The Nassau County Department of Health and the staff at the Poison Center discussed which vaccine will be used, concerns the public may have and the appropriate treatment of an exposure.With the discovery of four rabid raccoons in Nassau County, the hand distribution of the vaccine began on Sept. 10. The aerial distribution covers about 32-square miles and the hand distribution will include roughly 34- square miles. The Nassau County Department of Health advises residents to call Winthrop's Poison Control Center if there is an exposure to the liquid that is inside the bait packet. While it is not possible to get rabies from the vaccine, the Poison Center is ready to answer any questions residents may have in case of an exposure. Each call is evaluated by trained Poison Information Specialists/nurses, who determine the necessary first aid or medical treatment needed.
LBMC group helps abuse victims
Long Beach Medical Center is offering a Women's Empowerment Group to help victims of abuse take back control of their lives Facilitated by a certified social worker, the group discussions include a variety of topics such as parenting skills, relationship issues and domestic violence. It provides emotional support for women as they work through the effects of abuse, encourages personal growth in all areas of life and provides a comfortable atmosphere to develop relationships that are trusting and caring. The group is bilingual in both English and Spanish. For more information call (516) 897-4301.
NUMC offers free flu vaccine
The Nassau University Medical Center, in conjunction with the Nassau County Department of Health, will provide no out-of-pocket expense flu vaccines to Nassau County residents 60 and over at 79 sites throughout the county. The sites are located in most communities in the county, in senior citizens centers, libraries, schools, hospitals, churches, community centers, etc.For information on the closet available flu immunization in your community, call the Flu Hotline at (516) 571-1627.
Seminars on surgery to treat obesity
Franklin Hospital Medical Center in Valley Stream recently finished a complete renovation and expansion of its PR suites and is now highly equipped to offer the latest in minimally invasive surgery, including bariatric surgery to treat morbid obesity. Alan C. Geiss, MD, a renowned laparoscopic surgeon and director of laparoscopic surgery at North Shore University Hospital at Syosset, performs the sophisticated Lap-Band surgery at Franklin.Performing the procedure using minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, equipment is more precise, less traumatic for the patient with less discomfort and offers a quicker recovery and a more rapid return to normal activities. Dr. Geiss will present a series of free seminars, entitled "Surgical Options for the Treatment of Morbid Obesity." The seminars will provide an introduction to the Lap Band surgical device and a multi-media presentation will outline the current surgical and medical research on the national weight crisis. A question and answer session with the bariatric team will follow. The free seminars will be held on Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov. 3 and Nov. 17, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the hospital's Shankman Auditorium. To reserve seating at the free event call (516) 256-6397.
FHMC to hold blood drive
Franklin Hospital Medical Center and Long Island Blood Services will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium. Hospital officials strongly encourage the community to join with its employees in donating blood. Individuals age 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 the donation, at which time donors will also receive a free medical exam that includes checking temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron count. To make an appointment call (516) 256-6397. Free valet parking is available for the convenience of those coming to the hospital to donate blood.
