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Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

White Plains Hospital

White Plains Hospital Launches Structural Heart Program with First Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Procedures

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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is the Newest Addition to the Hospital’s Comprehensive Cardiac Services

White Plains Hospital has announced the launch of the Montefiore Structural Heart Program at White Plains Hospital with the successful completion of its first three minimally invasive heart valve replacement procedures, known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements (TAVR). The procedures were performed by Dr. Azeem Latib, a leading expert in interventional cardiology and Director of the Montefiore Structural Heart Program at White Plains Hospital, in one of the Hospital’s state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratories, marking a key milestone in the growth of the Hospital’s advanced cardiac services.

More than five million Americans are diagnosed with heart valve disease each year, including 1.5 million with aortic stenosis – or the narrowing of the aortic valve. This condition often appears in those 65 and older and deteriorates with age. Older patients with aortic stenosis and other congenital heart diseases can often benefit from a TAVR.

The procedure, which typically takes less than an hour, involves specially trained cardiac interventionalists, in collaboration with world-class cardiac surgeons, using advanced imaging techniques to guide a flexible tube called a catheter through a small needle hole in the groin, up through the blood vessels, to the diseased aortic valve. The team then uses the catheter to deploy a new valve, immediately restoring function and blood flow. Patients are cared for by highly trained cardiac intensivists in the Hospital’s Cardiac ICU, and many of our patients go home the next day.

White Plains Hospital is one of just two healthcare facilities in Westchester offering this life-saving procedure to patients in Westchester County. Every patient is fully evaluated by a cardiac surgeon, interventional cardiologist, cardiologist and radiologist to determine the ideal course of treatment, whether that is a TAVR procedure or open-heart surgery. Also, with advanced imaging technology on-site, including high-resolution CT scanning, fusion imaging and cardiac MRI, patients can undergo convenient, same-day pre-operative testing at the Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery (CAMS) in White Plains prior to the procedure.

The addition of the Montefiore Structural Heart Program at White Plains Hospital builds on the success of the Montefiore Cardiac Surgery Program at White Plains Hospital, which has exceeded national benchmarks for quality with exceptional patient outcomes in the two years since its launch. The program was recently recognized with a distinguished 3-star rating, the highest available, from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, a designation that places it among the top 10% of programs for heart bypass surgery in the United States and Canada. White Plains Hospital’s cardiac care capabilities are further strengthened by its world-class Interventional Cardiology program and Cardiac Electrophysiology department, which is focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of arrythmias and other emergent cardiac issues. White Plains Hospital’s experts work closely with a network of cardiologists and specialists throughout the Hudson Valley to ensure each patient receives the specialized care they need, close to home.

“This program underscores White Plains Hospital’s commitment to growing its advanced cardiac services for patients across the Hudson Valley,” said Dr. Latib. “These expanded capabilities allow us to provide the most appropriate treatment based on our patients’ needs, whether they require open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure like a TAVR. We are excited to begin performing these procedures and look forward to continuing to advance the Structural Heart Program at White Plains Hospital.”

To learn more about the Montefiore Structural Heart Program at White Plains Hospital, call (914) 849-4200.

News and Photos Courtesy of White Plains Hospital

 

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, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Rye Brook, Somers 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. White Plains Hospital has consistently received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades®, and in 2022 became the only Hospital in Westchester to be awarded with an A Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group for the 9th time.

https://www.wphospital.org/</a

Your Guide to Staying Well in the Winter

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Whether it’s below-freezing temperatures, rising respiratory illnesses or dangerous driving conditions, the winter season can provide unique health challenges. Here’s how you and your family can stay well throughout the season.

Exercise, but with Caution

It’s important to maintain healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, throughout the year. Working out – especially outside – wards off winter weight gain and gives you energy, and there are many enjoyable outdoor activities to choose from, such as ice skating, cross-country skiing or even walking. Just 10 minutes of outdoor aerobic exercise boosts the endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin which improves mood and decreases the risk of seasonal affective disorder.

There are a few things to watch for with outdoor winter workouts, however. One early symptom of hypothermia, or low body temperature, is shivering, which can progress to slurred speech, decreased coordination, and confusion. Frostbite is injury caused by freezing, resulting in the loss of feeling and color of the nose, ears, fingers, and toes. And dehydration is an issue far too many overlook during the winter. The key is to drink water before, during, and after exercise, because while you might not sweat as much in the winter, you are still evaporating water.

Protect Your Heart

While it’s important to stay active, those with heart disease or other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of smoking, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease are advised to avoid shoveling, explains Dr. Gabriela Grasa, cardiologist with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates. Cold weather makes the arteries constrict and increases the blood’s ability to clot. The cold, combined with activity that may increase blood pressure – like shoveling snow and following it with a cup of hot caffeinated coffee to warm up afterward – could trigger a cardiac event.

Upgrade Your Skincare Routine

Lighter moisturizers may not be enough to protect your skin from winter’s harsh conditions, so consider switching to creams, balms or oils, advises Dr. Anisha Kumar, Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at White Plains Hospital. Look for facial cleansers that say “gentle” and “moisturizing” on the bottle, and avoid those that contain alcohol, as this can dry out your skin. If you have very dry skin, minimize use of exfoliants containing glycolic acid or retinol or use them only every other day. The sun’s UV rays can cause just as much damage to your skin in the winter as in the summer, especially if you are skiing, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day.

Boost Your Immunity

As we spend more time indoors, the spread of viruses such as the flu, COVID-19 and RSV tends to increase. Consult with your physician about which vaccinations are right for you: a new RSV vaccine is now available for select groups. There are plenty of additional protective measures you can take to boost your immunity, says Dr. Michael Finkelstein, Internal Medicine physician at Scarsdale Medical Group. Wash your hands regularly, avoid smoking, get plenty of sleep, and eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Vitamin C, found in most fruits and vegetables, helps heal wounds and repair and maintain healthy bones, teeth, skin and cartilage. Zinc can help control infections by slowing down the immune response and preventing runaway inflammation. Garlic has antibiotic properties that are effective in fighting a range of bacteria, fungi and viruses. However, anyone with a persistent cough, pain or other abnormal symptom should see their physician as soon as possible.

Stay Safe on the Road–and at Home

Winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions, so use caution when driving on snowy, slushy or icy pavement. If you start to skid, take your foot off the gas, then steer in the direction of the skid, so when your wheels regain traction, you don’t have to overcorrect to stay in your lane. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a portable cell phone charger, blankets, jumper cables, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, non-perishable snacks, bottled water and a bag of salt, sand or cat litter for traction.

Heat your home safely by keeping your fireplace and/or furnace well-maintained. Make sure your chimney is in good condition and free of debris before using your fireplace. Have your gas furnace serviced regularly and install a carbon monoxide detector as a secondary safety measure.

The winter needn’t be an overly stressful time–as long as you keep health and safety top of mind. With the right attitude and proper precautions, you and your family can enjoy the best the season has to offer.

Need a physician? Call 914-849-MyMD to find the right provider for your needs.

White Plains Hospital and Montefiore Bring Pediatric Specialty Care to White Plains

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With a new office dedicated to specialty conditions in children, White Plains Hospital and Montefiore commit to expanding pediatric care in Westchester.

Advanced pediatric care in Westchester became more convenient with the opening of the new Montefiore Pediatric Specialty practice. Pediatric cardiologists, pediatric gastroenterologists, pediatric surgeons, a pediatric rheumatologist and a pediatric nephrologist from the renowned Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) are now seeing patients at 33 Davis Avenue in White Plains.

Unlike general pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists are the only physicians uniquely qualified to diagnose, treat, and manage infants, children and adolescents with specialized complex, chronic conditions. They also focus on the developmental and emotional needs of children and adolescents, which can be different from those of adults.

“Having access to advanced pediatric care, closer to home, is so important for families,” says Frances Bordoni, Executive Vice President for Ambulatory and Physician Services and Business Development at White Plains Hospital. “Montefiore has some of the best pediatric specialists in the country. To bring these services to Westchester eliminates barriers and heightens peace of mind for families who no longer have to scramble to get their children the care they need.”

Through its partnership with Montefiore Einstein and CHAM, which has long been recognized as one of the nation’s best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, White Plains Hospital enhances its pediatric specialty care in several critical areas with the addition of nationally recognized specialists who are leaders in their respective fields and actively engaged in clinical research to advance their respective specialties.

CHAM’s Pediatric Heart Center is a world leader in advanced cardiovascular care for patients of all ages, from newborns to adults with congenital heart diseases. Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Daphne Hsu is one of the nation’s leading experts in children’s heart failure and heart transplantation. In addition to caring for pediatric and adult patients with congenital heart disease, Dr. Hsu conducts ongoing clinical research and is a nationally recognized pediatric cardiologic thought leader.

For children with gastrointestinal conditions, liver disease, or nutritional concerns, CHAM offers one of the leading pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) programs in the nation, led by Dr. John F. Thompson. Dr. Thompson specializes in short bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, feeding disorder, and chronic abdominal pain. Dr. Thompson is also the director of the Intestinal Rehabilitation Program at CHAM. His research focuses on ways to improve the lives and outcomes of children who have intestinal failure and short bowel syndrome.

In addition, pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Gitit Tomer leads CHAM’s Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) program, which is dedicated to providing excellent care and improving the health and quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBD are chronic relapsing inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases causing severe diarrhea abdominal pain and weight loss that can lead to life-threatening complications.

CHAM also offers nationally-recognized care for pediatric patients with kidney conditions. Dr. Frederick Kaskel, an internationally recognized expert in pediatric nephrology, who specializes in the treatment of kidney disorders in infants, children and adolescents and in end-stage kidney replacement therapy and transplantation, is Chief Emeritus of its Division of Pediatric Nephrology. The Ira Greifer Children’s Kidney Center includes New York state’s first dedicated pediatric dialysis facility.

“We are delighted to enhance access to our team of pediatric subspecialists, many of whom have raised their own children in Westchester. No matter the symptom, condition or question, our team is ready to care for children and families in need of sophisticated specialty care at the Davis Avenue location,” said Michael D. Cabana, MD, MPH, Physician-in-Chief, The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore and The Michael I. Cohen, MD, University Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

To make an appointment at the Montefiore Pediatric Specialty office, call 914-849-KIDS (5437).

The providers seeing patients at 33 Davis Avenue include:

Pediatric Cardiologist

Daphne Hsu, MD

Pediatric Gastroenterologists

Inessa Normatov, MDJohn Thompson, MD
Gitit Tomer, MD

Pediatric Nephrologist

Frederick J. Kaskel, MD

Pediatric Rheumatologist

Tamar Rubinstein, MD

Pediatric Surgeons

Steven H. Borenstein, MD
Alexandre N. Darani, MD
Dominique M. Jan, MD

White Plains Hospital named 2023 Best Workplaces in New York by Fortune Media and Great Place to Work

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White Plains Hospital announced today that it is the only Hospital in New York to be named to Fortune media and Great Place To Work’s® list of Best Workplaces in New York. It is one of only 26 large companies (1,000+ employees) based in New York included on the list. White Plains Hospital was eligible for this honor following its certification as a “Great Place to Work” in 2022, a recognition it has received multiple times for meeting or exceeding national benchmarks for employee satisfaction.

“Our employees are our greatest asset, and it is because of their award-winning efforts that we have created such a strong culture of dedication, teamwork and compassion,” said Susan Fox, President and CEO of White Plains Hospital. “This achievement, combined with our passion for delivering the highest quality care, speaks to the culture of excellence that we have created throughout our organization.”

To determine the Fortune Best Workplaces in New York™ List, Great Place To Work collected more than 170,000 survey responses from employees at Great Place To Work-certified companies. Hospital employees from all departments and job functions were asked to complete a survey that includes questions on leadership effectiveness, respect, fairness and employee pride in the community. White Plains Hospital scored significantly above the benchmark required to be certified as a Best Workplace.

“Fortune congratulates the Best Workplaces in New York,” says Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell. “In a challenging economy, these companies have demonstrated the increasing value of ensuring that employees feel valued.” Added Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, “These great companies are laser-focused on their most valuable asset: their people. The result? Higher productivity and performance, and faster rates of innovation.”

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, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Rye Brook, Somers and Yorktown Heights; and Scarsdale Medical Group locations in Harrison and Scarsdale.

The Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and in 2022, White Plains Hospital received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – the highest distinction offered by that federal agency. 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. White Plains Hospital has consistently received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades®, and in 2022 became the only Hospital in Westchester to be awarded with an A Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group for the 9th time.

https://www.wphospital.org/

https://www.wphospital.org/about-us/accreditations-and-awards/

The Surprising Facts about Heart Attacks in Women

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Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. But the good news is that it’s 80 percent preventable.

The statistics are staggering: According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. And heart disease and stroke cause one in three deaths among women each year–more than all cancers combined.

Yet heart disease continues to be considered a “mostly male health issue.” Because of this misconception, women who are experiencing signs of a heart attack often don’t seek the immediate, life-saving care they need. In fact, it is common for women to wait more than six hours after first feeling the symptoms of a heart attack before going to the ER. Often, they believe they are experiencing nonlife-threatening conditions like acid reflux, the flu or normal aging. As a cardiologist, I encourage women to think about their heart health, and the heart health of the women they love, as the actions you take now could save your life.

Know The Symptoms

We’ve all seen the crushing left-sided chest pain of a heart attack that’s dramatized on TV. It’s important to know, though, that women don’t experience heart attack symptoms the same way men do. Women can feel chest pain, but more often will feel a little chest tightness or some weakness, shortness of breath or pain anywhere in the upper body, like the back of the neck or jaw. Indeed, chest pain is absent in 43% of women having a heart attack.

Women, particularly older diabetic women, tend to have more vague symptoms that make it difficult to tell what exactly is going on. These symptoms could be as common as weakness or fatigue. This is a primary reason why women delay seeking treatment or calling 911 and why there is sometimes a delay in doing an EKG or cardiology consultation for women. It is important for women to know the signs and to seek help immediately for any troubling symptoms.

Get Screened

As women, we know to schedule regular mammograms, but we continue to lag behind men in getting screened for heart disease. According to the AHA, almost two-thirds (64%) of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease exhibit no previous symptoms. This is why physicians and cardiologists stress the importance of regular cardiac screening for women.

Lower Your Risk

Lifestyle changes can profoundly affect heart health in women. According to the AHA, nearly 80% of cardiac events can be prevented, yet cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat. To help combat this threat, consider the following recommendations:

• Get moving: We recommend 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week–that’s 30 minutes, five days a week. Anything that gets you moving counts, so walk, take the stairs or park far away and walk to the store. Then, as your body is able to accept a higher level of activity, move more. Exercise also helps with stress.

• Avoid sitting for long periods: A sedentary lifestyle is dangerous for overall health. If you’re sitting at your desk all day, set a timer every hour as a reminder to get up and get moving.

• Adjust your diet: When you start exercising, the endorphin release will make you motivated to make better food choices. Avoid processed foods and stick to natural, whole foods. We recommend a Mediterranean diet for optimal heart health.

• Get annual checkups: Regular checkups should start at age 40 or sooner if you have a family history of diseases. Once you know your numbers, your doctor can better guide you on how to reduce your chances of having a heart attack.

• Stop smoking: According to the AHA, smoking increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by two to four times. Also, women who smoke have a 25% higher risk of developing heart disease as compared to men who smoke. Discuss a smoking cessation plan with your doctor and kick the smoking habit.

While it’s frightening to know that someone dies of a heart attack every 42 seconds, this statistic is something our team of highly skilled cardiologists and heart health specialists are working hard to reverse. Relying on evidence-based research, and using the most advanced equipment and techniques, we can provide world-class cardiovascular care to women and men here in Westchester County, close to home. Know the symptoms of heart disease, get screened and practice prevention.