." Chlorophyllum molybdites are found in grasslands during wet periods and are often mistaken for edible mushrooms. They are large and initially appear egg shaped with a cap that measures seven to 10 centimeters across. They are dry, white and have scales that are a tinged buff or cinnamon color. The flesh is white and firm and the gills have distinct shades of light to dark green. The primary symptoms exhibited by mushroom poisonings are gastrointestinal in nature. Victims experience nausea, vomiting, intense abdominal pain and diarrhea, which may become bloody. While the onset of these symptoms may vary, they typically begin within 30 minutes to two hours of ingestion. Some symptoms may not appear for up to two hours. In the event of a mushroom poisoning, call the Long Island Regional Poison and Drug Information Center at Winthrop at (516) 663-2650 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Anger management treatment
Do you or someone you know have a hard time controlling anger? When you do express anger, do family and friends tell you that your reaction is way out of proportion? If all of this sounds familiar, you should know that there is a solution. The Anxiety and Stress Treatment Program of the Department of Psychiatry at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset is beginning an anger management treatment group. "The group format will include cognitive-behavioral techniques for managing anger," said Dr. Juliana Lachenmeyer. "These techniques include relaxation exercises, cognitive restructuring and problem solving." Sessions will meet on six consecutive Mondays at 8 p.m. beginning Oct. 6. Fees are often partially reimbursed by insurance carriers. If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, call Katherine Cieri at (516) 562-2329, mailbox 2. Space is limited, so call immediately.
Specialized services at NUMC
Nassau University Medical Center's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has added two new services to better meet patients' needs and offer high quality care. The department now offers state-of-the-art treatment for pain and disability syndromes and has added an intervention physiatrist to the staff, who offers nerve and spinal blocks for pain syndromes. To schedule an appointment, call (516) 572- 6477. The department also provides Botox therapy for the treatment of spasticity. Patients who are disabled because of a stroke, multiple sclerosis or other neurological disorders sometimes suffer from spasticity in their limbs. This may impede walking, dressing, bathing or other daily activities. Botox injections are meant to decrease the spasms and permit better movement. For information about this procedure, call (516) 572-6522.
