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.
​
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!

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St. John’s Riverside 5-Star Maternity  |  For the tenth year in a row, St. John’s Riverside Hospital’s Maternity Center has received a 5-Star rating and national recognition for quality and value that confirms our services surpass many maternity centers nationwide.

So what does a Five-Star Maternity Center offer a new parent? Comfort.
 
Comfort is being cared for by an outstanding, award-winning team of caring physicians and nurses who offer obstetrical care through every stage of a woman’s pregnancy. It is a team of doctors who take the time to get to know you and your family and ask questions to understand what is important to you. 
 
Comfort is resting with your baby in your own state-of-the-art luxury suite with majestic views of the Hudson River. Suites have private baths and sleeper chairs to comfortably accommodate partners. During your stay our chefs will provide a gourmet celebration dinner for the new parents. And, every day you can enjoy delicious homemade baked goods and fresh fruit from our afternoon tea cart. 
 
Comfort is about a staff committed to making your childbirth experience a memorable and personal event. Our board certified physicians and specially trained nurses provide you with the best medical care and support that a new family deserves. From the start, the team is available for private tours of the center before your stay. During your stay, you will receive individual attention as part of our comprehensive education program including lactation consultants that are available to provide instruction and support during your stay.
 
Comfort is having a team that works with you throughout your pregnancy and delivery.
 
Comfort is the knowledge that our recently expanded Neonatology Program will give you peace of mind. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and specially trained neonatal staff are available if your baby is born prematurely or has other special needs. Comfort is knowing your baby is safe.
 
Comfort is a maternity unit that keeps a patient and newborn’s protection top priority. St. John’s Riverside Hospital’s award winning safety program includes security protocols followed by maternity centers nationwide which include electronic tagging for infants. In addition, parents can take advantage of “rooming in” where newborns remain in the same room as their mothers for most of their stay.

Comfort is the knowledge that as a parent, you have made the first and very best decision for your child; you’ve chosen a hospital that has housed this top-ranking, leading maternity center for over one hundred years.
​

Visit out Maternity Virtual Tour at Riverside at RiversideHealth.org or call the Physician Referral Service at 914-964-4DOC (4362)

​We had a chance to sit down with Jordan Fried, the owner of JWF Lacrosse. Fried recently started his private lacrosse coaching business in Westchester County. His goal is to make private lacrosse coaching more accessible to Westchester LAX players who want to take their game to the next level. 
 
Why Jordan started the business:
Jordan Fried: No one helped me with the recruiting process growing up. I came up through the high school athletic system myself and encountered a lack of guidance along the way. As a result, I wanted to create a coaching business that would simplify the process and help more student athletes understand the recruiting system so they could get placed at their dream schools and do what they love to do- play lacrosse!
 
How Jordan became interested in lacrosse:
Jordan Fried: During my childhood, I was diagnosed with leukemia and was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering from 3-5. One day after receiving chemotherapy and walking to the car with my pole, I saw hundreds of people running in Orange jerseys in The New York City Marathon. I thought, “I’m going to do this one day.” Looking out the window and seeing those runners gave me hope that I too could run one day. My greatest vision was to beat cancer and to run just like them. Today, I am living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I beat cancer; I run annually in The New York City Marathon for Fred’s team (and wear an Orange jersey!) and live out my dream of playing and teaching lacrosse. The gift of running, freedom and hope was given to me when I almost lost my life, and I try to pay that gift forward with every student I teach. To me, lacrosse is not just about a love of the game. It is about the freedom to run, the freedom to win, the freedom to fight for what you believe in despite all odds being against you.  If I can do it, anyone can do it.
 
Working with Jordan vs. other Westchester County lacrosse coaches.  What you need to know:
Jordan Fried: As a result of playing internationally, I gained invaluable experience that taught me camaraderie and leadership skills. Lacrosse isn’t just about having the right skills on the field; it is also about knowing how to be a smarter player on the field. I teach my students a combination of the “soft skills” and the on the field skills they need to ensure success.
 
How coaching works with JWF Lacrosse:
Jordan Fried: I can coach you wherever is convenient for you- at a local field in Chappaqua or a local middle school of your choice.
 
How players can start preparing for Westchester County lacrosse this fall:
Jordan Fried: Lacrosse season officially kicks off in the beginning of March. However, if you want to play at the next level, you have to be playing lacrosse all year. Fall is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming lacrosse season.
 
Here are my top 5 ways to start getting in shape for lacrosse this fall:

1. Get on the field- Take advantage of the nice weather before it goes away. This is the ideal time to practice before it is below freezing temperatures.
   
   
2. Start getting in shape- If you aren't doing hockey or basketball, you will want to work on your skills and get in the weight room. I also recommend running, doing speed ladder work and different cone drills.
   
   
3. Stick Skills- Get on the wall and work on your stick skills. Being able to catch and throw left and right and being able to shoot left and right on the run is important.
   
   
4. Position specific- If you play defense, now is a great time to work on your foot work. If you are a middie, work on longer sprints. If you play attack, work on change of direction and dodging.
   
   
5. Lacrosse IQ- Start brushing up on your lacrosse IQ- if you play offense, understand the X’s and O’s of how an offense works. If you play defense, understand different slide packages and how defense works.

 
If you want to get ready for the upcoming season, you can sign up for the JWF Lacrosse ultimate warrior package, which includes strength conditioning, improvement of stick skills and the top 4 things to know for college recruiting. You can email me at jfried725@gmail.com or call 914-539-1279. 

ABOUT JORDAN FRIED, FOUNDER OF JWF LACROSSE
​
Jordan Fried is the Founder of JWF Lacrosse, a personal training lacrosse coaching company for Westchester County athletes looking to take their game to the next level. Having grown up in Westchester County and played at D1 level, Jordan knows the game better than anyone. He is passionate about coaching student athletes to succeed in all aspects of life. He currently coaches JV at Horace Greeley in Chappaqua, NY. Fried played Division 1 Lacrosse at Hofstra and played internationally.  He received a Masters from Hofstra University and majored in exercise science and is certified in strength conditioning. For more information, please email jfried725@gmail.com or call  914-539-1279. ​

Getting enough sleep is important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both personally and professionally. A person's health is directly affected by their sleep habits.  What many people don't know is that the quality of sleep is just as crucial as the amount of hours they sleep. Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz lectures to dental societies about screening for Sleep Apnea and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She practices general dentistry at Advanced Dentistry of Westchester in Harrison, NY where she also screens for and treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea. We sat down with her and discussed how Westchester Moms can get a better nights sleep during the upcoming holiday (and post election!) season.

Q: Who is in danger of not getting enough sleep?

Dr. Magid Katz: Anyone can be in danger of not getting enough sleep. There are many reasons for sleep deprivation. Too much work, crazy schedules, tending to children… with today’s busy schedules, people often do not make sleep a priority. What people do not realize is that by trying to gain more hours in a day, they are actually creating less productive and healthy hours. It is also important to note that even when enough time is set aside for sleep, not everyone may be getting the effective sleep needed. Sleep disorders, such as Sleep Apnea, can cause someone to have “mini-arousals” in which he or she wakes up multiple times an hour, sometimes every other minute, without knowing it. This is very exhausting on the body and does not allow the proper cycle of sleep needed for regeneration and repair. Despite having enough time for sleep, a person can be left tired and at risk for health consequences. One must set aside enough hours for sleep every night and make sure that the sleep itself is healthy and productive.

Q:  Are there sleep disorders that are more common with women?
Dr. Magid Katz: Women are more likely than men to have insomnia and report daytime sleepiness. Among other causes, this can be related to hormone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Hormonal changes may also be associated with weight gain contributing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which is a condition where the soft tissues of the mouth and throat block one’s airway and breathing for periods. An estimated 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, including one in four women over the age of 65. Younger women are not exempt from risk either. Medications, neck size, jaw position and shape, tongue level, and weight are only some of the factors that contribute to Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which can have serious health consequences over time.

Q: Why is sleep important?
Dr. Magid Katz: Sleep is a time for cell regeneration and memory consolidation. Sleep is important for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Sleep deprivation or poor quality of sleep can have immediate consequences, such as car accidents, and can contribute to chronic health problems. It can affect how you learn, think, work, and react to people. It is important to note that it is not just the amount of sleep that matters but the quality of sleep.   

Q: How could getting more sleep improve someone's health?
Dr. Magid Katz: Allowing enough time for sleep and making sure it is healthy, productive sleep is important for your health. It will help keep you refreshed and alert. It can improve your memory, mood, and concentration and help combat depression and loss of libido. Did you know that getting more sleep could help you lose or control your weight as well? It does this by balancing the hormones that affect appetite, food choices and other body signals. Healthy sleep also helps keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and acid reflux under control. Getting enough productive sleep can decrease inflammation and the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as keep your immune system healthy.

Q: How can Westchester Moms get more sleep?
Dr. Magid Katz: Here are the top 10 ways Westchester Moms can achieve a better night’s sleep this holiday season:

1. Keep bright electronics out of the bedroom. When phones have a bright light and continually light up while you are trying to sleep, it will disrupt your productive sleep.
2. Don’t eat too much right before bed. Cutting out food, specifically sugar and dairy, is pretty simple to do and very important. A full stomach keeps your body working instead of sleeping.
3. Don’t drink alcohol right before bed. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it will be an unproductive sleep and leave you tired in the morning.
4. Make sleep a priority by keeping a consistent bedtime and wake schedule, including weekends. Create a sleep routine that will help your body adapt to knowing when it is time for sleep.
5. Giving yourself enough time for sleep in the first place is key. Don’t think you can catch up on the weekends! Your body needs a certain amount of sleep per day, not in total.
6. Check your bedroom temperature. The ideal temperature for sleep is between 60 and 68 degrees. Any less and you’ll be chilled. Any more and you’ll be hot.
7. Don’t forget about exercise! Exercise is crucial in helping your body get a good night’s rest, but no sooner than two hours before going to bed.
8. Get a sleep study. If you snore or gasp while sleeping and have difficulty controlling your blood pressure, reflux, or blood sugar you're a prime target for a sleep study. Sleep studies can be done in a lab or even in the comfort of your own home. You may have a sleep disorder and not know it!
9. Partner Screening. If your partner can't sleep or keeps you awake due to loud snoring, get them screened, diagnosed, and treated so that you can not only sleep in quiet, but rest at ease.
10. Don’t ignore your (or your spouses) sleep disorder! If you have a sleep disorder, make sure to seek treatment to help your body maintain the correct amount of sleep.

About Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, D.M.D.
Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, D.M.D., lectures to dental societies about screening for Sleep Apnea and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She practices general dentistry at Advanced Dentistry of Westchester in Harrison, NY where she also screens for and treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea. For more information visit www.adofw.com.

About Advanced Dentistry Of Westchester
Advanced Dentistry of Westchester offers patients of all ages the latest in dental care available in less than 1% of dental offices. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester is run by Dr. Kenneth Magid, D.D.S., FICD, and Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, D.M.D. The practice offers a variety of services including family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry and works with patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester also offers technology that enables them to care for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester is located at 163 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY. For more information call (914) 835-0542 or visit www.adofw.com.