New York Health

digital

The Meaning of Memorial Day

by

Memorial Day is a Federal holiday of honor, mourning, commemoration, and patriotism. It is a day we salute those in the military service who died for our country, our rights, and our freedom. It should not be mistaken for Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day.

Memorial Day is recognized annually on the last Monday in May. Originally known as Decoration Day, soldiers would decorate graves of their fallen comrades with flowers, flags, and wreaths in their honor. However, in 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed to create a three-day weekend for federal employees, which came into effect in 1971.

While it is unclear where Memorial Day originated, the practice of honoring those who have fallen in battle dates back to the ancient days of Greeks and Romans. Today, Americans observe the holiday by visiting cemeteries, participating in parades, wearing red poppies, hanging the flag at half-staff until noon, and taking a moment of silence at 3:00 pm.

When celebrating with your loved ones this year, don’t just welcome the start of summer but rather pledge to be there for those who are mourning and honoring their loved ones’ life and legacy.

New York Health honors the brave men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty while making the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Patriotism is preserved through the dedication of those who lead us—the members of the military exemplify this. We are proud to recognize all who serve in our armed services, as well as their families.

Thank you for your service.

 

 

 

 

 

Reference:

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history

How Your Immune System Can Trigger Arthritis

by

Arthritis is painful inflammation and stiffness of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness, not due to an injury, lasting for six weeks or more.

Inflammation and arthritis pain is an autoimmune response from your body. Untreated inflammation can permanently damage your joints.

“The immune system is involved in 85% of arthritis cases,” says Dr. Jay Adlersberg, a rheumatologist at New York Health. “In those incidences, arthritis causes persistent pain and swelling in the joints.”

New York Health’s network of physicians specializing in primary and specialty services provides coordinated care for any arthritis diagnosis. Recommendations suggest patients with joint pains that are a cause of concern to make an appointment with their primary care physician, who will coordinate care with a rheumatologist if necessary. 

To determine the cause of inflammation, the physician will perform a thorough examination and may do appropriate testing, such as blood tests or X-rays, to identify if the joints are damaged, leading to the proper treatment.

“Treatments can run the gamut from physical therapy to drugs that affect the immune system,” Dr. Adlersberg said. “It’s important to try to keep your immune system as healthy as possible.”

New York Health’s team of physical therapists will treat patients and show them exercises to help get rid of muscle cramps and spasms at home. Although strengthening your immune system is impossible, maintaining a healthy weight will prevent extra pressure on the hips, knees, and bones. 

“The immune system may cause arthritis, but it also can protect you. Help it out,” says Dr. Adlersberg by getting the COVID-19 vaccine. “The vaccines will stimulate the immune system to fight against COVID-19 and are available for everyone now.” Dr. Adlersberg encourages everyone to get vaccinated. 

“That’s what your immune system is there for, to make the vaccine work. Your immune system can work for you if you let it,” Dr. Adlersberg said.

 

To learn more about the primary and specialty services available at NY Health, please visit nyhealth.com.

 

New York Health Welcomes Jennifer Gonzalez, MD

by

New York Health Welcomes Jennifer Gonzalez, MD

Specialist in Geriatrics and Primary Care

East Setauket, NY, May 17, 2021– New York Health (NYHealth) is proud to announce that board-certified primary care physician and geriatrician Jennifer Gonzalez, MD, has joined its team of multidisciplinary physicians. She will be practicing at 7 S Jersey Ave # 1, East Setauket, NY 11733.

Dr. Gonzalez enjoys the longitudinal experience of taking care of the whole person, from simple to complex problems, over their lifetime. Her love for helping people is what guided her into healthcare and medicine.

In addition to practicing primary care, Dr. Gonzalez has over 20 years of extensive experience in caring for the elderly, “who have so much life experience to share.” Dr. Gonzalez believes, “They are a special population that requires a thoughtful, individualized approach to their care, taking into account their functional status and quality of life.”

In 1999, Dr. Gonzalez graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. She completed an internal medicine residency and fellowship in geriatric medicine at Stony Brook University. Her previous experience includes Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehab, Long Island State Veterans, and Medical Associates of Central Virginia.

Her diverse interests include mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, quilting, painting, and breeding American Kennel Club registered Beagles.

She is excited about delivering excellent, efficient healthcare with NY Health’s forward-thinking group of expert physicians, allowing her to stay up to date on recent advances in medicine and communicate effectively for the betterment of her patients.

To make an appointment with Dr. Gonzalez, please call 631-758-7003. For more information, please visit www.nyhealth.com.

 

 

About New York Health

At New York Health, we provide highly professional, sensitive, and personalized care. All of our patients become part of the NY Health family, and we will continuously strive to achieve our main goal. Deliver the best medical care possible with your well-being in mind.

Stroke Awareness Month

by

In most situations, strokes occur suddenly and with little warning; however, how you respond and how fast makes all the difference. The quicker you take action, there is less chance of damage and the higher chance of saving a life. 

In honor of Stroke Awareness Month it’s important to understand the signs of a stroke and the actions you should take when one occurs:

Signs a Stroke is Occurring

When a stroke occurs, symptoms can often appear without any known cause. Many will feel a severe headache, trouble walking with lack of coordination, difficulty seeing, confusion, or numbness in the face. 

You might notice weakness in your extremities and find it hard to do everyday tasks, often happening on one side of the body. Symptoms will usually worsen, and you will need to take fast action to ensure the best treatment. 

When to Take F.A.S.T. Action

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that F.A.S.T. action is a must. The stroke treatments with the best outcome occur when a stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. The F.A.S.T. test will allow you to be aware of when the symptoms start. Begin by:

F- Face: Asking for a smile to see if one side of the face is drooping.

A-Arms: Have them raise both arms to see if one of them drifts downward.

S- Speech: Have them repeat a basic phrase to identify any slurred or strange speech.

T– Time: If these signs exist, call 911 immediately.

In other cases, symptoms might go away after a few minutes, known as a transient ischemic attack (T.I.A.). Even if symptoms clear up, it’s still important to inform your healthcare provider about them immediately as it could be a precursor for something serious and could save your life. 

Risk Factors for a Stroke 

Stroke risks know no age and having one stroke increases your chances of having another. The uncontrollable factors that may cause a stroke include age, sex, and ethnicity, but there are various controllable factors, too. Smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise can all increase your risk. At the same time, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity put you at a higher risk for stroke. A healthy lifestyle that addresses these issues is the best step for prevention. 

 

Knowing Your Risks for Osteoporosis

by

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes new bone creation to not keep up with old bone removal. Our bodies are constantly absorbing and replacing bone tissue, so your bones become weak and brittle when this process is disrupted. Symptoms are not always apparent until an injury occurs, so a simple fall or bump could lead to a diagnosis. Though osteoporosis isn’t always quickly spotted, there are many early actions you can take to help reduce your chances and strengthen your bones.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

When bone loss worsens, some symptoms may occur, such as back pain when a fractured or collapsed vertebra is present, loss of height or stooped posture, or frequent broken bones. 

That’s why taking early preventive measures is key.

Uncontrollable Risks for Osteoporosis

Age, sex, and race all play a part in your osteoporosis risk factors. Older white or Asian women are at the highest risk of developing the disease. A small body frame can increase your chances as your bone mass to draw from will be less as you age. If you have a family history, specifically a parent or sibling with osteoporosis, your risk may be higher, too. 

Controllable Risks for Osteoporosis

Some controllable risks that might increase your chance of developing osteoporosis include hormone levels, such as reduced estrogen, those with too much thyroid hormone, or other gland issues. If you fall into any of these categories, speak with your doctor on how you can do your part to prevent your chance for bone loss in the future. 

Change in Lifestyle and Dietary Choices

Dietary factors such as low calcium or poor eating habits can put you at higher risk, too. Other causes of a higher risk of osteoporosis include:

  • Steroid use 
  • Medications used for cancer, seizures, or gastric reflux
  • Medical conditions such as lupus, cancer, kidney or liver disease

Lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle can all be risk factors for osteoporosis. Still, with a few changes, you can maintain strong and healthy bones. 

The right balanced nutrition includes protein, calcium, and maintaining proper body weight. 

Routine exercises are another great way to lower your risk at an early age. The earlier you start prevention, the better chance you have of reducing bone loss down the line.

New York Health Welcomes Denise Abselet, DO

by

New York Health Welcomes Denise Abselet, DO 

 Specialist in Geriatrics and Primary Care

Mount Sinai, NY, May 3, 2021– New York Health (NYHealth) is proud to announce that board-certified internal medicine physician and geriatrician Denise Abselet, DO, has joined its team of physicians. She will be practicing at 701 Route 25A, Suite 2, Mount Sinai, NY 11766.

Dr. Abselet has over 20 years of primary care experience and specializes in geriatric medicine and healthy living for older adults. Growing up, Dr. Abselet spent a lot of time with her grandparents, helping them age. She especially loves the geriatric population for their wisdom and life experiences. Dr. Abselet was inspired to go into primary care to be a team with her patients and their families.

Denise Abselet, DO, was born and raised on Long Island. She attended an undergraduate at Stony Brook University and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1987. She received her medical degree at Des Moines University, graduating with honors in 1991, and was elected to the National Osteopathic Honor Society, Sigma Sigma Phi. 

Dr. Abselet is a diplomate of the National Board Of Osteopathic Medical Examiners. She completed a one-year rotating internship at Massapequa General Hospital and then completed a three-year residency at  NYU Winthrop Hospital.  

Trust and open communication is an essential aspect of Dr. Abselet’s approach to care. She truly listens to her patients’ concerns. “They choose to come to me for advice and trust me with their lives, so I strive every day to be the best physician I can to provide comfort and reassurance,” Dr. Abselet said.

She is excited about delivering excellent care in a culture that prioritizes commitment, respect, communication, and acceptance with NY Health’s multi-specialty team of physicians. 

To make an appointment with Dr. Abselet, please call 631-403-2364. For more information, please visit nyhealth.com.

About New York Health

At New York Health, we provide highly professional, sensitive, and personalized care. All of our patients become part of the NY Health family, and we will continuously strive to achieve our main goal. Deliver the best medical care possible with your well-being in mind.