Lupus is usually a chronic illness, and symptoms range from mild to life threatening. Dr. Kristina Belostocki, a Winthrop rheumatologist who specializes in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, noted that the majority of cases occur in women of childbearing years. It appears that the disease occurs twice as often in African, Asian and Hispanic populations than in Caucasians. With lupus, any of the major systems such as the skin, joints, kidneys, nervous system, lungs, heart and/or blood-forming organs may be affected.Common symptoms of lupus include arthritis involving the small joints of the hands, a rash across the cheeks and nose known as a malar or "butterfly" rash, fatigue, low grade fevers, hair loss, kidney problems, low white or red blood cell counts, painless sores inside the mouth or nose, chest or abdominal pain, and neurologic symptoms. Anyone with several of these symptoms should discuss them with a physician who can determine whether or not it is lupus, or another related condition.For more information or to receive an evaluation, call Winthrop-University Hospital's Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at (516) 663-2097, ext. 3.
South Nassau doctor honored
South Nassau Communities Hospital's Paul Liu, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Medical Director of the Cancer Program at the Oceanside facility, was recently named outstanding teacher of Nassau University Medical Center OB/GYN Residency Training Program. Presented annually in conjunction with the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG), the recipient is selected by the facility's OB/GYN residents.The CREOG was established by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to address the needs of residency program directors. CREOG provides an array of services designed to facilitate and promote excellence in residency education. It brings together representatives from its member organizations, five regional representatives, and two Junior Fellow representatives.A former Galloway Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Dr. Liu is a member of numerous national gynecologic oncology professional associations, has been published extensively and has received numerous awards. A graduate of the University of Chicago Medical School, he completed an internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and a Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Liu also holds a JD from Rutgers Law School and was a practicing attorney before pursuing a career as a cancer surgeon.Dr. Liu is recognized for his research on the genetic analysis of breast and ovarian cancers. He has also been involved in the study of innovative gene therapies for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Another of his interests is in public health policy, an area that dovetails with his advocacy of community outreach and educational programs.As medical director of South Nassau's Cancer Program, Dr. Liu coordinates all clinical activities related to oncology and promotes ongoing cancer-related research. He acts as a liaison to hospital departments and medical staff to ensure quality care in a multidisciplinary setting for patient treatment and support. In addition, he serves as the hospital's representative to cancer agencies and organizations.
MMC recognized by national study
Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre has received five-star ratings for clinical excellence for orthopedics, back and neck surgery, according to a study released recently by HealthGrades, the nation's leading provider for independent hospital ratings.The HealthGrades rankings placed Mercy Medical Center in the top five percent in the nation for overall orthopedic services, joint replacement and spinal surgery.According to Dr. Jan Albert Koenig, Director of Orthopedic Surgery at Mercy Medical Center, the hospital has been consistently rated Five Stars in Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement by HealthGrades since it began its Joint Endeavor Program in 1999. "We attribute this continued great success to the team approach of the total care of the joint replacement patient," said Dr. Koenig. As part of its eighth annual "Hospital Quality in America Study," HealthGrades independently analyzed nearly 5,000 hospitals in 50 states and the District of Columbia for its 2006 ratings, objectively assessing their clinical outcomes and quality. The data utilized in the assessment is licensed from the federal government's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HealthGrades ratings measure whether patient outcomes for each of more than two dozen procedures and diagnoses are better than expected (5-Star), as expected (3-Star) or worst than expected (1-Star). The 2006 HealthGrades ratings for all hospitals nationwide are posted at www.HealthGrades.com.
Shy support group offered at LIJ
In an effort to help ease the burden of parents who have children that are shy and lack certain social skills, the Anxiety and Stress Treatment Program at North Shore University Hospital in Manhassett is offering a new treatment group. The new support group will focus on social skills and anxiety-reducing skills for children ages 9-12, utilizing group interaction and sharing of experiences.Seven sessions will be held on Monday evenings from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. beginning Nov.. 14. Major insurance carriers may reimburse fees but people are encouraged to contact their insurance provider for more details.For further information call (516)562-3337 or (516)562-3330. Space is limited.
