Stating that the quality and efficiency of the state's health care system is at stake, South Nassau Communities Hospital is urging residents, businesses and organizations to call their U.S. representatives and let them know that another cut to Medicare will not be tolerated. "The bleeding has been allowed for too long, to the point that health care providers throughout New York, from Niagara to Albany to Long Island, are in financial distress, jeopardizing the public's access to state-of-the-art, patient-centered care," said Joseph A. Quagliata, president and CEO of South Nassau Communities Hospital. "We must act now to safeguard the resources that ensure the delivery of cost-efficient health care and protect a most invaluable asset, out health and wellness."Unless Congress votes to block the proposal, the state's health-care providers will suffer at least a $250-million reduction in Medicare funds, added Quagliata. Payment shortfalls in Medicare, combined with a workforce shortage and annual double-digit increases in the price of insurance, blood and drugs are depleting the financial resources of many health care providers. About six out of every 10 hospitals lost money on operations in 2000.Quagliata went on to note that in each of the last three consecutive fiscal years, almost 66 percent of the hospitals lost money and have incurred about $1.5 billion in operating losses since 1997. As part of the solution, Quagliata and health care officials across the state are voicing their support of a legislative elixir that includes the American Hospital Preservation Act and a bill designed to increase Medicare funds. The American Hospital Preservation Act will protect access of hospital inpatient services and maintain Medicare's role in education and training of a skilled, qualified workforce. "Teamwork is the foundation of the quality care South Nassau provides," Quagliata said. "And teamwork is what it's going to take to fix the system, so I ask the communities we serve and all of Long Island to join us by calling on our federal legislators to stop the bleeding of Medicare."
Jewish doctor brings new view
The recent addition to the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System's Center for Reproduction has brought a greater sensitivity to infertility issues among the Orthodox Jewish community. Dr. Matthew A. Cohen, who recently joined the medical staff, has a Yeshiva background that gives him a special understanding of the issues that are associated with treatment for infertility among Orthodox Jews. "When we get together, the rabbi, the couple and the doctor, we can usually work things out," Cohen said. "The rabbi certainly understands the stigma of being childless in an Orthodox community. And after all, the first commandment of the Bible is be fruitful and multiply."Cohen joins doctors David L. Rosenfeld, Gerald Scholl and Avner Hershlag, at the infertility treatment facility, located on the campus of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. With its own andrology and embryology laboratories, the most advanced in the area, the center has been a leader in reproductive science since the field was in its infancy, helping thousands of people achieve their dream of becoming parents. A graduate of the Yale University School of Medicine, Cohen lived for two years in Israel, spending a year in Jewish studies and a year on a high-level research project on sex hormones. He recently completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital with noted egg donation expert Dr. Mark V. Sauer. "I was drawn to infertility medicine for two reasons," Cohen said. "First, it's a widespread problem, but because of the embarrassment, many couples find it hard to share their pain. Helping them have a baby, but also understanding what they're going through, it's a kind of community service."
West Nile alert
The Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works are continuing their Mosquito Control Program as part of their ongoing West Nile virus prevention efforts. The 2002 Mosquito Control Program builds on information and experience gained from the past three years. If spraying for adult mosquitoes becomes necessary, it will be done only as a last resort. The county will continue its police of 24-hour public notification of any proposed spraying. Last year, the county did not spray in any residential area. This year fewer birds will be collected, instead the departments will rely on its extensive system of mosquito surveillance to indicate West Nile virus activity. Only infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans, no birds. Therefore, it is safe for residents to dispose of any dead bird by double bagging and placing it in the trash, the departments said. They have asked that residents continue to report any findings of dead birds by calling (516) 571-8707 weekdays between 7:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.Residents are urged to continue to take precautions against mosquitoes since 90 percent of all mosquito breeding grounds are on private property. Precautions include:
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Remove of empty standing water in any containers.
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Empty and change the water in bird baths at least once a week.
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Clean and unclog rain gutters and leaders.
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Insure windows and door screens are in good repair.
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Replace outdoor lights with yellow 'bug lights."In 2001, there were four confirmed cases of West Nile and two deaths in Nassau County. Although there were no cases in 2000, 1999 saw six people come down with the virus, one of whom died. Additional mosquito control information may be found on the Nassau County Web site and link to the Health Department at www.co.nassau.ny.us.
