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The Brush Strokes of Success: Korth & Shannahan Painting Celebrates 45 Years

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When Will Korth first picked up a paintbrush 45 years ago, he had no idea that this paintbrush would one day lead him to owning one of the most successful painting businesses in Westchester: Korth & Shannahan Painting and Carpentry. What started as a summer job painting houses for the Shannahan brothers in Will’s hometown of Chappaqua turned into a more serious opportunity for Will as he quickly moved up in the company. Will honed his painting techniques and quality of work while up on the ladders in these early days. These foundational years of painting taught Will the mantra that he instills within himself and his team to this very day: Hard work pays off.

Today, you won’t find Will at the top of a 3-story ladder. He now spends his days estimating new projects and building culture among his all-star team of house painters. Will and his black Labrador, Luna, are known to stop by job sites for safety checks or to make color testing samples for his loyal customers. From its humble beginnings, Korth & Shannahan Painting has made a name for itself as the go-to company for interior and exterior painting, custom carpentry, lead work, and historical restoration here in Westchester County.

Will Korth

After 45 years of leading the residential painting industry in Westchester, Korth & Shannahan knows the key to making a happy customer. “The best painter really listens to what their customer wants. We pay attention to the ‘pain points’ our customers have, like being careful with their pets, protecting the vintage mirror from their great-grandfather, or making sure to cover the new bed of roses in the garden. “What matters to the customer must matter to you” says Korth. For a few lucky customers, Will has been personally taking care of their homes since he was a teenager. 45 years down the line, these customers still call him for their painting and carpentry work. When asked about these long-standing accounts, Korth “believes that its customer service that really drives the bus. There’s no replacement for a happy customer to build your business”.

Will sets the bar extremely high for himself and his team of professional painters and carpenters when it comes to the quality of their work. Each job the Korth team completes is executed to the highest level of workmanship, building trust among their clientele with each coat of paint applied. Unlike the competition, Korth is so confident in his finished product that he provides a 4-year warrantee on every job.

Will Korth (left) and crew, Summer 1980

What’s next for Korth? Will and his crew are gearing up for a huge summer of exterior painting. Will’s daughter Olivia, who handles the company’s marketing and recruitment efforts, is hiring new painters to join the team at a steady clip. At the height of the painting season in Spring and Summer, the crew is comprised of over 35 full-time foremen, painters and carpenters who are the core of the company. Olivia is already planning a huge barbeque for the crew, friends, and family in celebration of the company’s official anniversary date in mid-July.

The Korth & Shannahan team expects their 45th year of business to be the best yet. Decades of hard work have certainly paid off for this local, family-owned business. As Will says, “we’ve come a long way…I can’t wait to see where the business takes us next”.

To start your painting or carpentry project, call the Korth Painting office at 914-238-3588, visit our website korthpainting.com, or email olivia@korthpainting.com.

Advancing Stroke Care in Our Community

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Saving brainpower in stroke patients demands medical insight and quick thinking. At White Plains Hospital, the standard of care includes the most advanced technology and services.

Dr. Paul Lleva, Director of Stroke Services, White Plains Hospital

Each year, approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer strokes – 17% of which are fatal. With one of the most comprehensive stroke programs in the region, providing immediate and lifesaving stroke care is an area where White Plains Hospital and its newly appointed Director of Stroke Services, Dr. Paul Lleva, is proud to excel.

Board-certified in neurology, vascular neurology, neurosonology (or brain imaging), and internal medicine, Dr. Lleva currently sees patients at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in Somers and is working to further enhance the Hospital’s robust stroke care program. “White Plains Hospital has been building a world-class stroke program, bringing in top specialists and the latest technology and treatments,” Dr. Lleva says. “As we look to the future, our program aims to be the top advanced stroke care provider in our region and beyond.”

Recent notable advances in stroke care at the Hospital include:

Quicker Clot Busters. “For every minute elapsed after a stroke, a patient may lose 1.9 million neurons,” or nerve cells in the brain, says Dr. Lleva. The team at White Plains Hospital relies on the newest medicine, called Tenecteplase, to rapidly dissolve the clots obstructing blood flow. “This drug works very specifically against the clot, destroying it more quickly and more effectively than previous medications,” he says.

The Gold Standard Of Care. The highest-quality acute care currently available for strokes, a procedure called a mechanical thrombectomy, is currently being performed at White Plains Hospital. During this minimally invasive procedure, specially designed instruments are inserted into a large blood vessel in the groin through a small port and threaded through thin catheters to reach – and remove – blood clots in the brain within 24 hours from symptom onset.

To assist in these procedures, the Stroke Team at the Hospital also uses advanced imaging, called perfusion imaging, to differentiate salvageable brain tissue from irreversibly damaged brain tissue to pinpoint cases where mechanical thrombectomies will be most effective.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Software. This modern technology guides radiologists and neurologists toward the correct intervention within seconds. “Our team uses software that will detect the amount and location of salvageable brain tissue, as well as damaged tissue,” Dr. Lleva says. “As a tool for our care team, it provides a more uniform and consistent diagnosis in rapid time.”

24/7 Emergency Consultations. At White Plains Hospital, a neurologist is always available for an emergency consultation at the bedside, either in-person or remotely. “With telestroke services, a vascular neurologist can expeditiously see the patients within minutes of arrival, allowing us to quickly diagnose patients and get them appropriate care immediately,” Dr. Lleva says.

World-Class Team. The increasing complexity of stroke cases seen at White Plains Hospital has driven the recruitment of experts in neurocritical care and neuroendovascular surgery with decades of experience in treating and managing advanced stroke cases.

Smoother Recovery. After stroke, some patients will develop arm and leg spasticity, language difficulty, pain, inability to walk, and limited ability to care for themselves. These complications are addressed in our outpatient stroke center in collaboration with Burke Rehabilitation to improve patients’ mobility, lessen discomfort, and restore quality of life.

To make an appointment with Dr. Lleva at 325 Route 100, Somers, NY, call 914-849-5300.

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

Planning for the Unexpected: Protecting Yourself & Your Family with Estate Planning

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For many of us, estate planning is something we know we should do but often manage to postpone until some indefinite time in the future. But, putting off this part of your financial life could mean passing over an opportunity to preserve the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to create and to dictate your legacy on your terms.

Why You Need an Estate Plan

The primary purpose of estate planning is to ensure that you control how your assets are distributed. Estate planning is also about planning for unexpected events, such as physical and mental impairment, which may place financial strain on your family.
A well-crafted estate plan is likely to have multiple goals:

  • To protect your lifestyle
  • To provide for your family and others, including charitable organizations meaningful to you
  • To control distribution of your assets
  • To minimize estate taxes

Your Estate Planning Checklist

Depending on your goals, you may need to consider different tools, resources and strategies to help you develop an estate plan that reflects your priorities. Here are some important documents and services you may need to help protect you and your family in the event of disability:

  • A living will is a legal document containing your wishes regarding medical measures that might be taken to prolong your life in case of serious illness or injury.
  • A durable power of attorney for health care, also known as a health care proxy, appoints someone you trust to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
  • A durable power of attorney for financial matters gives someone legal authority to make financial decisions if you are unable to do so.
  • An inventory of important information includes information about your property, bank accounts, insurance policies, employee benefit plans, mortgages and debts. It also includes your estate planning documents and beneficiary designation forms.
  • Disability insurance can help replace a portion of lost income if illness or injury prevents you from working.
  • Long-term care insurance can help to pay for the costs associated with disabilities caused by age and infirmity, such as nursing home care.
  • Other important documents and services help to protect your family and your legacy in the event of your death:
  • Life insurance can provide financial benefits for your named beneficiaries if you pass away. Used strategically, life insurance can also help address other estate planning objectives, such as reducing the impact of estate taxes or charitable giving.
  • A will is a state-specific legal document that sets forth your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and the care of any minor children.
  • Trusts may be beneficial for a variety of life events and situations, including tax law changes, marriage, college saving, a child with special needs, serious illness, inheritance, and retirement planning.

The most difficult part of estate planning is getting started. Once you begin, you will find estate planning is a positive and constructive way to put yourself in control of your legacy.

Need help taking the first step? Working with a Financial Advisor can help you bring all the elements of your estate plan together to help ensure that you have an integrated strategy in place to protect yourself and your family.

Disclosures

Article by Morgan Stanley and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

Richard bloom is a Financial Advisor in 1290 Avenue of the Americas at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). He can be reached by email at Richard.Bloom@MorganStanley.com or by telephone at 212-893-7597. His website is http://www.morganstanleyfa.com/mayergelwarggroup

Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates. Not all products and services discussed are available at Morgan Stanley.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

This article has been prepared for informational purposes only. The information and data in the article has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. It does not provide individually tailored investment advice and has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. The strategies and/or investments discussed in this article may not be appropriate for all investors. Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.

Richard Bloom may only transact business, follow-up with individualized responses, or render personalized investment advice for compensation, in states where he is registered or excluded or exempted from registration, http://www.morganstanleyfa.com/mayergelwarggroup.

© 2024 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 6476982 03/24

Conventional Wisdom About Your Teeth

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All You Need to Know (and More) About Wisdom Teeth Removal

As parents, guiding our children through significant milestones in their journey towards optimal oral health is paramount. One such milestone often encountered during the transition to adulthood is wisdom teeth removal. While this procedure is commonly perceived as routine, its implications should not be underestimated. Delaying or disregarding the decision to remove wisdom teeth can have considerable consequences for oral health. As an oral surgeon, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of postponing or neglecting this essential procedure on patients’ oral health. In this guide, I aim to provide parents with valuable insights and answers to frequently asked questions regarding wisdom teeth removal, empowering you to make informed decisions for your child’s dental health.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, the last to emerge, typically surface between the late teens and early twenties. Despite their association with wisdom, these molars can bring about significant oral health challenges.

Necessity of Removal: While many wait for symptoms to arise before considering removal, proactive extraction can prevent potential complications such as pain, infection, cysts, and damage to adjacent teeth or orthodontic work. Early removal ensures optimal oral health and reduces long-term risks.

Timing is Key: The recommended age range for removal is between 15 and 25 when roots are not fully developed, leading to a smoother procedure and quicker recovery. Summer or holiday breaks offer convenient timing, minimizing disruption to daily routines.

Surgical Procedure: On the day of surgery, our team is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and straightforward experience for our patients, prioritizing both their comfort and safety. To begin, a member of our proficient team will escort you to a designated room, where we will carefully review anesthesia options to optimize your comfort during the procedure, which typically spans 20 to 60 minutes. Utilizing innovative techniques and advancements, patients experience rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort, typically lasting three to five days.

Pain Management: With skilled professionals, the procedure is quick and virtually painless. Post-operation soreness is managed through tailored pain control methods and prescriptions, ensuring comfort during recovery.

Ready For Removal? If your child is nearing the age for wisdom teeth evaluation or experiencing oral health issues, our team is here to help. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child’s oral health journey is smooth and successful.

White Plains Hospital Ranks Among the Top 5% Nationally for Safety

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White Plains Hospital announced today that it has been awarded the Patient Safety Excellence Award™ and Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ from Healthgrades. The Hospital is one of only two in New York and 79 across the nation to receive top honors in both categories. With these awards, White Plains Hospital ranks among the top 5% in the nation for patient safety and among the top 15% for patient experience.

Healthgrades analyzed more than 4,500 institutions, with safety honors given to those who scored highly in 13 quality measures determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Patient experience scores were based on patients’ perceptions of their hospital care, from cleanliness and noise levels to medication explanations and staff responsiveness. This is the 9th time White Plains Hospital has received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award.

“We are honored to continue to be consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation for quality care,” said Dr. Rafael E. Torres, Chief Quality Officer at White Plains Hospital. “Quality, safety, and the patient experience are at the center of everything we do and to receive these awards from Healthgrades highlights the efforts of our entire staff to deliver exceptional patient care.”

“We commend White Plains Hospital for going above and beyond to provide a best-in-class care experience for patients during their hospital stay,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data sciences at Healthgrades. “White Plains Hospital’s dedication to superior patient care is particularly impressive given recent declines in patient satisfaction scores across the country. We look forward to their continued leadership and commitment to ensuring the health and wellness of all patients.”

In addition to the Patient Safety Excellence Award and Outstanding Patient Experience Award, earlier this year Healthgrades named White Plains Hospital one of “America’s Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention.” A full list of White Plains Hospital’s accreditations and awards can be found here.

About White Plains Hospital  

White Plains Hospital is a proud member of the Montefiore Health System, serving as its tertiary hub of advanced care in the Hudson Valley. The Hospital is a 292-bed not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of providing exceptional acute and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas. White Plains Hospital has outpatient medical facilities across Westchester, including multispecialty practices in Armonk, Hawthorne, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Rye Brook, Somers, Yonkers and Yorktown Heights; and Scarsdale Medical Group locations in Harrison and Scarsdale.

The Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and in 2023, White Plains Hospital received another 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – the highest distinction offered by that federal agency for the second consecutive year. In addition, the Hospital received its third Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a distinction held by only two percent of hospitals in the country. In 2023, White Plains Hospital was awarded an “A” Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group for the 10th consecutive time.

https://www.wphospital.org/