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Turmeric is a ginger-colored spice that’s been a part of Middle Eastern and East Asian cooking for centuries. The warm and flavorful bitter taste is frequently used in curry dishes. Turmeric however is also widely known for its health benefits and has garnered the attention of nutritionists and physicians worldwide. Curcumin, turmeric’s most active and healing compound, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which has contributing factors in combating osteoarthritis, heart disease and digestive issues. 
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Turmeric is proven to treat arthritis as it helps reduce joint inflammation according to a recent study. A study by the Nirmala Medical Center provided evidence that curcumin is as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs at reducing swelling and tenderness of joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 
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Another amazing fact about Turmeric is that it can be used to treat wounds, cuts and rashes. Life Sciences concluded that topical application of curcumin has a great therapeutic effect on skin wounds and also concluded that it accelerates wound healing. Add to this its heart health benefits and improved digestion and you can be on your way to better health with just a spoonful of turmeric a day.
 
What is the best way to incorporate this super spice into your diet? Simply sprinkle it on your favorite foods along with a little black pepper to aid with absorption. You can reap these health benefits with a teaspoon of turmeric on salads, soups, and dressings. You can even rub it on your favorite steak before grilling! 
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Turmeric owns the reputation of a powerful anti-inflammatory that can reduce arterial plaque buildup, accelerate wound healing and relieve joint pain. That’s a good reason to spice things up a little when cooking at home! As always, check with your St. John’s Riverside physician before making any changes to your diet and health plan!

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If the answer is yes, you are not alone. The reported cases of sleep deprivation or insomnia are growing to epic proportions nationwide. More than 60 million Americans suffer from poor sleep quality, and more than 40 million meet the diagnostic criteria for sleep disorders. Americans are sleeping less and consequently are putting their health at risk. 

Patients who toss and turn all night will initially complain of lack of energy, irritability, and loss of appetite. Left untreated, inadequate sleep carries with it both short- and long-term consequences including obesity, diabetes, anxiety, stroke or cardiac arrest. 

Why are we losing so much sleep? Insomnia could be caused by a medical problem, a side-effect of medicine, psychiatric illness, or lifestyle. Everything from what we eat what we drink, how often we are on “screen time” to our hectic work schedules can contribute to how well or how poorly we sleep. 

If you believe you are suffering from a sleep disorder, insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome, there are things you can do about it. 

“We now have comprehensive Sleep Centers in both Andrus and Dobbs Ferry” says Rajendra Rampersaud, MD, Pulmonologist.

To meet the growing incidence of sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, St. John’s Riverside Hospital now has Sleep Diagnostic Centers available at both Dobbs Ferry and Andrus Pavilions. Both locations offer a convenient, quiet setting that was created to help restore the connection between a well-rested body and a healthy body. 

Having sleep centers in both our pavilions is another way we strive to help patients in their hometowns. St. John’s Riverside Hospital is helping people sleep better and feel better, one wink at a time. For more information or to schedule a consultation with a sleep physician call (914) 964-4337.

​To schedule a sleep study at the Sleep Diagnostic Center call (914) 559-1010.

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As a pioneer in single incision hernia surgeries and co-founder of the only Minimally Invasive Center in Westchester, Dr. Har Chi Lau has performed more minimally invasive hernias than any other surgeon in Westchester County. We are proud that he practices at St. John’s Riverside Hospital. Dr. Har Chi Lau opened the first Hernia Center in Westchester just over two years ago now and people have come as far as California to be treated there. 
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A Board-Certified Surgeon with expertise in Minimally Invasive (MI) surgery, Dr. Lau also instructs laparoscopic surgery methods to other doctors and frequently presents on the subject nationwide. In addition, he has impressed and won the trust of a tough crowd of his colleagues who personally request Dr. Lau for their surgeries. With over 4500 surgeries already performed, it’s apparent that Dr. Lau is the first choice for patients and doctors alike. 

“Dr. Lau and his team were my first choice for my hernia operation. These guys have the expertise as well as the communication skills and personality that assured me I would be back to my old self again. They were right and I was surprised at how quickly I was able to get back to work.” - Tony Maddalo, MD Orthopedic Sports Physician for the New York Rangers.

Recent developments have changed the playing field when it comes to medical procedures, and St. John’s Riverside Hospital’s Hernia Center is on the frontline with the latest technology including the da Vinci robot and expertise to offer a new quality-of-life to all patients. Minimally Invasive surgery is how we are keeping the Westchester Community Strong. If you think you or someone you know has a hernia, call (914) 464-4DOC.
 
“It’s a very patient-centered method to performing surgery, with proven benefits and far less complications.” - MI surgeon, Har Chi Lau, MD

By Lauren Lappen, Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant at Wee Sleep Solutions
​
The dreaded daylight savings is upon us! We "spring forward" this Sunday, March 11th at 2:00 am. It often feels like we just recovered from one time change, and another is approaching.  So what can we do to help our kids adjust to this change (and keep our sanity!)?

In an ideal world, we could to begin to shift our children’s schedules a week ahead of time. Every few days we’d move their sleep and mealtimes by 15 minutes, so by the time daylight savings hits, they’ve already adjusted. Despite this being the “official recommendation” for a smooth daylight savings transition, I’ve yet to meet one person to actually do it (myself included with my own kids!).  The world outside our homes doesn’t accommodate such a gentle shift; school starts when school starts and you need to get to work on time, not 15-45 minutes late. 

Never fear! Here are some tips to help your children adjust to the new time.

Expose your children to lots of sunlight during the day.  Our circadian rhythms align with the sun, so exposure to natural light helps our bodies adjust to the appropriate time.

Now that it’s lighter later, children often protest going to bed when the sun is up.  About 30 minutes prior to bedtime, dim the lights to help the body transition to nighttime.  Room darkening shades can really help with this, too.  Keep the environment calm, and quiet before bed to get children relaxed and ready to sleep. 

​Stick with your bedtime routine.  If you don’t have a bedtime routine already, now is a great time to start. Children thrive on routines, so having one can be incredibly helpful to give structure to the time before bed.  A quiet routine is calming to them and helps them relax and ease into bedtime. It can be as simple as pajamas on, brush teeth, read a book/sing a song, lights out.  Don’t make it overly complex. You want this to be replicable daily, and easily done by a babysitter in your absence.  

Minimize exposure to electronics at least an hour prior to bedtime. This is true all year round, but especially now when we’re trying to help kids adjust to daylight savings time. Electronic screens emit a blue light that mimics a bright, sunny sky and tricks the body into thinking it is daytime. The result of this is that melatonin, the hormone that helps induce sleep, is suppressed, making it more challenging to fall asleep.

If all else fails, find a big mug and fill it with coffee. I’m sure you’ll be in good company!

Lauren Lappen is a Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughter Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.   
 
Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!

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Bariatric surgery enables overweight and obese people the chance to achieve significant and long term weight loss. By reducing the stomach’s storage capacity, which limits food intake, you feel full much sooner. The result is long-term weight loss that can lead to a happier and healthier you.
 
There are many benefits to Bariatric surgery, some of the most notable include:
 
Joint Pain Relief
Excessive weight puts a lot of stress on your joints and causes damage over time which leads to pain. Significant weight loss could elevate pain, allow people to stop using pain medications and become more mobile.
 
Blood Pressure
Reduced weight can improve your risk of heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels are usually reduced after weight loss helping patients return to better overall health.
 
Depression
People with excess weight may find it difficult to participate in certain activities. Losing excess weight leads to increased activity and helps improve a person’s emotional health as well.
 
“Bariatric surgery gives patients the best chance at maintaining their weight loss over time, and that plays a significant role in a patients overall health.” - Jonathan Arad, MD, Bariatric Surgeon.
 
Improved sleep, better outcomes from Type 2 diabetes and reduce risk of many other medical conditions are all additional benefits of bariatric surgery. If you are looking to losing weight and reduce or reverse the health risks associated with excessive weight or obesity, bariatric surgery may be right for you. 
 
For more information click here: http://www.riversidehealth.org/SpecialtyServices/BariatricSurgery.aspx
or call 914.964.4DOC to make an appointment.

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“Back in the day,” a mother-to-be in labor was brought into a sterile hospital room alone with her doctor and nurses. Today, the birth of a child is an event that relies on the support of the entire family and the surrounding community.

Going from a bleak hospital room to a more family-oriented birthing room required redirection and a new way of offering comfort to new families. St. John’s Five Star Maternity Unit's recently renovated maternity rooms are comfortable, state of the art private luxury suites complete with private baths, many with views of the majestic Hudson River, flat-screen televisions, plenty of seating for family members and of course, a bassinet equipped with all the essentials for your newborn to remain with you during your stay.

St. John’s Riverside Hospital prides itself on an exceptional team who are an integral part of the birthing experience and quickly become “like family” to delivering patients and their children. An award-winning team of caring physicians, nurses and support staff offer gynecological care through every stage of a woman’s delivery. This includes private tours before the birth of your child, as well as visits with lactation consultants who consult with you during your stay. There’s always someone to talk to and always help from a nurturing team when needed, especially for first-time parents.
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St. John’s Riverside’s Maternity Unit provides medical care every bit worthy of their Five Star Award. They ensure that a child’s transition into this world and their patient’s transition into parenthood is the best that it can be. They provide that sense of community and support that is so dire to young parents.  They are Community Strong.

Learn more at St. John's Riverside Hospital's website.

As the new year approaches and we start to think about resolutions, getting in shape may be on your list. As a mom it can be difficult to find time to workout with kids in tow. Fortunately many gyms in Westchester offer childcare, ranging from babysitting to school break camps as well as swim lessons and birthday parties for kids.

Club Fit- Briarcliff, Jefferson Valley
A Nursery for children ages 3 months to 4 years old that has lots of space for toddlers to explore; there is a safe space for infants, a quiet space for all nursery kids for story time or playing with quiet toys, an outdoor playground, and a fun large interactive space that has games that keep toddlers moving. The Energy Center is for kids ages 5 years to 12 years. This space includes a gymnasium with kid-size basketball nets for supervised games and free play, bounce houses and tumbling mats plus space for the electronic movement games they love like wii and xbox. Lots of kids spend time in the Energy Center after school along with other club activities such as tennis lessons and swim team.  In the summer months and during the school year, kids have access to activities including group sports, swimming, tennis, and arts and crafts. Swim lessons are also available for all ages.

Equinox- Armonk, Greenwich CT, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale
Leave the little ones with us while you’re working up a sweat at the Kids Club. With tumbling, art, obstacle courses, and plenty of inspired programming, it’s a pint-sized haven of well-being.

Fenom Fitness- Harrison
​Fenom is a family sports & fitness facility that has childcare as well as a broad range of programs for children. The Venom Kids Club provides childcare needs while you workout.  Kids aged 6-months to 6 years old will be kept busy with games, toys, and arts & crafts. They also offer parties and teen nights.

Kinetic Sports Club- Pelham
A five star fitness facility and recreation center with 50,000 square feet of premium luxury fitness space for the entire family. Featuring fitness equipment, water park, Youth Sports Classes, Birthday Parties, Kids Camps, spinning studios, Yoga and Group Exercise, and so much more. The Kinetic Kids Club offers childcare while you workout.

LA Fitness- Port Chester, Yonkers
Childcare while you workout solo or participate in a class.

Lifetime Fitness- Harrison (coming to Chappaqua summer 2018!)
This is more than your drop and workout kind of place. Features spaces created just for kids. Infant areas keep the littlest members separate from energetic toddlers and grade-schoolers. Dedicated studios provide room for yoga, art, dance and more. Kids Academy: a babysitter, coach and teacher in one, offering lessons in music, sports, yoga and crafts. Swim lessons for babies through age 12, plus stroke clinics and competitive swim team. Camps: Kids express creativity, pursue interests, learn new skills and just be a kid at summer camps and school break activities. Or throw a kids birthday party for your special little one that’s packed with activity.

​New York Sports Club- Croton-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Greenwich CT, Hartsdale, Hawthorne, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, White Plains
This is your basic kids playroom with toys and babysitting so you can focus on you.  From after school programs to summer camps, the kids programs offer endless educational and recreational fun. Discover our diverse array of activities, offerings vary by location. They throw action-packed birthday party celebrations where kids have a blast and parents don’t sweat it. Swimming is also available at some clubs.

Premiere Athletic Club- Montrose
​Premier Athletic Club in Montrose is a place your entire family will enjoy – even your little ones! They offer onsite childcare to members, providing  little ones with supervision and entertainment while you work out.  Ages 3 months through 10 years are welcome to play. In addition, kids between the ages of 5 – 10 years can come have a blast every weekend in the Kid Zone. Plus age-appropriate sports like basketball, soccer, kickball — all supervised by the fitness center staff. And don’t forget the bounce castle every Saturday and Sunday! They also offer parties and classes for kids.

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The Only Month-By-Month Pregnancy Guide for Black Women

Let’s face it: Not all pregnancies are created equal. African American women are at a higher risk for complications such as hypertension, asthma and preterm birth. That’s why Dr. Suzanne Greenidge-Hewitt and Yvette Allen-Campbell wrote this must-have pregnancy guide for women of color.
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Suzanne has over 26 years of experience as a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, and Yvette is a leader in education. Together they walk you through the multiple stages of pregnancy, advice on how to best avoid common health issues and dispel rumors, all with authority and personality. With month-by-month overviews, soul food recipes beneficial to pregnant women, checklists for doctor visits, a play-by-play of delivery options and even tips for keeping the romance alive, this book has everything you’ll need for the next 9 months and beyond.

With all your questions answered and all your fears laid to rest, Black, Pregnant and Loving It will allow you to enjoy your pregnancy and go on to deliver the beautiful baby you’ve been waiting for.

Meet Dr. Greenidge
Dr. Suzanne Marie Greenidge is an accomplished medical doctor and skilled surgeon specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She was an Assistant Clinical Professor of OB/GYN at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1994-2015 – for 21 years (appointment ended October 2015). An innovative and trusted pioneer in women’s health and well-being, Dr. Greenidge is also the founder and director of Woman To Woman OB/GYN, a comprehensive medical center for women based in Yonkers and Riverdale, New York.

Under Dr. Greenidge’s skilled management, Woman To Woman employs a staff of 20 women who provide superior quality, personalized OB/GYN care. Offering an all-inclusive approach to women’s gynecological and obstetrical care, expert services offered by Woman To Woman include obstetric and gynecological ultrasound services, office surgery (including colposcopy, Leep, D/C, endometrial biopsy & ablation, labiaplasty and vaginoplasty), and the treatment of fibroids, menopause and infertility. Equipped with state of the art equipment, Woman To Woman offers electronic medical records and online communication for appointments and electronic prescriptions, to provide the most up-to-date health care for women in a warm and embracing environment.

A practicing physician for 15 years, Dr. Greenidge has developed a keen sense of how to treat the medical issues women face, being mindful of each woman’s unique need. Her particular expertise in General Obstetrics, General Gynecology, Vaginal Surgery, Laparoscopic GYN Surgery and General GYN Surgery enables her to quickly understand the medical condition at hand, find solutions and execute surgical procedures with precision, grace and a very high success rate including use of the da Vinci robot. Dr. Greenidge is widely acclaimed for her expertise in the treatment of fibroids—earning her the title of “The Myomectomy Queen” among the many colleagues she lends support and guidance to—and she has a special interest in high-risk obstetrics, infertility and menopausal diagnosis and management.

Dr. Greenidge has an outstanding reputation and is well respected by her colleagues. She is a Senior Clinical Attending at St. Johns’ Riverside Hospital at Yonkers and Dobbs Ferry. She is a Board Certified Fellow of the American College of OB/GYN. In addition, Dr. Greenidge is a member of the American Board of OB/GYN, American Medical Association, National Medical Association, American Institute for Ultrasound Medicine, American Medical Management Association, Westchester OB/GYN Society, Medical Society of the State of New York, Westchester African American Chamber of Commerce and Sister 2 Sister International. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Greenidge frequently leads medical panels, offers keynotes and presents at conferences and symposia. She has received numerous honors and awards.

Dr. Greenidge began her career as a medical receptionist. Her hard work and determined spirit guided her completion of a BA degree at Smith College, a Doctor of Medicine degree from SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, and her OB/GYN Residency at Harlem Hospital/Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is a published author in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine and the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is an avid supporter of women’s achievement by offering continuous guidance and mentoring.

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​INTRODUCING 3D MAMMOGRAMS | Clear, highly focused 3-dimensional images make breast cancer easier to see and breast screening more comfortable. 

Three-dimensional mammography (also called digital breast tomosynthesis) creates a three-dimensional picture of the breast using X-rays. Several low-dose images from different angles around the breast are used to create the 3-D picture. A conventional mammogram creates a two-dimensional image of the breast from two X-ray images of each breast.

Three-dimensional mammography has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but isn’t yet considered the standard of care for breast cancer screening. Because it’s relatively new, it’s not available at all hospitals and mammogram facilities.  However, starting in November patients of St. John’s Riverside Hospital will have their choice to schedule their next mammograms as 3D or 2D.

3-D mammography technology seems to be being adopted faster throughout the United States than digital mammography was. Several studies have found that 3-D mammograms find more cancers than traditional 2-D mammograms and also reduce the number of false positives. A Feb. 2016 JAMA Oncology study looking at 3 years of data on breast cancer screening with 3-D mammograms has found that the benefits of 3-D mammograms last over time. "These findings reaffirm that 3-D mammography is a better mammogram for breast cancer screening," said Emily Conant, M.D., chief of breast imaging at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who was the senior author of the study.

3-D mammograms found more cancers than 2-D mammograms. Interval cancers are cancers that are found within 12 months after a normal mammogram. Rates of interval cancers went down slightly from 0.7 per 1,000 women screened with 2-D mammograms to 0.5 per 1,000 women screened with 3-D mammograms.  This is why St. John’s Riverside Hospital made the investment in this technology. 

​More importantly, patients report that the 3D mammography experience is considerably less painful.  That alone is a priceless benefit.

At St. John’s Riverside Hospital, we continue to pursue innovative procedures and make investments in cutting edge technology that keep at the forefront of superior healthcare and help create a new line of defense against the threat of breast cancer. In addition to 3D mammography, St. John’s Riverside Hospital has the award winning Ashikari Breast Center, high resolution ultrasound as well as a new state-of-the-art MRI that allows MRI-guided biopsy procedures with a dedicated breast coil providing enhanced imaging. These continued technology investments keep St. John’s Riverside Hospital competitive with big city hospitals but offer the relaxed atmosphere and close to home proximity that makes these routine exams less stressful.  Breast Care is available at the Yonkers and Dobbs Ferry locations. St. John’s Riverside Hospital is keeping the Community Strong.
 
Schedule your 3D Mammogram today at 914.964.4329.
 
St. John’s Riverside Hospital
FIRST NATIONALLY ACCREDITED BREAST CARE CENTER IN WESTCHESTER
FIRST TO PERFORM TARGETED INTRAOPERATIVE RADIATION FOR BREAST CANCER
PIONEER IN PROPHYLACTIC BILATERAL MASTECTOMY WITH IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION

By Lauren Lappen, Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant at Wee Sleep Solutions
​
The dreaded transition from daylight savings is upon us (the clocks fall back on Sunday, Nov 5, 2017)!  It often feels like we just recovered from one time change, and another is approaching.  “Falling back” can be particularly challenging for parents of young children. While folks without young kids are excited about an extra hour of sleep, those of us with wee ones actually have to get up earlier; our adorable, sleeping baby who used to rise at 6:30 am now wakes at 5:30 am (and yes, they’re slightly less adorable at that hour!).  So what can we do to help our kids adjust to this change (and keep our sanity!)?

In an ideal world, we could to begin to shift our children’s schedules a week ahead of time. Every few days we’d move their sleep and mealtimes later by 15 minutes, so that when the time change hits, they’ve already adjusted.  Despite this being the “official recommendation” for a smooth transition from daylight savings, I’ve yet to meet one person to actually do it (myself included with my own kids!).  The world outside our homes doesn’t accommodate such a gentle shift; school starts when school starts and you need to get to work on time, not 15-45 minutes late. 

Never fear! Here are some tips to help your children adjust to the new time.

Expose your children to lots of sunlight during the day.  Our circadian rhythms align with the sun, so exposure to natural light helps our bodies adjust to the appropriate time.

Be sensitive to your child’s needs and mood. The clock now reads 8 pm for your child’s regular 7 pm bedtime.  If you were used to protests at bedtime, you may have an easier transition, as your children should be more tired at the “new” 7 pm.  On the flip side, you run the risk of having an overtired child if you insist on bedtime being according to the clock. Accept that bedtime may be influx for a few days and that’s ok. It generally takes about a week for our internal clocks to shift, so know that any schedule change should be temporary.  To prevent an overtired child from unraveling, about 30 min prior to bedtime, dim the lights to help the body relax and transition to nighttime.  Room darkening shades can really help with this, too.  Keep the environment calm, and quiet before bed to help children unwind and ready to sleep. 

Stick with your bedtime routine.  If you don’t have a bedtime routine already, now is a great time to start. Children thrive on routines, so having one can be incredibly helpful to give structure to the time before bed.  A quiet routine is calming to them and helps them relax and ease into bedtime. It can be as simple as pajamas on, brush teeth, read a book/sing a song, lights out.  Don’t make it overly complex. You want this to be replicable daily, and easily done by a babysitter in your absence.  

Minimize exposure to electronics at least an hour prior to bedtime. This is true all year round, but especially now when we’re trying to help kids adjust to a time change. Electronic screens emit a blue light that mimics a bright, sunny sky and tricks the body into thinking it is daytime.  The result of this is that melatonin, the hormone that helps induce sleep, is suppressed, making it more challenging to fall asleep.

If all else fails, find a big mug and fill it with coffee. I’m sure you’ll be in good company!

Lauren Lappen is a Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughter Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.   
 
Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!