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Summer Kidney Stone Prevention: Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy

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Hot weather and dehydration can create the perfect conditions for kidney stones. Learn how they form, when to seek medical care, and what you can do to help prevent them.

Dr. Fara Bellows counsels a patient.

As temperatures climb and hydration habits slip, doctors see a seasonal spike in kidney stones during the summer months–thanks in large part to dehydration. “The painful condition is very common, with about 10 percent of the population having a kidney stone at some point in their life,” notes Dr. Fara Bellows, a urologist at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in Scarsdale.

What causes kidney stones? While healthy urine contains many chemicals dissolved in fluid, those chemicals (including calcium, oxalate, uric acid, cystine, and phosphate) can crystallize when hydration levels drop, explains Dr. Bellows.

For some, tiny stones pass on their own with minimal discomfort. For others, stones can become lodged in the ureter – the thin tube that carries urine from each kidney to the bladder. Symptoms can include:

  • severe pain, often in the back or just under the rib cage
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • fever
  • bloody or cloudy urine

If your pain is not improving with over-the-counter pain medications, or if you have difficulty urinating, persistent vomiting, or a fever, you should seek care in an Emergency Department. A urine test and imaging can help determine the cause and guide treatment, which may include medication or, in some cases, a procedure or surgery.

The good news: while there are many causes of kidney stones, most risk factors are modifiable. Dr. Bellows recommends the following during hot summer months:

  1. Stay well hydrated. Most people prone to kidney stones should aim for close to 100 ounces of fluid daily to help produce enough urine to dilute stone-forming minerals. Individual fluid needs vary, so prioritize consistent intake and monitor your urine color, which should be clear to pale yellow.
  2. Watch your diet. Avoid foods high in salt, sugar, and fat. Limit salt intake to about two grams per day (roughly one teaspoon), and keep animal protein to one serving daily, about the size of a deck of cards.
  3. Make balanced choices. Limit alcohol and incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods into your diet.

Certain factors can also increase risk, Dr. Bellows adds, including a family history of kidney stones and conditions such as diabetes, gout, hyperparathyroid­ism, or a history of gastric bypass surgery. Recurrence is common: about three out of four people who devel­op a kidney stone will experience another.

As always, it’s best to consult with your doctor to develop a plan tailored to your individual risk. Bottom line: with the right hydration and dietary choices, many kidney stones can be prevented before they ever start.

To make an appointment with Dr. Bellows, call 914-949-7556.

This story originally appeared in Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.

 

Tick Season Is Here: How to Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease

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Tick season is ramping up across Westchester and the Hudson Valley, where Lyme disease remains a persistent concern. Experts say this year’s mild weather and active tick populations are a reminder to take precautions before spending time outdoors – even in your own backyard. Dr. Laura Rivera Pizzoli, infectious disease physician at Scarsdale Medical Group, shares what you need to know.

When is Tick Season?

Black-legged ticks–also known as deer ticks–can be active any time temperatures are above freezing. That said, the highest risk is from spring through fall, roughly April through November, when ticks are most active and people are spending more time outdoors.

How to Protect Yourself

The Infectious Disease Society of America recommends:

  • wearing long sleeves and pants
  • tucking pants into socks
  • using EPA-approved repellents (DEET, picaridin)
  • treating clothing with permethrin

After spending time outdoors, conduct thorough tick checks on family members in areas like the underarm, nape of neck, ears, navel, groin, and back of the knee. If your pets go outdoors, remember to check them as well.

Bathing or showering within 2 hours of outdoor activity and drying clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes can also be helpful. Early tick removal within 24 to 48 hours may prevent disease transmission entirely.

What To Do if You’re Bitten by a Lyme-Carrying Tick

 In most cases, a tick must be attached for at least 36 to 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Early symptoms usually appear within 3 to 30 days and may include:

  • a slowly expanding “bull’s-eye” rash
  • fever
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • muscle or joint aches

If left untreated, symptoms can worsen over weeks and may lead to complications such as arthritis, nervous system involvement, or heart rhythm problems. If you have been bitten by a tick and are concerned you may have been infected, contact your physician, as antibiotics may be recommended. Treatment of Lyme disease is tailored to symptom onset and duration.

Dr. Laura Rivera Pizzoli is a board-certified Infectious Disease physician at Scarsdale Medical Group. To schedule an appointment, call 914.723.8100.

This story originally appeared on Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.

White Plains Hospital Expands Its Team-Based Approach to Multiple Sclerosis Care

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Cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves (the nerves that transmit signals from the eyes to the brain), are on the rise in the United States, impacting nearly 1 million people nationwide. For many patients, a diagnosis can feel overwhelming and raise questions such as:

  • What does this mean for my future?
  • Will I be able to work or maintain my lifestyle?
  • What treatments are available?

At White Plains Hospital, patients have expanded access to specialized, comprehensive MS care close to home at its Multiple Sclerosis Center, which has been based at the Hospital since 2004. Over the years, the Center has continued to grow and evolve, expanding its team of dedicated MS specialists and broadening its treatments and resources for patients.  

White Plains Hospital is the only healthcare organization in Westchester designated as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program.

Coordinated Care Led by an MS Specialist

The Center is led by Dr. Ute Traugott, an internationally recognized MS specialist with more than 40 years of experience. She specializes exclusively in MS and related neuroimmunologic disorders and serves as Program Director, guiding a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary team.

“Certification by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is very important,” Dr. Traugott says, “as it assures patients that there is a highly qualified group of specialists forming a treatment team to provide the best and up-to-date comprehensive care.”

The program recently expanded with Dr. Mark Tullman as Associate Director, who brings two decades of MS-focused experience, and Dr. Samantha Epstein, enhancing patient access to expert care across the disease spectrum.

A Team-Based, Patient-Focused Model

With a team of experts working together under one roof, patients at White Plains Hospital’s MS Center experience care that is coordinated, comprehensive and supports every aspect of living with MS. Key benefits include:

  • Expert evaluation and diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis using MRI, blood tests, and spinal fluid analysis, distinguishing MS from related conditions.
  • Personalized treatment plans: Disease-modifying therapies tailored to reduce relapses and slow disease progression. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies to alleviate the daily symptoms of MS often play an integral part in patient care.
  • Access to advanced therapies: At this time, over 20 FDA-approved treatments are available. In addition, new medications are in clinical trials targeting inflammation and myelin repair.
  • Integrated specialty services: Physical and occupational therapy, urologic care, pain management, and mental health support.

In addition, the team meets regularly with colleagues specializing in neuroradiology to review complex cases, ensuring that every patient receives the most appropriate care.

Understanding MS: Symptoms and Diagnosis

“In patients with MS, the immune system attacks and damages the central nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves,” says Dr. Epstein. “That damage can result in weakness, numbness and tingling, vision problems, fatigue, and difficulties with coordination and balance.”

“There is no single diagnostic test,” Dr. Epstein adds. “MS is diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, neurologic examination, imaging, blood tests, and, if necessary, evaluation of spinal fluid.”

Specialized Care for Complex Conditions

Drs. Epstein, Traugott and Tullman also treat patients with rare autoimmune neurologic disorders such as:

  • Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
  • Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-associated disease (MOGAD)

“These conditions can resemble MS but require distinct approaches,” Dr. Tullman explains. “My focus complements Dr. Traugott’s leadership to care for patients at every stage – from newly diagnosed to long-term management.”

“We work closely with rehabilitation specialists and other subspecialists to address the full spectrum of patient needs,” Dr. Traugott says.

“Our goal is not just excellent clinical care, but an exceptional patient experience,” adds Dr. Tullman.

With the addition of new physicians and ongoing advances in treatment and research, the Center remains committed to providing patients with expert, coordinated care at every stage of their MS journey.

Learn more about White Plains Hospital’s Multiple Sclerosis Services.

Osteoporosis Fear vs. Facts: Why Many Patients Avoid Treatment

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Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease.” But its consequences are anything but quiet. The condition weakens bones, making them thinner, more fragile, and more likely to break, and a hip or wrist fracture after a minor fall is often the first warning sign. Understanding your risk and treatment options could prevent a life-altering injury.

Who Should Be Screened?

Screening for osteoporosis remains a major gap in care. Bone density testing is generally recommended for all women age 65 and older and for younger postmenopausal women with risk factors, such as family history of hip fractures. However, several high-risk groups are frequently overlooked:

  • Men over 70, particularly those with risk factors such as low testosterone levels. This includes men receiving androgen-deprivation or other hormone-lowering therapies for prostate cancer, which accelerate bone loss.
  • Women taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer, which significantly increase the rate of bone loss.
  • Individuals who are underweight (BMI ≤19) or women who are under 127 pounds, consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day, or smoke.
  • People taking chronic steroids.
  • Individuals with rheumatologic disease, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, alkalizing spondylitis psoriatic arthritis.
  • Individuals with endocrine disease, including: type 1 diabetes, hyperthyroidism, parathyroid disease.
  • Women who experienced menopause before age 45.
  • Adults over 50 with a personal or family history of fragility fractures, particularly fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, humerus, or pelvis.

Recognizing these often-overlooked risk factors can mean the difference between preventing a fracture and responding to one.

The Treatment Gap

Dr. Eric Rudin

Even after a fracture occurs, treatment rates remain surprisingly low. Many patients who experience a hip or wrist fracture never receive osteoporosis medication, despite clear evidence that they are at high risk for another fracture.

This treatment gap has serious consequences. Beyond mortality, fractures often lead to:

  • Loss of independence
  • Chronic pain
  • Long-term disability

Putting Medication Risks into Perspective

One of the main reasons patients decline treatment is fear of side effects. Media coverage and online discussions often highlight rare complications such as atypical femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw. While these risks are real, they are extremely uncommon.
In contrast, the benefits of osteoporosis medications are substantial. Many approved therapies reduce the risk of spine fractures by up to 50–70% and hip fractures by approximately 35-40%. For patients at high risk, the reduction in fracture risk far outweighs the rare possibility of serious side effects.

The Good News

Osteoporosis is both detectable and treatable. Bone density scans are simple, noninvasive tests that provide valuable information about fracture risk. Medications are effective, and lifestyle measures, including weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking cessation, and fall prevention strategies, further support bone health.

While osteoporosis may be silent, its consequences are not. If you or a loved one has experienced a fracture, has risk factors, or is receiving cancer therapies that affect bone health, it’s important to speak with a physician about screening.

With appropriate screening, informed discussions about medication risks and benefits, and proactive treatment when indicated, we can significantly reduce the burden of this common and often underestimated disease.

Insights from an Oral Surgeon: A Parent’s Guide to Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal

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As parents, we are always thinking ahead. From school schedules to extracurricular activities, planning plays a key role in supporting our children’s well-being. One important milestone that often gets overlooked is the evaluation and potential removal of wisdom teeth. Taking a proactive approach can make a meaningful difference in both the experience and the outcome.

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically develop between the ages of 16 and 25. In many cases, there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate them properly. This can lead to impaction, crowding, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. What makes this more challenging is that these issues do not always present with obvious symptoms. Problems can develop quietly, which is why early evaluation is so important.

When wisdom teeth are assessed early, we can identify potential concerns before they become more complex. In many cases, removing wisdom teeth during the late teenage years allows for a smoother procedure and a more predictable recovery. The roots are often not fully developed, which reduces surgical difficulty and lowers the risk of complications. Patients also tend to heal more quickly at this age, making the overall experience easier for both the child and the family.

Summer is an ideal time to plan for this procedure. With school out of session and schedules more flexible, families have the opportunity to approach surgery without the added pressure of academic responsibilities. This allows for proper rest and recovery without interruption. For students preparing to leave for college, summer timing is especially beneficial, ensuring they are fully healed before starting a new chapter.

Preparation is an important part of the process. Scheduling a consultation early allows time to discuss the procedure, review imaging, and answer any questions. It is also helpful to talk with your child about what to expect. Understanding the process can ease anxiety and help them feel more comfortable. Planning ahead for recovery, including time at home and a supply of soft foods, helps set expectations and creates a smoother experience.

On the day of surgery, the procedure is typically completed in less than an hour. Patients are cared for in a controlled and comfortable environment, with anesthesia options tailored to their needs. Our team provides clear post-operative instructions and remains available to support patients throughout the healing process.

Taking a forward-looking approach to wisdom teeth removal helps prevent unnecessary complications and supports long-term oral health. By planning ahead and utilizing the summer months, families can ensure a more relaxed and successful experience.

If your child is approaching the age for a wisdom teeth evaluation, now is the right time to take the next step.