The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Northern Westchester Hospital

COVID Recommendations are a Moving Target

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Editor’s Note: We contacted Northern Westchester Hospital for guidelines on the latest news surrounding COVID, for thoughts on breakthrough infections, vaccinations and mask wear. Here, expert insights and advice from Debra Spicehandler, M.D., Co-Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northern Westchester Hospital

By Debra Spicehandler, M.D.

To mask or not to mask? That is just one of the questions generating confusion as the CDC tries to nail down current COVID recommendations as the very contagious Delta strain gains traction. We continue to learn more, but the Delta variant appears to cause more severe illness and may spread as easily as chicken pox. In addition to a growing number of breakthrough infections among the fully vaccinated, it appears that symptomatic vaccinated people can also spread the Delta variant.

Dr. Debra Spicehandler

During the past few weeks, New York seemed to have pushed COVID back to the point when people felt comfortable eating in restaurants, attending weddings and going back to the office.  Not so fast. Almost overnight, the Delta variant has become the dominant COVID strain, and we are seeing rates of infection rise especially among the unvaccinated.

Here is what we know:

Being vaccinated is key, but vaccine hesitancy persists, and there is discussion about mandating vaccines among certain groups, including healthcare workers.

We are now seeing breakthrough infections even among people who are vaccinated as a result of the now dominant, highly contagious Delta variant. The good news is that breakthrough infections among the vaccinated seem mild, in most cases, and do not require hospitalization. It is unclear whether people with breakthrough COVID cases will have any of the long-term effects we’ve seen that include cardiac issues, long-lasting fatigue, lung problems, joint pain, and brain fog.

Though we have not seen definitive data, federal health officials announced both vaccinated and unvaccinated people who contract the Delta variant of COVD may carry similar levels of viral load and spread the disease even when asymptomatic. A recent New England Journal of Medicine study of 1,497 vaccinated Israeli healthcare workers found 39 breakthrough infections with three quarters of those people showing a high viral load.

This information raises other questions: if we are seeing more breakthrough infections, is it because the Delta variant is more efficient, or does the efficacy of the vaccine wane over a certain period of time? And, if so, how long do vaccines last?

It is beginning to look as though people who have been vaccinated will soon need booster shots.

As COVID rates rise, the CDC recommends that even fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors where transmission of the virus is high, such as New York City and surrounding suburbs, including Westchester. Since the virus is rising in New York, I recommend caution. It is still okay to be outside without a mask if you are vaccinated, but it looks like indoor masking should be reinstituted, and people should follow the most updated guidelines on the CDC website. This is an evolving situation. Even if we know people have been vaccinated, we cannot be sure that someone has not been exposed to the Delta variant.

For the vaccinated, COVID symptoms can be extremely mild. But if you are concerned that you may have COVID–especially if you have other co-morbidities–then get tested.

Patients who test positive and are at high risk for developing a severe infection may be eligible for infusions of monoclonal antibodies. This risk group includes people 65 and older, who have diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac disease, obesity, asthma or who are immunocompromised.

Because recommendations are changing so quickly as we learn more, check the CDC website for the most current information. And, if you think you may have COVID, check with your physician. For more information, visit Northwell’s Digital Resource Center.

 

 

Northern Westchester Hospital Reaccredited as Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation

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Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) has been reaccredited as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an independent, internationally recognized patient safety organization. The Robotics Program at NWH has held the designation since 2017. This year, several surgeons from various specialties were also designated as Surgeons of Excellence. 

P Surgeons in Northern Westchester Hospital’s Robotics Program (L-R): Warren D. Bromberg, MD, FACS, urology, director of the Institute of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery; Michael Shaw, MD, obstetrics and gynecology; Maud Lemercier, MD, general surgery; Amanda Messina, MD, general surgery; Darren I. Rohan, MD, thoracic surgery; Doreen Sicotte, FNP, Supervisor, Advanced Clinical Providers; Bruce Molinelli, MD, general surgery; Sue Zhou, MD, urogynecology; Navid Mootabar, MD, obstetrics and gynecology.                Photo By: John Vecchiolla

To qualify for accreditation, the NWH robotics program and its physicians underwent a rigorous, top-to-bottom review by SRC, which evaluated all aspects of care, from pre-op evaluation, surgery, post-anesthesia, discharge, post-operative care and patient outcomes. The review looked at surgical floors, intensive care units, and emergency rooms, as well as robotics education for staff and patients. According to SRC, its requirements for accreditation have been shown to improve outcomes and reduce the time patients spend in the hospital.

            “Research indicates that there are better outcomes for patients when physicians perform more surgeries, and these designations reflect Northern Westchester Hospital’s excellence as a high-volume center,” says Dr. Bromberg.  “Our COERS designation would not exist without our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgical technicians.  The leadership within our robotics program creates a systemic culture of excellence that is committed to improving the safety and quality of patient care.” He added, “NWH’s robotic surgery capabilities enable our surgeons to perform less invasive surgery with a greater level of precision. Our patients benefit from: lower risk of infection, decreased blood loss, earlier discharge from hospital, faster recovery times, less postoperative pain and minimal scarring.”

            “We’re proud to recognize Northern Westchester Hospital for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this hospital is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”

Northwell Health was the first health system to receive the Network of Excellence in Robotic Surgery designation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). Northwell’s designation came on the heels of SRC recognizing four of its hospitals for their robotic surgery expertise: Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center in New Hyde Park, Huntington Hospital, Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, and South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore. Currently, Northwell Health’s accredited hospitals include: Lenox Hill Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, Marzano Center at Huntington Hospital/Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, Northern Westchester Hospital and South Shore University Hospital.

For more information on the NWH Robotics Program, visit https://nwh.northwell.edu/robotic-surgery. To learn more about SRC and the accreditation process, visit www.surgicalreview.org.

News courtesy of Northern Westchester Hospital and Northwell Health.

Mid-Westchester Elks First Responders Appreciation Awards to Laureen Smith-Arena, Julie Gallagher and Robert Boddie

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June 14, 2021, Armonk, NY— Following a traditional Flag Day Service, members of the Mid-Westchester Elks, Lodge #535, honored three first responders commending their courage, perseverance and dedicated service over this most challenging last year.

Honored by the Mid-Westchester Elks were Laureen Smith-Arena, an occupational therapist at Northern Westchester Hospital; Julie Gallagher, an Armonk Fire Department volunteer firefighter, EMT and Byram Hills High School Nurse; and Robbie Boddies, a firefighter with the West Point Fire Department and a paramedic. Certificates of appreciation were also first presented to each of the recipients on behalf of Westchester Board of Legislators Margaret Cuzio and state Senator Shelley Mayer. Attending too was Barbara W. DiGiacinto, town council member of North Castle. Following a variety of laudatory remarks on their behalf, each of the honorees shared their gratitude and/or described their respective experiences.

The ceremony, which also brought together many long time friends and neighbors after a ‘skipped year’ during COVID, took on special meaning this year as attendees gathered for an evening to recall milestones in the fascinating history of the U.S. flag, enjoy cherished traditions, and to share gratitude again to community leaders honored inside Armonk American Legion Hall on Bedford Avenue.

Following a rousing march into the hall and a variety of traditional songs played by the Westchester County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe Band, a moment of silence honored departed Elks members and first responders killed in the line of duty due to COVID. Amazing Grace was presented by the Westchester County Emerald Society. A delicious dinner, prepared by long time Elks member and volunteer chef Tony Ciccia, who also cooks for the local senior center, was enjoyed by all. 

The Mid-Westchester Elks, a 153-year old charitable organization, is actively seeking new members to join its ranks; Lodge #535 has over 100 members actively supporting charitable activities, including Scouting generally,  and especially at Cerebral Palsy of Westchester (CPW), where members sponsor and support a Pack of boys and girls. The members are also active in supporting U.S. military veterans, the elderly, the poor, people with disabilities, schools, scholarship programs, and a variety of not for profit community organizations.

In 2018, the Elks launched a First Responders Appreciation Awards Dinner and honored police officers. Five area police chiefs each proposed an officer in their command particularly worthy of recognition at that time. In 2019, four firefighters from Armonk, Port Chester, and White Plains were honored. Each year, a short ceremony is performed in observance of Flag Day. In 2020, the event was canceled due to the pandemic. The mid-Westchester Elks Lodge # 535 has resumed meeting at the American Legion Post 1097 at 35 Bedford Rd. in Armonk on the second and fourth Wednesday evening of each month. For more information about the Elks, including joining, please visit elks.org, or contact Lodge Secretary Raymond Sculky at raysculky@optonline.net.

A Call to Order and “Presentation of the Colors”
Gathered for the mid-Westchester Elks 2021 First Responder Award Recipients Presentations: Armonk Assistant Fire Chief Brian Fenster; Armonk Fire Chief Philippe Goulet; Elks Chairman Jim Comstock; Laureen Smith-Arena, Northern Westchester Hospital; Robert Boddie,, West Point Fire Department; Julie Gallagher, Armonk Fire Department; EMT, Byram Hills High School Nurse; Elks exalted ruler Jay Singer, and Elks member Arthur Adelman. Standing behind Laureen and Robert is the Elks’ Anthony Gilberti, who led the Flag service.
During a Flag Service ceremony: The gradual evolving of the U.S. Flag, the tears and triumphs accompanying the history of the flag, are explained each year by several Elks members, including pictured here, Jay Singer.
Westchester County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe Band
Honoree Julie Gallagher with, from left, Jim Comstock and Chief Philippe Goulet, and on right, Jay Singer
(L-R), Jim Comstock, Laura Toohig, PT, Inpatient Rehabilitation Services Manager, Northern Westchester Hospital, Honoree Laureen Smith-Arena, occupational therapist, Northern Westchester Hospital, and Jay Singer.
(L-R): Jim Comstock, Honoree Robert Boddie and Jay Singer

June Online Lectures/Events at Northern Westchester Hospital’s Center for Healthy Living

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Information about warning signs for aneurysms and stroke, chair yoga, smoking cessation, classes for new and future moms, and Wellness Wednesday are among the virtual events offered in June by Northern Westchester Hospital and the Center for Healthy Living,

MOUNT KISCO, NY – A lecture discussing common myths about brain aneurysms and the latest advancements in care is June’s featured program offered by Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) and the Center for Healthy Living.  In June, virtual events for new and future moms include a breastfeeding class, a Breastfeeding Nook to meet other breastfeeding mothers, and a Mom Squad interactive get together.  Other free, virtual events to help people feel better, get healthier, and have more fun include chair yoga, smoking cessation, courses on Calming Nourishment and Wholehearted Living, and a Wellness Wednesday on bone health.

The Center for Healthy Living at Chappaqua Crossing supports health and wellness through education, health resources, diverse programing and referrals. For a full list of upcoming free events and registration, visit Eventbrite.com. All programs are currently offered virtually.

FEATURED EVENT:

Get “Ahead” of Aneurysms and Stroke – What you need to know to stay healthy

Wednesday, June 16, 5 – 6 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Join Dr. David Gordon for an informative conversation about aneurysms and stroke. Dr. Gordon will discuss common myths about brain aneurysms at any age and the latest advancements in care. The program includes a brief video where participants can meet the neurosurgeons providing care in Westchester at both NWH and Phelps Hospital.

Register at: Get “Ahead” of Aneurysms and Stroke

 

Smoking Cessation
June 8, 15, 22, 6 – 7 pm, live over Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free

Cigarettes are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. We know it’s challenging to quit – we are here to help. This support group is facilitated by a NWH respiratory therapist. For more information, contact NWHSmokingCessation@northwell.edu or call (914) 666-1868.

Register at: Smoking Cessation

 

Chair Yoga
Mondays, June 14, 21, 28, 11 am – Noon, live over Zoom

Cost: Free
Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available, adapting poses through the creative use of a chair. Emphasis will be on breathing, balance, and taking things at your own pace. This workshop is led by Toni Russo, MS, RN AHN-BC, RYT-220, who is a leader on NWH’s Integrative Medicine Team.

Register at: Chair Yoga

 

Virtual Breastfeeding Class

Monday, June 14, 6 – 8 pm

Cost: $30

This comprehensive class is taught exclusively by our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). Whether you have already decided to breastfeed or you are thinking about it, this class is for you. We cover a wide range of breastfeeding topics including but not limited to: the advantages of breastfeeding, building and maintaining your milk supply, strategies for success, breastfeeding techniques, how to breastfeed comfortably, diet considerations, nipple care and tips for partner feeding. Plenty of time is allotted for questions and answers including the all-important one, “How do I know my baby is getting enough?” Couples are encouraged to come together. Only one payment per couple.

For more information, please call the Mother-Baby Navigator Office at (914) 666-1840.

Register at:  Virtual Breastfeeding Class

 

Mom Squad

Monday, June 14, Noon – 2 pm, live over Microsoft Teams

Please note, this support group is for mothers who have already delivered their baby.

Cost: Free

Join with your baby for an interactive, social get together. Meet other moms and share information about caring for your newborn, and yourself. This group is facilitated by a registered nurse and is for moms who have already delivered their baby. Throughout the year we will have various experts attend some of the support groups as guest speakers: Topic for 6/14: Tips for Infant Vaccines.

For more information, please call the Mother-Baby Navigator Office at (914) 666-1840 or email NWHMotherBabyNavigator@northwell.edu.

 

Breastfeeding Nook

Monday, June 21, 1 – 3 pm, live over Microsoft Teams

Cost: Free

Join with your baby to meet other breastfeeding mothers and receive peer-to-peer support to help achieve your breastfeeding goals. Information, encouragement, and support are provided by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

**Please note, this support group is for mothers who have already delivered. Virtual sessions do require your camera to be turned on to foster connection. **

We use Microsoft Teams to facilitate this support group.

For more information, please call the Mother-Baby Navigator Office at (914) 666-1840 or email NWHMotherBabyNavigator@northwell.edu.

 

Calming Nourishment

June 22, 11 am – Noon, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Planting can be an excellent opportunity to be present and find a moment of calm. Join Rachel Merchan, LCSW and Amy Rosenfeld MS RD CDN, to explore the connection between planting, cooking, and wellness. We will demonstrate ways to relax while planting a container-herb garden. We will also demonstrate a recipe that incorporates garden produce and highlights the connection between gardening, nourishment, and opportunities to enhance our well-being. A video conference link will be emailed out prior to the program along with recipes and a planting supply so participants can garden and cook along.

Register at: Calming Nourishment

 

Wholehearted Living

June 30, 11:30am – 12:30pm

Location: In-person outdoor event at the Mt. Kisco Public Library

Cost: Free

“The you that you are is enough. Embrace your vulnerabilities and imperfections and know that no matter what you accomplish, or don’t accomplish, does not make you unworthy,” says Rev. Angela Maddalone, Director of Spiritual Services at NWH, who will lead an interactive discussion on wholehearted living and how spirituality can help you practice courage, compassion, and connection, and explore what it means to cultivate a wholehearted lifestyle and the role of spirituality in this journey. Registration required and space is limited. This program will be held outdoors on the front lawn of the Mt. Kisco Public Library. Masks and social distancing will be required. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled.

Register at: Wholehearted Living

 

Wellness Wednesdays – Osteoporosis Awareness

Last Wednesday of every month, by phone. Wednesday, June 30, 11 – 11:30 am.

Cost: Free

This month’s Wellness Wednesday will focus on Bone Health with Rita E. Landman, MD, FACE, Endocrinologist, Northwell Health Physician Partners Westchester Health.  Dr. Landman will provide an overview of osteoporosis, discuss when to get tested, the implications of the diagnosis, calcium, vitamin D, exercise, and when medications are warranted.

 

Register at the link below or simply dial 1-929-436-2866 to join the program.

  • When prompted, enter the Webinar ID 994 8502 3594, followed by the # sign.
  • You will hear music until the program starts promptly at 11 am.
  • Please know, there is a 100 person capacity to join the webinar.

 

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-wednesdays-bone-health-audio-only-program-tickets-157113684259?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

 

$2.5 Million Gift from Drs. Scott and Nan Hayworth to Help Transform the Maternal Child Health Unit at Northern Westchester Hospital

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Drs. Scott and Nan Hayworth

To commemorate their longstanding relationship with Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH), Scott D. Hayworth, MD, FACOG and The Honorable Nan Hayworth, MD–two of Westchester’s most prominent physicians–have donated $2.5 million to transform the hospital’s Maternal Child Health Unit. Upon completion, the Hayworth Family Maternity Center’s physical environment will be an appropriate setting for the high-caliber programs offered to women and families during every stage of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

“Together, Drs. Scott and Nan Hayworth have dedicated almost a half-century to Northern Westchester Hospital,” said Derek Anderson, the hospital’s executive director. “They understand the importance of the hospital’s Maternal Child Health Unit as a gateway for new families entering the community. We are very grateful for their generosity, their commitment to ensuring the delivery of person-centered care and for the appreciation this gift demonstrates for the entire care team at Northern Westchester Hospital.”

The gift will be allocated towards a major transformation of the unit, including renovation of the labor and delivery rooms; creation of two new triage rooms; the expansion of three existing recovery bays; and renovations to all 25 postpartum rooms.

 “A transformative gift of this nature not only makes these important capital improvements possible, but it is also emblematic of the generosity of people in our community who make Northern Westchester Hospital the critical community asset that it is. We are most grateful that they have chosen to invest in us,” said Keeva Young-Wright, the hospital’s Foundation President.

The team delivers approximately 1,600 babies a year and provides care to the hospital’s tiniest patients in the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which is equipped to stabilize and treat life-threatening emergencies and illnesses in newborns who weigh as little as 1 1/2 pounds at birth.. The hospital also offers a Level III Perinatal Center and special services such as a Mother-Baby Navigator program, which helps new parents navigate every issue related to pregnancy and birth.

“This community is not only where we live and have raised our family, but also where we’ve chosen to practice medicine,” said Dr. Scott Hayworth. “We’re so glad to have, through this gift, an opportunity to say ‘thank you,’ honor the incredible teams at Northern Westchester Hospital, and recognize the outstanding care they provide.”

Dr. Nan Hayworth added, “Throughout the decades we’ve been members of the community here, we’ve benefited enormously–as have our children and our parents–from having, in Northern Westchester Hospital, a hospital that is really miraculous: we have care of the highest quality, provided by a talented and dedicated team who treat us and our loved ones as family. It’s wonderful to be able to honor these great people with a gift to help the hospital continue to grow and transform its services in the 21st Century.”

Dr. Scott Hayworth is the President of the Optum Tri-State Region, made up of CareMount Medical, ProHEALTH NY, and Riverside Medical Group, comprising 2,250 providers at 380 locations and serving over 2.5 million patients. For more than 20 years he has also served as President and CEO of CareMount Medical, (formerly Mount Kisco Medical Group, PC). He began his career at Mount Kisco Medical Group in 1988 and he served as an attending OBGYN at NWH until 2015, including one memorable year in which he delivered four sets of triplets. Dr. Hayworth has also served on numerous NWH committees, including the Board of Directors of the NWH Foundation. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and he advises and serves on the boards of many investment firms and businesses, including serving as a senior advisor at Arsenal Capital Partners and Amulet Capital Partners.          

The Honorable Dr. Nan Hayworth is the first female physician ever elected to a full term as a Member of the House of Representatives, serving the 19th District of New York.  She practiced ophthalmology for nearly 20 years in Mount Kisco and she was an attending physician at NWH throughout that time. Now a Strategic Business Development Advisor for Pilot Growth Equity, Dr. Hayworth is also chairman of the board of directors of ConservAmerica, an organization promoting economically-sustainable conservation and environmental protection, and a member of the boards of the Independent Women’s Forum, the Goodman Institute for Public Policy Research, Public Agenda, and United Way of Westchester and Putnam.

The Hayworths reside in Bedford, NY.

 

News courtesy of Northern Westchester Hospital.