Breast milk has often been called "liquid gold" because  it is incredibly beneficial for babies' growth and development and comes only from human moms, who are able to produce it.

Breast milk has benefits for babies, but not every mother is able to produce enough and many parents who adopt children would like them to get this healthy start.

​Fortunately, in Westchester County, breast milk for babies in need is available. The New York Milk Bank is the first comprehensive nonprofit milk bank based in New York State. They collect milk from carefully screened donors, pasteurize it and distribute to infants in New York State and the surrounding area. They currently serve 31 hospitals including these four Westchester hospitals:
Westchester Medical Center, White Plains Hospital, Phelps Hospital, and Northern Westchester Hospital.

So whether you want to give or receive milk, this is an incredible local resource for moms.
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Milk is being delivered in an usual way--  from women on motorcycles, who are are using their bikes to help moms and babies in need as part of a special program that is the first of its kind in New York. Dubbed the “milk riders,” the women are part of the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club. When they roll up to homes on their Harley’s carrying donated breast milk, it is cause for a celebration.

“When we had this opportunity to help mothers and babies, we were like, ‘we’ve got to do it,’” Sandra Fleming, of Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club, told News 4.

​“They delivered milk at midnight in the middle of winter to some of our hospitals,” NY Milk Bank Founder Julie Bouchet-Horwitz said. “They were amazing.”

​Babies like Viviana are thriving because of the donated milk. She was born by emergency c-section in May with doctors concerned that she may have suffered brain damage. Her weeks in the NICU made it hard for her mom to keep up her milk supply and now she thanks the “village” of people who helped her daughter.

“She does so well because of so many people,” mother Stephanie Noonan said. “We are just so grateful to everyone who’s involved. The women who donate, the bank and the ‘Milk Riders’ who deliver it.”
The donated breast milk is collected, tested and pasteurized at the New York Milk Bank in Valhalla – the only milk bank in the state.

​The 1,700 women who donated milk to the milk bank all went through a rigorous screening process. Since the milk bank opened three years ago, officials say it has helped thousands of babies – both in hospitals and at home – stay healthy.

The milk bank is always on the look for donations from carefully screened donors to provide breast milk for New York’s infants in need. So if you have a large supply of unused milk that you would like to give to someone who needs it, this is the perfect option.

If you are interested in donating, you must be screened for health concerns and communicable disease and meet the following basic requirements:

• In good health and able to breastfeed, with a surplus of milk.
• No use of nicotine products or regular use of milk enhancing herbs, including fenugreek or blessed thistle.
• Minimal use of medications. Call and they’ll help determine whether a medication is safe for milk donation.
• Willing to undergo a thorough health history screening and get a free blood test for communicable diseases.
• Able to donate at least 100 ounces of milk, unless you are a bereaved mother, in which case we will gladly accept any size donation.

They are able to accept previously frozen milk stored for 3 or 6 months prior to your approval date depending on the type of freezer you are using.

There are two convenient drop off locations in Westchester County:

Westchester Depot
19 Pine Avenue
Ossining, NY

The New York Milk Bank
401 Columbus Avenue
Valhalla, NY

Ready to get started? Fill out this form on their website or call 212-956-MILK (6455).

​When it’s freezing outside and the sun sets before 5:00pm, do you often find yourself just wanting to stay indoors, binge on Netflix, and scroll through your phone until it’s time for bed? When it’s cold and dark out, indoor activities – which often involve digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets – tend to take precedence. But what is all this screen time doing to our eyes?

With the prevalence of technology use at work, home, and play – by people of all ages – digital eye strain is becoming a significant concern. Cases of dry eye, blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and back pain and headaches are on the rise, and are associated with our ever-increasing use of devices as well as indoor light sources such as LED light bulbs, which all emit High-Energy Visible (HEV) blue light. In addition to the physical discomforts listed above, some studies suggest this blue light may also cause damage to eye health in the long term.
 
Other effects of increased exposure to blue light include sleep disruption: lower-energy blue light is beneficial to the eye in proper doses during the day, but when the eye receives too much blue light at night in the hours before bedtime, this can cause not enough melatonin (the hormone that signals it’s time for sleep) to be produced. Even moderate nighttime device usage – including pillowside social media scrolling, late-night online shopping, and “catching up on work emails” – can disrupt one’s circadian rhythm.
 
Research on the long-term effects of blue light exposure is ongoing, but as many eye care professionals have acknowledged, this is a growing issue positioned to become more serious as digital device use increases among the population. With daily hours spent in front of screens hitting double digits, people of all ages are advised to see their eye doctor regularly (once every 1-2 years depending on age, vision correction needs, health history and other risk factors) for a comprehensive eye exam to check both vision and eye health, and to discuss how to mitigate the effects of daily technology use on the eyes.

Eye care providers can prescribe eyewear (prescription or non) with Blue Defense lenses that cut glare and filter out the harmful blue light rays emitted from devices; children, whose eyes’ crystalline lenses are still developing, especially benefit from limited exposure. 

It is also important to modify daily habits when using devices, and the easy-to-remember 20/20/20 Rule is a great place to start: every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for at least 20 seconds, at an object 20 feet away. Also, be mindful of blinking – when you’re staring at a screen, blink rates drop, contributing to dry, red eyes. 
 
Our lives are become increasingly more “connected,” as countertop iPads replace cookbooks, novels are swapped for e-readers, and classroom chalkboards go the way of the 8-track. Today’s children are as savvy with a tablet as they are with Legos, if not more so – rendering proper eye care and protection crucial to ease the effects of digital eye strain, and prevent potentially more serious conditions.

Content Provided by Central Eyes Optical, a locally owned small business serving Hartsdale since 2000. Located in the Hartsdale Shopping Center at 161 S. Central Ave. 914.948.1700∙centraleyesoptical.com

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Just deciding that it’s time to start your family is cause for celebration! Because there’s just so much to do during this exciting time, here’s a checklist to help you focus on some of the tasks at hand now and during the subsequent nine months:

Understand your cycle. Timing is everything – especially when most women have just a three to five day window every month to get pregnant. Today there are tons of apps that can help you chart changes in your menstrual cycle and identify the ideal time to try for baby. If you have been attempting to get pregnant for over a year, your doctor can test you and your partner for infertility issues. Certain medical conditions can also affect your ability to get pregnant, so it’s always good consult with an expert. 

Make your health a priority.Your body is going to go through a lot over the next nine months – you want it in top shape, which means paying more attention to diet and exercise. Women who have underlying medical issues like diabetes and hypertension should be even more diligent about their overall health.

Stop smoking and cut down on caffeine as much as possible. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid soft cheeses (which may contain listeria – a bacteria common that leads to food poisoning that is not healthy for babies) but go ahead and enjoy that sushi! Research shows certain types are safe for pregnant womento eat. 

Exercise and activity is important before, during and after pregnancy -- after all, you’ll be creating, carrying and squeezing out another human being through your pelvis! A lot of women swear by prenatal yoga, which includes a variety of stretches (particularly targeting the hips and pelvis) and breathing exercises, to help ease discomfort both during pregnancy and during delivery. 

Find a good OBGYN. A good doctor is a must from the start. They will be your most valuable resource during your pregnancy. The birth process is extremely personal, so you will want to find an OBGYN who will be your partner and respect your personal preferences in the delivery room.
 “The single most important way to find an OBGYN is word of mouth, through people who have had that full experience,” says Dr. Yoni Barnhard, Director of OBGYN at White Plains Hospital. “Also, speaking with other health care providers in the community that you can trust is a good source of information, especially if you know any labor and delivery nurses.”

During the first visit, your doctor will take your medical history so they can be aware of any conditions or prior issues that would make conceiving difficult. They will discuss lifestyle issues and identify any bad habits that might work against you, such as smoking.

If you aren’t up to date on your exams, your OBGYN will do a Pap smear, take a urine sample and draw blood to make sure you are current on important vaccinations, including chicken pox and rubella. They’ll do a blood typing and Rh factor to keep handy in case complications arise during delivery.

Planning and surrounding yourself with a caring healthcare team will go a long way in helping to make this next phase of life a joyful and healthy one.

​You’ve picked a name and color for the nursery, but have you chosen your hospital yet? Many expectant parents don’t give this a second thought, thinking all hospitals are equipped to deliver babies, right? Not all hospitals have the same philosophy, equipment or level of staff expertise and specialty, especially in high-risk situations. As you plan for the delivery, it’s good to know you will be someplace that supports your personal preferences, has a philosophy that puts mom and baby first, and that you will be surrounded by a team of experts to handle every possible scenario. 

Here are a few critical questions to ask to make sure you make the right choice:

Is it baby friendly? In the old days (and not so old days), nurses would quickly scuttle baby away after delivery to let mom rest peacefully. But this doesn’t facilitate bonding or support nursing (and it’s not that easy to rest when your newborn son or daughter is way down the hall). A hospital that encourages “rooming in” practices, where the baby is with mom 24/7, facilitates bonding, helps mom rest more easily and helps her and her partner figure out how to change that diaper before they are left to their own devices at home. Of course, a hospital should be “mom” friendly, too. This includes providing women continuous support throughout labor, as well as afterward. Those who are exhausted after delivery need to know their newborn is well cared for in the nursery while they are getting some well-deserved recovery sleep.

Does it have an NICU? Don’t take for granted that all hospitals have one – they don’t, and not all are the same. In the event that a baby with critical needs is born in a non-NICU hospital or one not equipped for more significant care, they would need to be transferred to a different facility. Ask what level the NICU is, especially if you are having a high-risk pregnancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics assigns NICUs one of four levels – one being basic care, four being highly specialized critical care -- based on the complexity of care the hospital is equipped to provide, and the age of the premature infant. 

Does it have a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist? You probably have an OBGYN, and for most women with normal pregnancies, that’s all you need. But for women of a certain age or who are at risk for complications, MFM specialists are OBGYNs who completed a few extra years of training to subspecialize in high-risk pregnancies. Hospitals with higher level maternity programs have these physicians on-staff and on-call 24/7 -- not just for patients who have been monitored for high-risk issues all along, but in case of an unexpected accident or complication that arises during labor.

 Do the rooms offer privacy? New moms need sleep, bonding time with their baby, and the ability to have their partner or family with them for as long as they like or need. Breastfeeding is an important part of new motherhood, and new mothers need their personal space and privacy during feedings. With all the new regulations surrounding health information, you deserve to be in a space where your rights, and the rights of your baby, are protected at all times. 

If you’re having a hard time figuring out the optimal times that your baby should be going down for sleep you are not alone!  As pediatric sleep specialists, we often see parents struggling to find their baby’s natural sleep window.  
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Place your baby down to sleep when they are tired, but not yet overtired, a.k.a. the magic sleep window.   It should be simple, right?  We know it’s not always as easy as it sounds!  Below are some helpful hints at making this task easier!  

We recommend using wakeful periods based on your baby’s age as a guide for determining when your little one needs sleep.  Wakeful periods refer to the average amount of time your child can stay awake before becoming overtired.  Knowing those average times will make your lives much easier! A baby whose awake time is limited to an age appropriate length will be able to settle and drift off to sleep more easily, and will stay asleep longer, than a baby who has been awake and stimulated for too long a time.  

Typically, a newborn can only comfortably stay awake for 45 minutes to 1 hour before needing her next nap.  As a baby gets older that wakeful period will slowly stretch and by 4 months most children will be able to happily keep their eyes open for up to 1.5-2 hours.  By 6 months, usually 2-2.5 hours can be comfortably tolerated, and a slightly older baby may be able to stay awake and happy for up to 3-4 hours.
   
It is equally important to learn your little ones’ tired cues, which can include yawning, looking less alert, pulling his ears and rubbing his eyes. Watch your baby carefully and if you notice any tired cues (even prior to the end of their optimal wake window), begin a brief soothing routine and place him down for sleep.  The opposite is also true.  If the optimal awake time has passed, but you haven’t yet noticed any tired signs, you should still begin your soothing routine and place your baby down for sleep.  Some little ones are very good at hiding tired signals so be mindful of your baby’s wake time and put him down even if he seems ready to party!

Why is it so important to identify this magic window of time?  If your baby has been awake for too long he will become overtired, which means his brain has signaled for the release of cortisol, a.k.a the wakeful hormone.  An overtired baby will either be fussy and irritable, or will appear wide-awake and wired.  Either way, placing your baby down for sleep once they have already reached an overtired state will result in difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.  If you are able to identify your baby’s correct sleep window (by using the clock and sleepy cues as a guide) he will settle more easily and sleep more soundly.  The result: a happier, well-rested baby and family.

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!

By Joanna Winograd and Lauren Lappen; Co-Founders of Wee Sleep Solutions

​Almost everyone has a family member, friend, or coworker whose allergies have kicked in. Some say they never had allergies before or can‘t recall the last time it affected them. Nowadays, it seems rather common than previous years, which has everyone asking “why allergies are on the rise?”
 
The symptoms aren’t simple sneezes and runny noses anymore. Today’s allergies come with rashes, hives, cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, swollen tongue and throat, tight chest, and passing out. If today’s allergy sufferers don’t have an EpiPen or can’t call an ambulance, serious complications could result.
 
Science and the medical industry are finding new reasons every day why allergies are rising. The fact is that allergies have become more common since the mid-20th century. Preservatives, pre-packaged foods, climate changes, massive storms, and just about everything synthetic have combined to change the atmosphere in which we live.
 
Changing Lifestyles
Before city and suburban living became the norm, people lived on farms and in the country. From childhood, they breathed nature in all her facets. The immune system recognized potential allergens and would defend against them. Playing outside in early childhood refined the immune system.
 
With the increase in technology, people turned in their relationship with the outside for what one would a homebody lifestyle. They sat in front of TVs, played video games, texted, and talked on Skype. Central air conditioners replaced fresh air, and well water morphed into city water. Though these are changes that were imminent, they affect all of us.
 
Climatic Changes
Whether you call it a hole in the ozone, global warming, or other climatic word or phrase, the air surrounding us has changed and not for the better. In the last 10 to 15 years, the instances of asthma, allergies, and other lung conditions have skyrocketed.
 
The major climatic change that causes the trouble is massive storms. Storms are all about changes in temperature. These are triggers for air pollution, pollen, mold spores, and poison ivy.
 
Massive storms pass, leaving behind bacteria, viruses, mold, and other contaminants that set off asthma and allergy attacks. These are the basis of other illnesses, but asthma and allergy sufferers get hit the worst.
 
Stress
To understand how stress triggers allergic reactions, it would be a good idea to understand how the immune system works. First, pollen or other foreign particulate enters the body. The immune system thinks it’s an intruder because it came from outside. The immune system produces histamine, a substance forcing the body to expel the particulate through runny nose mucus, runny eye water, sneezes, and coughs. Now the immune system knows what the particulate is, how to expel it, and prepares for the next intrusion.
 
Stress is a little different. The particulates are there, but the stress hormones increase the allergic reaction. The “fight or flight” hormones kick in, which makes allergic symptoms worse. This might be why so many allergy medications, both chemical and natural, make you drowsy. If you’re sleepy, then stress hasn‘t taken a huge toll on you… yet.
 
Synthetics
If you take a can of something out of a six-pack ring, eat from a plastic or foam plate or cup, feed the baby from a bottle, carry home plastic grocery bags, or buy takeout in some kind of container, then you are using synthetics. If you wear it, chances are good the fabric is synthetic. Most fabrics made are from petroleum products. When they touch the skin, contact dermatitis is the result. When consumed from products made from petroleum products such as food containers, then allergies result. The only difference is one allergic reaction is inside, and one is outside. Asthma, allergic reactions and other lung conditions result from inhaling such synthetics for a long period.
 
Food Additives
Your red Jello, Vitamin D-fortified cereal and milk, and your vanilla flavored Coke are all about food additives. According to the FDA, additives can be natural or synthetic, and they classify both the natural and synthetic as “Generally Recognized As Safe”, or GRAS.
 
However, some additives cause allergic reactions. Some are preservatives that keep the product fresh or prolong shelf life. Others enhance colors, flavors, or fight botulism.
 
Common additives include Monosodium glutamate or MSG, sulfites which prevent foods from turning colors upon contact with air, sugar substitutes like aspartame, nitrates, and paraben among others.
 
While allergic reactions to food additives typically last only one day, allergic reactions are rare. This being the case, no recorded symptoms exist, so doctors treat the symptoms instead of the cause.
 
Prepackaged Foods
Today’s manufacturers produce varied foods for different brands. You could get a package of pre-made mashed potatoes you can just heat in a microwave. However, its preparation is a mystery to you. The manufacturers could have made the product in the same machine that a peanut product found itself an hour before, all unbeknownst to the consumer. Those allergic to nuts would get sick.
 
While there are sanitary procedures to which every food producer must adhere by law, trace amounts of allergens still get into prepackaged foods. By law, producers must label their prepackaged foods with a list of allergens it contains.
 
Precautionary allergen labeling or PAL has become prevalent worldwide. In fact, the National Institutes of Health tells of an American study in which contamination was worse in labels stating “prepared in shared facilities” to those stating “may contain.”
 
Add to this the fact that the law doesn’t require food manufacturers to list trace amounts of an ingredient. Those trace amounts could be allergens to someone sensitive to the ingredient.
 
Stay Informed With a Specialist
Dr. Kathryn Edwards is an allergist in Princeton and Robbinsville, NJ at the offices of the plastic surgeon Daniel G. Becker. Dr. Edwards’ star has blazed from her undergraduate time at the University of Delaware to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to a pediatric residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Edwards also trained at the prestigious National Institutes of Health.
 
Dr. Edwards’ 16 years in the Army involved treating her patients in Iraq as an allergist and immunologist. She treated seasonal and environmental allergies, asthma, food allergies, and skin conditions.
 
Her educational accomplishments include acceptance into the competitive fellowship program in Allergy and Immunology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, training at and being assistant chief at the National Institutes of Health, and being chief of allergy/immunology her last three years in the Army. Learn more about Dr. Edwards at the Becker ENT site.

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The time after delivery is known as the postpartum period and this is one of the most important phases in a woman’s life. As the body tries to return to pre-pregnancy state, the physical influences at this time can affect the long-term health of the mother. 

After undergoing radical changes for much of 9 months and an exhausting delivery process, moms are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities of childcare. Their body, specifically the pelvis never gets a chance to heal and recover. 
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Here are the 4 most common physical complaints of post-partum period. 

1. Urinary Incontinence: The “leaky” bladder is not just a problem during pregnancy, it persists in over 80% of women after giving birth! Often, the leaking happens with coughing, sneezing, running, etc. but can happen with almost any activity of daily life. The research shows that leaking does not go away by itself and should be addressed soon after delivery. 
2. Diastasis Recti: In simple terms, it is separation of the superficial layer of abdominal muscles due to excessive intra-abdominal pressure. Women usually notice a protruding belly or a “pouch/bulge” which is most evidentright after childbirth. Sometimes, the mothers notice that they still look “pregnant” after having the baby. The usual exercises for abdominals like crunches and planks can often hurt rather than help the problem. 
3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Sometimes due to weakness of muscles and ligaments, the organs like bladder, uterus and bowel can droop down outside the vaginal opening. Again, pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened to help support these organs back into their place. 

4. Lower Back Pain: Lower back pain is extremely common in new mothers and often multifactorial. All of the conditions explained above can compromise core stability and contribute to lower back pain. In addition to that, demands of childcare like frequent lifting, carrying, and breastfeeding, etc.can put repetitive stress on joints in the spine and pelvis.

What can you do? 
Postpartum Rehabilitation focuses on the health of new mothers by customizing the program to the unique physiological changes of pregnancy and demands of childcare. The program focuses on improving posture and alignment, strengthening trunk and pelvic floor muscles, and training in proper breastfeeding/childcare positions. It is important to know that all of the above conditions are closely related to each other and should be addressed as a unit. Often the lower back pain is caused by underlying pelvic floor weakness and won’t improve until incontinence is addressed. A good program looks at abdominal, lower back, and pelvic floor muscles individually as well as a coordinated system. 
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If you are pregnant or recently had a baby, give your body some much-needed TLC. See a Women’s Health Physical Therapist at Func Physio Physical Therapy and get back to things you love. Sooner the better!

Func Physio Physical Therapy
111 Brooke Street, 3rdFloor 
Scarsdale , NY 
Contact : 347 497 0500
www.funcphysio.com

Written by Nidhi Sharma, PT, DPT, OCS
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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

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Lice Free Noggins is an all-natural head lice removal service. We provide families with a safe and effective alternative to head lice treatment. Our in-home lice removal service is discreet, efficient, safe for the whole family as well as cost effective.  

Check out these top FAQs to help dispel some lice myths.

How are head lice spread?
Head lice do not jump or fly, they crawl. In most instances, head lice are spread through direct head to head contact. The transfer of a louse is quick and only takes several seconds. It is also possible to catch lice from sharing personal objects, such as hair accessories, pillows and hats, although this transfer method is less frequent. A healthy louse is clinging on to an individual's hair as this is where their home is, and will not willingly leave to go onto an inanimate object. When a louse is found on an object, it is likely in the process of dying.

What kind of hair do head lice prefer?
Having a head full of hair makes an individual susceptible to head lice. A louse will not discriminate and will happily inhabit any types of hair - curly, straight, dyed, clean or dirty.

I heard that head lice like clean hair - is that true?
It is true that head lice prefer clean hair, only for one simple reason, it is more difficult for them to transfer and cling on to hair which is oily. However, once on a head, a louse will make a home in any type of environment, as long as there is enough hair to provide warmth for their nits to incubate.

Can I still have head lice if I dye my hair?
Head lice are resilient little buggers and can survive through most hair salon treatments. Having hair dyed does not make an individual resistant to head lice. However, the dye does color the nits, making them more difficult to identify visually. For those with recently dyed hair, a comb out check is always recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

Will a flat iron kill head lice?
Yes, and no. In theory, the extreme heat from the flat iron would kill live lice, if it was to come into contact with one. However, when such strong heat is applied to the head, a louse would quickly flatten against the scalp. This would prevent the iron from having direct contact with a louse, and therefore, would have no effect on eliminating head lice.

What is the best treatment for head lice?
There are no shortcuts to treating head lice. The most effective lice removal treatment involves a thorough, meticulous combing, using a professional stainless steel nit comb and a non-toxic, pesticide-free product. Over the counter medications, such as Nix and Nix, contain harmful ingredients, such as permethrin, which are not only ineffective due to lice developing a resistance to the medication, but also do not kill nits (eggs). As a matter of fact, there is no product on the market which is strong enough (toxic enough) to penetrate through the shell of a nit. If not properly combed out, the remaining nits start to hatch shortly after and the infestation continues.  This process leaves parents frustrated and confused and is usually when a lice professional gets called in.  Our lice removal process guarantees to leave no nits behind. Our comb out process removes each and every viable nit and louse.

Can I have head lice if I don’t itch?
Absolutely! One of the most common assumptions which I hear is that, if an individual does not itch, then they surely do not have head lice. This is incorrect. Feeling itchy is an allergic reaction to the saliva of a louse. Although most people do develop a sensitivity to their saliva, for some, it may take as long as 4-6 weeks before a reaction occurs while for others, it may never develop. If a household member is diagnosed with head lice, it is important to check the rest of the individuals who reside in the same home, regardless of whether they itch or not. By skipping this step, the likelihood of spreading lice within the household members remains.
 
Our Process
Upon arrival, our highly trained lice experts would carefully diagnose head lice and/or nits (eggs), apply our natural, pesticide-free lice removal treatment and begin a meticulous elimination process.  After removing all viable lice and nits, our staff would educate you and your family on how to delouse the home and prevent a future re-infestation. Our lice team are dedicated to taking the stress out of head lice removal and are known for making the process fun for kids. We guarantee, after just one treatment provided by our expert lice team, there will be no lice or nits left behind.


Why spend hours at a lice salon waiting for your turn?  Our in-home lice treatment option provides an opportunity to continue with regular home activities after being checked and/ or treated.  We charge an affordable flat rate based on length of hair. Many lice removal services charge by the hour, which can add up rather quickly. We never charge hidden fees - no travel fees, no holiday fees, no evening or weekend fees. We have successfully treated thousands of families in New York City and are now offering our lice removal services in Westchester.

Lice Free Noggins
Professional In Home Head Lice Removal Services
914-218-6390

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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.

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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.

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

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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)

New year, new you? When many of us think about a makeover we automatically envision a new hair style, a new wardrobe and makeup. But what if there was something else that could transform your look? We had a chance to sit down with Dr. Kenneth Magid of Advanced Dentistry of Westchester who taught us everything we need to know about Smile Makeovers. 

Q: What is a smile makeover and how do I know if it would help me?
Dr. Ken Magid: A smile makeover uses techniques such as bleaching, bonding, cosmetic contouring, and porcelain veneers to provide a beautiful and natural-looking smile. A smile makeover can correct unsightly spaces or broken-down teeth, and change the color of teeth darkened with age. Studies have shown that a beautiful smile can make you look over 15 years younger. To know if a smile makeover would benefit you, we can take a photograph and alter it to let you see what you would look like with a new smile. 

Q: How do I know I will like my smile after a “makeover”? 
Dr. Ken Magid: With our process, you will know what the final outcome will be before anything is done, and you have input and control over the final result. With just a photo sent to our lab, you can see your new smile and make any changes you would like. Once you decide you love the look of the new you, we create the makeover first on models and then in the temporary veneers you will wear during the process. You get to “try out” the new look in your own smile and get the opinion of your significant others. Once you love the look of these trial veneers, the porcelain veneers are created, and you leave with the smile you’ve always wanted. The only surprises are happy ones.

Q: Can I eat anything I want with veneers?
Dr. Ken Magid: Absolutely. Ribs, corn on the cob, apples, anything reasonable can be eaten with veneers. The one restriction is teeth are not tools! No opening bottles, tearing cloth, biting pens, and NO nail biting.

Q: How long do porcelain veneers last?  
Dr. Ken Magid:  We’ve got smile makeovers done with veneers that have been there for over 30 years, and they still look great. You can generally expect to get many years and often even a lifetime from this service. Porcelain veneers don’t stain or darken with age, and functionally they can restore and strengthen damaged teeth.

Q: What should I look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist:
Dr. Ken Magid: Here are the top 4 things to look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist. The first thing I always ask a new patient interested in cosmetic dentistry is, “What are you unhappy about with your smile?” It is important to know what someone wants to change before presenting new smile options. Through advanced technology and computerized cosmetic makeovers, we can completely alter your smile in as little as 2 visits. If you are thinking about choosing a cosmetic dentist to enhance your smile, it is important to know what to look for, and the right questions to ask. 

1. Check Credentials: What are the dentists credentials in aesthetics? Thoroughly research their credentials before choosing a cosmetic dentist. As a baseline, they should be published on aesthetics and should frequently lecture on aesthetics. They should also be teaching aesthetics at a university level. 
2. Know Their Process: Have a thorough understanding of the cosmetic dentists process for smile makeovers. For example, does the patient have control of the process, or does the doctor? Does the patient know in advance what they will look like? With our digital cosmetic makeovers, patients can see what their smile will look like and get input from friends and family. This is critical to ensuring your level of success with a smile makeover. You should know in advance you will be happy with the result. Our motto is, no unpleasant surprises! 
3. Ceramist: Be sure to thoroughly research who the ceramist is. For example, are you working with a high-level ceramist or a commercial lab? You won’t get the same results with aesthetic ceramics, and they will look opaque. 
4. Ask to see a Veneer: Veneers should not be monochromatic. Be sure to ask to see what an actual veneer will look like. Just like fine china is translucent at the edge, so are veneers. The color comes from within. 

Dr. Kenneth Magid, DDS, FICD, is Assistant Director of Honors Esthetics and Associate Professor of International Esthetics at NYU College of Dentistry and teaches other dentists from around the world the techniques and artistry of creating beautiful smiles Dr. Magid, DDS, FICD and Dr. Magid-Katz, DMD have created the beautiful smiles for numerous TV and magazine makeovers, celebrities, and your Westchester County neighbors.

Advanced Dentistry of Westchester
163 Halstead Avenue
Harrison, NY 10528
914-835-0542
www.adofw.com

​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. ​

The winter season is fast approaching, which means lots of cold weather and lots of school vacation breaks.  At Pine Brook Fitness, our amazing facility has a bunch of awesome programs and activities to keep your kids busy, in shape, and having a ton of fun.  ​
​

Rock Climbing at The Rock Club
Bring your kids to The Rock Club for a fun day of indoor climbing in our 10,000 sq/ft. gym. Your kids are guaranteed to have an amazing time, get great exercise, and have a day to remember. Spend the day bouldering or traversing, or top rope climb with our Rent a Belayer.  Kids love rock climbing, as it is such a natural sport and activity full of encouragement, exercise, and good times. 
 
Vacation Mini Camps
At Pine Brook Fitness, we offer a number of Vacation Mini Camps.  These camps typically are scheduled during any seasonal holiday breaks such as Thanksgiving, Holiday Season, and February Break.  It’s a great opportunity to keep the kids busy and give them fun activities to do during the cold winter months. You can choose a tennis minicamp at The New Rochelle Racquet Club or a rock climbing minicamp at The Rock Club.
 
The New Rochelle Racquet Club offers numerous vacation mini camps throughout the year.  These super fun camps function similarly to our summer camps and are typically broken down into three time slots (morning, afternoon, and full day) and by age group.  Any child from the ages of 6-16 is sure is have a great time.  These camps not only keep kids busy during their days off from school but also give them an amazing opportunity to get exercise in a great environment and exposure to the sport of tennis.
 
The Rock Club offers two time slots for vacation mini camps, morning and afternoon.  These camps cater to ages 6-14 and are grouped accordingly. Your kids will have an incredible time climbing and be able to participate in in super fun activities like gaga ball, obstacle courses, crate stacking, and much more!
 
Here are a few we have scheduled so far
 
New Rochelle Racquet Club Camp
Thanksgiving Day Camp Nov. 25-27th
Winter Break Camp
 
The Rock Club
Winter Camp Week of Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
Presidents Camp Week of Feb. 20 ​
​

​Birthday Parties at The Rock Club
Our large and spacious facility at The Rock Club allows us to host all types of events and parties.  Adding climbing to a birthday party will leave you and your guests with a wonderful and memorable experience.  We have plenty of space to accommodate large groups as well as a separate party room for you and your guests to enjoy.
 
Additionally, The Rock Club is able to host Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs as well.  We have hosted numerous Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs over the years and the feedback could not be better.  Our patrons are always thrilled with the unique experience that climbing brings to their special event.
 
Lessons
We offer numerous private, semi-private, and group tennis or rock climbing lessons.  If your child is eager to improve their current skill set and take their game to the next level, this is the best choice for them.  Our professional instructors will help your children to excel and advance in their sport.  These programs are designed for those who wish to improve and take their sport seriously.  The vacation mini camps are geared more for those who just want to have fun while the private lessons build on that base and provide the best opportunity for their personal development.
 
Tennis and Rock Climbing Kids Programming
With the winter season fast approaching, we excited to announce that enrollment for winter is open.  We offer a variety of programs depending on your child’s age and skill level.
 
The New Rochelle Racquet Club offers three basic junior programs: TAUT (Ten and Under Tennis), Junior Programs, and TTP (Tournament Training Program).  Each program is designed to enhance your child’s skill set based on their age and experience.  Whether your child is beginner or seasoned player, we are sure to have a program that suits their needs.
 
Here is a short video with our TAUT Director Dimitri as he explains what make the New Rochelle Racquet Club TAUT Program so special.
 

The Rock Club offers a variety of kids programs to keep them busy and fit during the winter.  We offer a variety of programs to appeal to various age segments and skill levels; Biners (ages 3-6), Rockhangers (7-11), Girls Rockhangers (7-11), and Club Rock (12-16).  Additionally, we offer flash climbing programs, which allow your child a quick 1.5 hour session to get your child to the next level of climbing, quickly and efficiently. 
 
Annual Climbing Competition
We’d also like to announce that we will be holding our yearly climbing competition at The Rock Club in March (exact date TBD).  This is a great opportunity for serious climbers to compete in a great local comp.  This comp will be open to those who are ages 16+. 
 
Keeping the kids occupied during time off from school is always a challenge.  We hope this blog provided you with some ideas and gave you some inspiration for fun and healthy activities for your children. We encourage you to stop by our website or give us a call to learn more about the various programs, winter scheduling, and answer any general questions you may have.  Thanks for reading and hope you all have a wonderful fall and winter season.
 
Pine Brook Fitness
130 Rhodes Street
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914.636.1019
www.PineBrookFitness.com
 
Pine Brook Fitness is The Rock Club, The New Rochelle Racquet Club, and The Studios.

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.

Dr. Sabrina Magid Katz of Advanced Dentistry of Westchester Offers Advice on Healthy Treat Alternatives to Give to Kids on Halloween.

Every Halloween, kids take joy in trick-or-treating and revel in the many great treats they collected. You’re not going to be able to stop them from getting the candy, but when trick-or-treaters come to your door this year, you can provide healthy alternatives that can also be a big hit.

Joy in Toys. Small toys available in online catalogs are great options and don’t have to break the bank. Kids love playing with toys as much as they love eating candy and they last longer too.

Healthy Snacks Also Taste Good. This year, we are giving out spry mints and gum which help to prevent tooth decay. This treat should not be given out in large quantities and should not be given to very young children. Other healthy alternatives include little packs of carrots and pretzels. Parents will appreciate that you went the extra step to provide a healthy treat.

Choose Candy Wisely. If you have to give out candy, dark chocolate is a much healthier option and is better for your teeth then other candies. Avoid sticky and sour candy, which helps to dissolve teeth. Avoid fruit by the foot, it’s like gluing sugar to your teeth!

Remember, let your kids eat as much candy as you want on Halloween night but the next day make sure it’s out of the house. Stay safe and never eat unwrapped or unsealed candy. Although horseplay is part of Halloween, a little common sense avoids traumatic injury.

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, DDS, FICD, and Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, DMD. 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.

Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz of Advanced Dentistry of Westchester Shares Top Tips to Protect Your Children’s Teeth this Fall!

When it comes to playing sports, safety is the number one priority. Unfortunately, dental injuries are not uncommon when it comes to sports-related incidents. Here are our top tips to protect your children’s teeth during the back to school sports season.

Wear a mouth guard
The best way to prevent a dental injury is to wear a mouth guard. You don’t want your child’s teeth to be knocked out, broken or chipped. Before purchasing a mouth guard, talk with your dentist. Your dentist knows your child’s mouth the best. They know the appropriate suggestions for which mouth guard should be purchased. It is extremely important the mouth guard fits your child’s mouth properly. You do not want it to fall out while your child is on the field playing sports.

Maintain a healthy diet to build strong teeth and gums
By staying away from sugary snacks, you are building strong roots in your gums. When it comes to your child’s diet, limit soft drinks and sugary foods that promote tooth decay. Replace the candies, soda, and potato chips with fruits and vegetables. If your child does consume a sugary snack, the best thing they could do is drink water and brush their teeth. The water helps rinse away bacteria and brushing your teeth gives your child a good cleaning. The stronger your child’s teeth, the better protected they will be when playing a sport.

Take your child to the dentist twice a year
Taking your child to the dentist more than once a year might seem like a lot, but it is the easiest way to prevent any dental problems from forming. The dentist wants to keep your child’s teeth in tip-top shape. If any problems do occur, your dentist can fix it before it gets worse.
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Encourage good hygiene at home
From a young age, you want to encourage good dental hygiene in your children. Keeping good hygiene at home includes: brushing your teeth twice a day or after every meal, flossing at least once a day, and changing your toothbrush every three months. Good hygiene will help make your children’s teeth strong and prevent any injuries from occurring.

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, DDS, FICD, and Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, DMD. 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.

Summer is a time for pool parties and BBQ’s, but it is important to keep those pearly whites healthy too! Chips, sodas and sugary drinks are favorites of many people, but are also dental health dangers. Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz of Advanced Dentistry of Westchester shares the top cavity culprits to look out for this summer and her favorite healthy substitutes. 

Lemonade 
When people think of summer, they often think of lemonade. What they may not think about is how sipping on this refreshing drink is affecting their teeth. Not only does the sugar in lemonade feed the bacteria in your mouth, but even the sugar-free lemonades have acid. It's the acid that actually causes tooth wear and decay. “When people talk about sugar causing cavities, what really happens is that the bacteria eat the sugar and produce acid which erodes the teeth. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your mouth to recover from the acid, so how often you sip or snack is actually more important to your teeth than how much,” said Dr. Magid-Katz. For a healthy substitute, try cucumber-infused water instead. It's just as refreshing on a hot summer day and good for you too!

Dried Fruit
Summer is a great time for fruit! Make sure to opt for fresh fruit instead of dried. Not only are many types of fruit in season now, but eating them fresh is a much healthier alternative. The dried fruit is sticky and holds on to your teeth for extended periods of time, constantly feeding the bacteria in your mouth and causing cavities. When eating any kind of fruit (or any food at all for that matter) beware of hidden pits that can break teeth and seeds that can hide under your gums and in the grooves of your teeth. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly to keep the seeds out!

Gummy Candy
While gummy candy can be tempting this summer, it is one of the top cavity culprits! Be sure to avoid sticky candies and sour candies. “Sour candies get their sour taste from acid, which dissolves teeth,” said Dr. Magid-Katz. The sticky part of the candy sits on teeth and feeds bacteria. Go for the dark chocolate instead of the sour patch kids. Also avoid fruit by the foot. Fruit by the foot is many things, but fruit isn't one of them. It is like gluing sugar to your teeth. 
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“Healthy” sticky snacks
Granola and raisins are considered “healthy” snacks that are actually dental dangers. These snacks are prone to sticking to teeth and contain substances that help keep bacteria in the mouth. As a healthy alternative this summer, opt for a less sticky “healthy” snack such as celery. Celery has lots of fiber and water, which is good for your whole body. Try some nut butter on it for an extra boost.

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, DDS, FICD, and Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, DMD. 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. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.