today - Phelps Memorial Hospital

phelps
WINTER 2014
T O D A Y
News from
Phelps
Memorial
Hospital
Center
Getting Back in the Game After Hip Replacement
Preventing Disability from Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis
When Snoring Is More than an Annoyance
Cheryl Slaughter, a personal trainer and an avid boxer who had hip replacement surgery last year, works on her boxing moves in the
gym at Sleepy Hollow Country Club.
Get better. Here.
Dear Friends,
Greetings and Happy New Year!
During the busy holiday season, much has been going on at Phelps.
Construction of our new SurgiCenter began in October. This state-of-the-art surgical facility will be located in the 755 Medical Services Building with a bridge connecting it to the
third floor of the main hospital. The project has been planned for a long time and we are
excited to be building a suite of operating rooms so modern that it will meet the needs of
our patients, surgeons and changing technology for decades to come. The SurgiCenter will
be the first inpatient and outpatient surgical facility in New York State to be located in a
medical office building.
The hospital’s multi-specialty medical group, Phelps Medical Associates, continues to grow
with the addition of internal medicine physician Imaan Chowdhury, neurologist Mark Homonoff and nurse midwife Rebecca McCracken. The group now has 34 providers at 12
locations in the surrounding community and on the Phelps campus.
Three Phelps physicians were among only seven chosen as Westchester’s first “Doctors of
Distinction” and were honored at a recognition ceremony on October 24. Chief of General
Surgery Robert Raniolo received the Community Service Award, Chief of Thoracic Surgery
Avraham Merav received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Senior Vice President for
Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer Lawrence Faltz received the Leadership in Medical Advocacy Award. The event was founded by Citrin Cooperman, Westchester County
Medical Society, and Westfair Communications.
We are eagerly anticipating the launching of a “Room Service” food delivery system early
in 2014. In preparation, the hospital’s entire kitchen has been renovated to accommodate
on-demand meal delivery from 7 am to 7 pm. The system is similar to a hotel room service
program, and patients can expect to have their meals delivered within 45 minutes. This will
surely be appreciated by our patients, who will now have the ability to choose from a varied
menu and eat when they are hungry, instead of on a set schedule.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2014!
Sincerely,
Richard J. Sinni
Chair, Board of Directors
Keith F. Safian, FACHE
President & CEO
Preventing Disability from Rheumatoid or
Psoriatic Arthritis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Three Phelps Physicians Named Westchester
“Doctors of Distinction” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Sleep Apnea: When Snoring Is More than
an Annoyance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Phelps Cardiac Rehab Program Receives Certification . . 14
Robin’s Nest Child Care Center Celebrates Expansion . . . 14
Phelps Breaks Ground on New Surgical Suite . . . . . . . 15
Phelps Medical Associates News . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
On the Move: Promoting Physical Fitness
in the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
¿Cuándo es el momento de realizar una cirugía de
reemplazo de cadera? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Cómo vivir una vida plena con artritis reumatoide
o psoriásica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Programs and Services at Phelps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Phelps’ Community Service Plan
Phelps Memorial Hospital Center is committed to improving the health
and well-being of the community. To see our Community Service
Plan (2014-16) and learn about our current and planned activities and
initiatives, please visit phelpshospital.org/about-phelps and click on
“Community Service Plan.” A summary of the hospital’s 2012 community
service is described in our “Caring for Our Community” publication,
which is also available at the same address (click on “Caring for Our
Community”). A printed copy of these publications may be requested
by calling 914-366-3115.
Contents
When Is It Time for a Hip Replacement? . . . . . . . . . . 4
PHELPS TODAY
Editor
Mary Sernatinger
msernatinger@pmhc.us
Managing Editor
Tina Dorfman
Medical Editor
Bruce Heckman, MD, MPH
Editorial Advisors
Lucy C. Engelhardt, RN
Leonard B. Fogel
Kenneth C. Kaplan, MD
Mary McDermott, RN
Keith F. Safian, FACHE
PHELPS TODAY is a publication of Phelps
Memorial Hospital Center, a 238-bed, notfor-profit acute care community hospital
located in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Phelps has
been providing medical and mental health
services to Westchester and surrounding
communities since 1955.
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When Is It Time for a
Hip Replacement?
It may start out as pain and stiffness in the groin, buttock or thigh
when you first wake up in the morning. The pain gets worse when
you move around and better when you rest. But after a while, you
may find that even resting no longer helps. Chances are you have
arthritis of the hip.
Those with a family
history of arthritis of
the hip have an
increased chance of
developing it, and the
risk increases with
age, obesity or an
injury that puts stress
on the hip cartilage.
A
rthritis is a condition that occurs
when the surface of a joint (cartilage) wears out. Your cartilage
is covered by tough, slick, 1/4-inchthick tissue that allows your bones to
glide over each other without causing
painful friction. When cartilage thins or
wears out completely, the bone ends rub
against each other, resulting in pain and
stiffness.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control, one in four people will develop
hip arthritis in their lifetime. Those with a
family history of arthritis of the hip have
an increased chance of developing it,
and the risk increases with age, obesity
or an injury that puts stress on the hip
cartilage.
First-line therapies generally recommended for pain caused by hip arthritis
are anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise
and physical therapy. For a time, one
or more of these therapies may provide
relief so that you can sleep, climb stairs
and perform the activities of daily living.
But when hip pain becomes so severe
Pelvis
Ball of Femur
Socket
of Pelvis
Femur
Normal Hip
4
PHELPS TODAY
that these therapies no longer work,
and it hurts too much to even go for a
walk, it may be time to consider a hip
replacement.
Types of Hip Replacement
The most common type of hip replacement is the posterior approach. During
this surgery, the surgeon makes a 6- to
8-inch incision over the side or back of
the hip, cutting through the muscles and
detaching tendons and ligaments from
the back of the hip. The surgeon then
removes the diseased bone and cartilage
from the hip joint and replaces the ball
and socket with an artificial hip.
The minimally invasive anterior approach
hip replacement surgery requires only a
small 3-4 inch incision. Surgical entry to
the hip joint is through the area between
the lower abdomen and the top of the
thigh. The surgeon is able to reach the
hip without cutting through muscles or
detaching tendons, working by way of
the natural space between the muscles.
Pelvis
Damaged
Cartilage
Femur
Arthritic Hip
In addition, the most important muscles
for hip function – the gluteal muscles,
which attach to the pelvis and femur –
are left undisturbed and therefore do not
require a healing process.
Compared to traditional total hip
replacement, the anterior approach has
been shown to cause considerably less
pain and result in a quicker recovery and
lower risk of post-operative hip dislocation, where the hip pops out of the joint,
one of the most common complications
after surgery.
Since no muscles are cut to access the
hip joint, the anterior approach, also
referred to as “muscle-sparing” surgery,
is associated with a quicker return to normal activity. Patients are not required to
sleep in a special position, use special
instruments to put on their shoes and
socks or have an elevated toilet seat. They
can return to driving as soon as they are
comfortable.
Anterior approach hip replacement is
performed on a special surgical table
called the hana™ Hip & Knee Arthroplasty Table, the only table designed exclusively for hip and knee replacement. The
table allows the surgeon to rotate the hip
in ways that are not possible with conventional surgical tables. Additionally,
because the table allows for continuous
image guidance during the surgery, it
is possible to adjust the implant if it is
not perfectly aligned, before the patient
leaves the operating room.
Orthopedic surgeon Corey F. Burak, MD,
brought the minimally invasive anterior
approach hip replacement technique to
Phelps in 2006. He was the first surgeon
in Westchester County, NY, to perform
this surgery and has more experience in
anterior approach than any other orthopedic surgeon in the Northeast, having
performed more than 2,000 such surgeries to date. Option for a Wider Variety of
Patients
“The bulk of my patients are between
40 and 60 years old,” says Dr. Burak.
“These are people with arthritis or congenital conditions, or athletes who’ve
had sports injuries. They have different
expectations for the surgery than an older
person. They’re eager to get back to their
active lifestyles, which often includes
sports and playing with their kids.”
In addition to these benefits for a younger, on-the-go patient, this surgery is
an option for a much wider variety of
patients than traditional and other minimally invasive hip replacement surgeries.
“I’ve operated on patients from 25 to 98
years old and from 100 to 400 pounds,”
says Dr. Burak. “The beauty of this operation is that you don’t have to be selective
– almost all patients are candidates.”
PHELPS TODAY
5
About five years ago, Cheryl Slaughter, a
45-year-old athlete and personal trainer
living in Croton, began having hip pain
caused by arthritis and from falling on
her hip while skiing. Initially she tried
physical therapy to alleviate the pain,
which helped for a while, but eventually
the bone-on-bone pain became more
than she could tolerate. Her pain was
seriously restricting her life.
Cheryl conducted extensive research
before deciding what kind of hip replacement to have and who should perform
the surgery. Because of her occupation,
she is in contact with many physical therapists, so she asked them for recommendations. Dr. Corey Burak’s name came up
again and again.
6
PHELPS TODAY
Cheryl had anterior approach hip
replacement surgery performed by Dr.
Burak at Phelps in December of 2012
and left the hospital three days later. One
week after surgery, she was walking 1½
miles, and she returned to work full time
after just one month. “If I had a desk job
I would have gone back weeks earlier,”
she says.
In addition to the method used to replace
her hip, she attributes her quick recovery to the strengthening exercises she did
prior to surgery, and to the fact that she
went on an anti-inflammatory diet. Certified as a corrective exercise specialist (a
personal trainer for people with injuries),
she says she “knows how to rehab.”
The married mother of two teenagers
speaks about how wonderful it is to go
into New York City with them and to be
able to go up and down the steps to the
subway. She also is back to boxing twice
a week, one of her favorite sports, and
works out with weights at the gym.
“Hip replacement is the best thing I ever
did,” she says. “My hip was restricting
me a lot. Now I have a renewed ‘baby’
joint with lots of range of motion and a
renewed life. I can stand up straighter
and move without restriction. It’s great
to be able to walk without pain.”
Marian Weinberg’s hip had
been hurting for years. This
94-year-old Sleepy Hollow
resident has led a very active
life, and continued playing
tennis until age 92, in spite
of the pain. Finally she realized she had to do something
about it.
“When I told my children
I was considering getting
a new hip, they said that I
shouldn’t do it, that I’m too
old, that my bones would
split, that I would be in a
wheelchair for the rest of
my life. But I didn’t listen to
them, and I’m glad I didn’t!”
Mary Wu of Ossining is one of Dr. Corey
Burak’s most impressive patients. A twotime kidney transplant recipient with a
number of chronic medical conditions
including congenital kidney disease,
Mary was diagnosed with mild scoliosis
and left hip arthritis at the age of 10. She
has been in pain and had limited mobility
for much of her 30-year life.
In April of last year, when her hip pain
became too much to handle, Mary underwent anterior approach hip replacement
surgery. For more than five years, she had
not been able to walk for more than 15
minutes at a clip, but after the surgery
and several months of intense physical
rehabilitation at Phelps, she is learning
to “move and groove again.”
In fact, Mary was chosen to be the adult
honoree for the first annual 2013 Westchester County Jingle Bell Run/Walk for
Arthritis, a national event held by the
Arthritis Foundation in 200 cities across
the U.S. A dedicated Arthritis Foundation
ambassador, Mary has appeared before
Congress and local legislators advocating
for arthritis issues. “My new normal with
my new hip has been invigorating. Life
and living have never been more beautiful and extraordinary,” she says.
Dr. Burak performed anterior
approach hip replacement
surgery on Mrs. Weinberg in
September of 2011, and she
left the hospital three days
later for a stay in a skilled
nursing facility and two weeks of physical therapy. In four weeks, she was
walking without a cane, and without
any pain.
their treatment locations using empty
seats on corporate jets. She hasn’t had
any problems with her hip in the last
two years and currently swims half a
mile twice a week.
“Getting my hip replaced is the best
thing I ever did,” says Mrs. Weinberg,
who was a math teacher at Briarcliff
High School and is one of the founders
of Corporate Angel Network, a charitable organization that arranges free air
travel for cancer patients to and from
“Some people think that once you
reach a certain age, it’s not worth
undergoing such a major operation,”
says Dr. Burak. “But if you’re in generally good health and motivated to
recover, it can be safely and successfully done.”
Corey Burak, MD, is board certified
in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He
earned his medical degree from the
SUNY-HSC at Syracuse College of
Medicine in NY. He completed a
general surgery internship at Saint
Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center, New York, NY, and an orthopedic
surgical residency at Tulane University Hospital and Medical Center in
New Orleans, LA, where he completed a research fellowship in adult
reconstruction under the renowned
Dr. Robert L. Barrack. Dr. Burak also
completed a fellowship in hip and
knee arthroplasty at the Dorr Arthritis Institute, Los Angeles, CA, and
received the Rockwood and Green
Award in 2002.
PHELPS TODAY
7
Preventing Disability
from Rheumatoid or
Psoriatic Arthritis
W
Nearly 1.3 million
Americans are
afflicted with
rheumatoid arthritis,
one of the two most
common joint
diseases.
hen Sharon Mitchell went off to
college in 1978, the last thing
she expected to learn was that
she had rheumatoid arthritis. Treatments
did little to help, and soon Sharon found
it difficult just to walk across campus.
That was the beginning of many years
of trying new therapies and enduring
increasing pain and disability.
Sharon is one of nearly 1.3 million Americans who are afflicted with rheumatoid
arthritis, which is one of the two most
common joint diseases. The other is psoriatic arthritis.
By adulthood, most people have encountered the occasional swollen and achy
joint resulting from physical injury or
infection. Easily resolved through rest,
anti-inflammatory medication and, in
some cases, antibiotics, the pain is quickly forgotten. But for many people, joint
pain is chronic and requires aggressive,
long-term medical care.
In both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic
arthritis, the inflammation is caused by
abnormal functioning of the autoimmune
system – the body’s defensive response
against foreign substances mistakenly
attacks internal cells and tissues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs
between the ages of 30 and 50, although
people of any age can develop the disease. Two out of every three cases are in
women. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on the presence of more than
three of the following criteria:
• Morning joint stiffness that lasts for more than an hour before
improvement
8
PHELPS TODAY
• At least one inflamed joint in the wrist or knuckles, or in the area between the middle and base of the finger
• Below-the-surface hard nodules over bony prominences, on the back of the elbows or front of the knees, or near joints
• Higher than normal levels of various antibodies in the blood, some of which are specific only to
rheumatoid arthritis
• An X-ray or CT scan that shows
features such as soft-tissue
swelling, or narrowing and erosion
of space between the joints
A person who has rheumatoid arthritis
typically experiences fatigue, decreased
range of motion, and fever. While the
exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are
unknown, medical researchers speculate that the disease may be triggered
by a combination of factors such as an
abnormal autoimmune response, genetic
susceptibility, viral infection, hormonal
changes, and long-term exposure to
tobacco or cigarette smoke.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis afflicts men and women
at the same rate, with most cases developing between the ages of 30 and 50.
Factors that may predispose an individual
to the disease are unknown, although up
to 30 percent of people who have psoriasis will develop this condition. Individuals with the genetic marker HLA-B27
may also be at greater risk. There are five
types of psoriatic arthritis, including:
• Three or more joint areas that have simultaneous joint swelling
Asymmetric – a stage of psoriatic arthritis
characterized by swelling in a few random joints of the extremities. About 30
to 50 percent of psoriatic arthritis patients
have this form of the disease.
• Simultaneous inflammation of the same joint areas on both sides of the body
Symmetric – a common later stage of
psoriatic arthritis in which joint pain and
swelling occur on both sides of the body.
Nancy Carangelo, RN,
of the Phelps Infusion
Center monitors patient
Sharon Mitchell during
an infusion treatment
for rheumatoid arthritis.
Distal interphalangeal predominant
(DIP) – an affliction of the joint nearest the tip of the fingers and toes, which
produces pitting, splitting, and other
degenerative changes in fingernails and
toenails. About 25 percent of all psoriatic arthritis patients develop DIP.
Arthritis mutilans – a severe form of psoriatic arthritis that causes painful swelling
in the ligaments and tendons attached to
bone. This condition is rare.
Psoriatic spondylitis – produces swelling in the lining around the pelvis and
inflammation of vertebrae. It occurs in
about 30 to 35 percent of all cases.
Other findings that indicate psoriatic
arthritis include a negative blood test for
rheumatoid factor, imaging studies that
show joint changes, dactylitis (swelling in
the fingers that produces a sausage-like
appearance) and complaints of fatigue or
exhaustion.
Treatment for Rheumatoid or
Psoriatic Arthritis
According to rheumatologist Richard
Parrino, MD, Medical Director of the
Phelps Infusion Center, “Current practice
supports aggressive treatment in the early
stages of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis to prevent long-term disability. There
is not a specific drug that can cure either
form of arthritis, but there are medications that can minimize progression of
the disease, which leads to a reduction
in inflammation, prevents damage to
bones and ligaments of the joints, and
preserves movement.” Treatment is similar for both conditions, relying on antiinflammatory agents, disease-modifying
anti-rheumatics (DMARDS) and Biologic
response modifiers (Biologic DMARDS).
Biologic DMARDs, developed in the
1990s, are drugs made from living cells.
Remicade, HUMIRA, and Rituxan are
common names for some of the biologics currently available. Biologics, which
are usually administered intravenously
or by injection every six to eight weeks,
target the specific components of the
immune system that cause joint inflammation. Possible side effects from biologics are an increase in risk for infections
and the possibility that they may cause a
dormant condition such as tuberculosis
to flare up.
DMARDs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and sulfasalazine work by suppressing the body’s over-reactive immune
system. The drawback with these drugs
is that they may produce gastrointestinal
distress, and they do not immediately
alleviate joint discomfort. While waiting
for a DMARD to take effect, pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen
and sometimes prednisone may be given.
Factors influencing the selection of a
DMARD include the stage and severity of
the joint condition, the balance between
possible side effects and expected benefits, and a patient’s preference.
Vectra, a New Diagnostic Tool for
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Phelps Infusion Center patients were
among the first in New York State to
benefit from a new diagnostic tool for
rheumatoid arthritis called Vectra. This
advanced blood test measures the levels
of 12 proteins in the blood that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, providing clinicians with an understanding of
the current activity of the disease. This
information helps clinicians determine
the success of a patient’s current treatment and can control the expense of
PHELPS TODAY
9
biologic medications by enabling physicians to know when to start and stop
drug administration, as well as dosage
effectiveness.
Pursuing an Active Life with
Psoriatic Arthritis
A positive attitude, willingness to adapt
to change, desire for independence, and
a supportive social environment help
many people with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis to lead a full life, despite
joint discomfort and the threat of physical impairment.
For John Kavanah, maintaining a fulfilling
life with psoriatic arthritis has meant “listening to his body and adjusting goals as
needed.” Born with club feet, John successively pursued his passion for athletics
and professional interest in physical education despite his infirmities. Corrective
surgery on his feet enabled John to play
his preferred sports through young adulthood. Shortly after obtaining a college
degree as a physical education teacher
in 1984, John began to notice swelling
in his ankles. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, he continued to engage in
high-motion sports for the next 10 years
through treatment with cortisone and,
later, methotrexate. In 2007, the initiation of treatment with biologics eliminated most of his foot pain, although he
continues to have an irregular way of
walking due to stiffness in his legs.
Nearly 30 years since his initial diagnosis, John still works as a physical education teacher but no longer plays on
high-motion sports teams. New responsibilities have been added to his life,
including coaching a girls’ varsity basketball team and serving as a filmmaker for
a local football team. He also works out
at a gym to maintain his overall fitness.
Whatever his role, John is forthcoming
to others about his body’s limitations and
his great interest in maintaining his physical independence.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
As a college student in 1978, Sharon
Mitchell coped by asking her professors for more time to walk to classes, or
10
PHELPS TODAY
scheduling her classes in one building.
Initial therapies, which included prednisone, gold injections, and Indocin, alleviated some of her pain, but did not have
the ability to prevent the disease from
attacking her joints. After Sharon married
and had children, the family worked as a
team to maintain the home and address
personal needs. As Sharon’s health deteriorated, this sometimes meant resetting
her priorities. She learned, for example,
to not expect her family to immediately
take responsibility for household chores
she could no longer accomplish. She
became more open to the support offered
by neighbors to transport her children to
school or extracurricular activities. She
and her husband also modified their
surroundings to maintain her independence. Levers replaced knobs on faucets
and doors, and the family avoided placing household goods on high shelves.
The introduction of biologics in 2007
changed Sharon’s life dramatically. By
the morning after the initial treatment,
she was able to get out of bed without
discomfort and stiffness for the first time
in 30 years. With the reduction in pain,
her energy increased and Sharon soon
felt well enough to work full-time instead
of part-time as a director of finance.
Daily tasks, such as driving, became less
worrisome because of the decreased
pain levels and increased mobility. Her
energy level increased as did her ability
to engage in physical activities, which
helped to bring joy to both her and her
family. Although Sharon continues to
suffer from permanent joint damage, she
considers the improvement in the quality of her life brought by biologics to be
“nothing short of a miracle.”
For both Sharon and John, the administration of biologics was instrumental in
reducing pain and minimizing further
joint damage. However, biologics may
not be appropriate for all patients with
rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Parrino advises patients to speak with their
rheumatologist prior to the start of any
treatment to “discuss the benefits and
risks of each therapy, including possible
side effects and toxicities, dosing schedule, monitoring frequency and expected
results.”
The Phelps Infusion Center
The Phelps Infusion Center was established in 2004 to provide patients with
the latest treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid
and psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis,
lupus and Crohn’s Disease. It is one of the
largest infusion centers for inflammatory
diseases in the New York metropolitan
area. The center, located on the Phelps
campus in Suite 260 of the 755 Building, features comfortable private rooms
where patients can rest, read or work on
a laptop while they receive treatments.
“In our almost 10 years of providing infusion services on an outpatient basis, we
have perfected delivering this service
in a way that makes patients and their
families feel secure and comfortable. This
is a great tribute to the center’s caring
and expert staff,” says Dr. Parrino. For
more information about the diagnosis
and treatment of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, or any other inflammatory
conditions, contact the Phelps Infusion
Center at 914-366-3523.
Richard Parrino, MD, the medical director of the Phelps Infusion Center, has over
40 years of experience in rheumatology.
A graduate of the University of Rome
Medical School, Dr. Parrino completed
his residency in medicine at Queens
Hospital and fellowship in rheumatology at New Jersey College of Medicine
and Dentistry.
Three Phelps Physicians Named
Westchester “Doctors of Distinction”
cardiothoracic surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. At Phelps,
he recently established the Westchester Lung Nodule Center for lung cancer
screening in response to new guidelines
that recommend low-dose CT scan
screening for high-risk individuals. In
accepting his award, Dr. Merav said
his greatest reward has been helping
to save, prolong and improve the quality of thousands of lives over several
decades, and he marveled about the
profound experience of seeing a heart
start beating again following a surgical
procedure. He mused about receiving a
lifetime achievement award, saying there
is so much more for him to do in years
to come.
Lawrence Faltz, MD, Robert Raniolo, MD, and Avraham Merav, MD
T
hree Phelps Memorial Hospital
Center physicians were among
seven honored at the first annual
“Doctors of Distinction” awards ceremony, held in October at the Bristal assisted
living facility in White Plains. The event
was founded by Citrin Cooperman,
Westchester County Medical Society and
Westfair Communications.
“We are particularly proud that three of
the seven doctors honored are members
of the Phelps medical staff,” said Keith
Safian, President and CEO. “Our congratulations go to all the honorees, but
particularly to Dr. Larry Faltz, Dr. Robert
Raniolo and Dr. Avraham Merav for these
well-deserved recognitions.”
Robert Raniolo, MD, chief of general
surgery, received the Community Service
Award. A trauma-trained and board certified general surgeon, Dr. Raniolo has
maintained a private surgical practice in
Westchester and has been a member of
the medical staff at Phelps since 1988. In
addition to being a well-respected general surgeon, Raniolo is known in the
community as a doctor to whom people
can talk about their medical problems,
very often having nothing to do with surgery. In accepting his award, Dr. Raniolo
spoke about the life experiences that
led him to become a surgeon – including his humble beginnings in a tightly
knit family, his medical school years in
Guadalajara, Mexico, when the care he
offered to the indigent was so gratefully
received, and his placement in a surgical
residency program by a mentor physician
who recognized his potential. He closed
by thanking his family and many friends
and colleagues who supported him on
his path to becoming and practicing as a
general surgeon.
Avraham Merav, MD, chief of thoracic
surgery and medical director of surgical
services, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. A cardiothoracic surgeon
for several decades, Dr. Merav has performed thousands of open heart and
thoracic surgical procedures. He did
pioneering work on lung transplantation
while at Montefiore Medical Center,
where he was chief of thoracic surgery.
He is an associate clinical professor of
Lawrence Faltz, MD, senior VP for medical affairs and chief medical office at
Phelps since 1994, received the Leadership in Medical Advocacy Award. He
was instrumental in founding the family
medicine residency program at Phelps,
in partnership with New York Medical
College and Open Door Family Medical
Centers. He was recently appointed as
clinical professor of medicine at NYMC.
In addition to his activities at Phelps,
Dr. Faltz was Chairman of the Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association’s
Patient Safety Institute and is a member
of the Quality Steering Committee of the
Hospital Association of New York State.
He is a Master and former Governor
of the American College of Physicians,
the national internal medicine specialty
organization. In 2009, he completed a
6-year term as the American College of
Physicians representative to The Joint
Commission Hospital Professional Technical Advisory Committee. In accepting
the award, Dr. Faltz said that his medical advocacy is not for physicians or
hospitals – it is for patients, because
ultimately they are the ones who benefit from improvement in the delivery of
healthcare.
PHELPS TODAY
11
Sleep Apnea
When Snoring Is More than an Annoyance
L
With sleep apnea,
there are pauses in
breathing during sleep
that result in lower
levels of oxygen in
your blood.
oud snoring may be more than a
mild annoyance that keeps the person sleeping next to you awake.
It may be a signal that you have sleep
apnea – a serious condition affecting
more than 18 million Americans that
causes breathing difficulty during sleep.
Sleep apnea occurs because the airway is
partially or completely closed. The noise
of snoring is caused by air being forced
through the narrowed passageway.
With sleep apnea, there are pauses in
breathing during sleep that result in lower
levels of oxygen in your blood. Your body
will fight to get the oxygen it needs, so if
your airway is constricted, it may wake
you up. Waking up repeatedly throughout the night impairs the depth of your
sleep, which leads to chronic fatigue. If
you experience daytime sleepiness or
wake up tired every day, you may have
sleep apnea.
In addition to chronic
f a t i g u e , t h e a dve r s e
effects of sleep apnea on
a person’s health have
been well established.
It is associated with an
increased incidence of
high blood pressure,
heart attack, stroke, diabetes, depression and
sexual dysfunction. It also
raises your risk of having
an automobile accident.
Although not all people
who snore have sleep
apnea, proper diagnosis
is essential to rule out
this condition. If you
feel you have a problem,
you should first consult
with your primary care
physician about snoring, fatigue, and other
sleep issues. If you and
your doctor feel that you
would benefit from a
sleep evaluation, the staff
of the Phelps Sleep Center can provide a complete test and diagnosis.
12
PHELPS TODAY
In addition, an otolaryngologist (ENT)
can identify any anatomic irregularities
in your nose or throat that may be contributing to the condition.
Treatment
The gold standard for the treatment of
sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which increases
air pressure in the throat to prevent
your airway from collapsing when you
breathe in. There are various types of
CPAP masks. Some cover the nose and
mouth, some cover only the nose, and
some have prongs that fit directly into
the nose (nasal pillows). If one type of
mask seems uncomfortable, you can try
another. Other non-surgical treatments
for mild to moderate sleep apnea include
dental appliances and mouth guards. It
may take time to find the treatment that
will work for you.
Sometimes a deviated septum (the wall
between the right and left sides of the
nose) contributes to sleep apnea. In people who have a deviated septum, one
side of the nose is wider than the other,
which alters the pattern of airflow in the
nose and sometimes blocks the narrower
side. Surgically repairing the deviation
has been shown to reduce the number
of times a patient stops breathing during
sleep. This surgical repair may also make
the use of a CPAP mask more comfortable because the level of air pressure
being administered can be decreased.
Not to be overlooked, weight loss may
significantly reduce sleep apnea or
at least reduce the CPAP pressure that
would be needed to prevent the airway
from collapse.
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea,
treatment may reinvigorate you by allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted sleep.
More importantly, it may improve your
overall health and quality of life.
The Sleep Center at Phelps
The Sleep Center at Phelps is a state-ofthe-art diagnostic facility dedicated to the
diagnosis of sleep disorders. The center
is accredited by the American Academy
of Sleep Medicine, the gold standard by
which the medical community and public evaluate sleep disorder programs. The
Sleep Center is capable of diagnosing a
full spectrum of sleep disorders. Using
the latest diagnostic equipment, the
center’s credentialed staff can determine
if you are experiencing sleep apnea or
other less common sleep disorders, such
as narcolepsy or chronic fatigue syndrome. Sleep studies are conducted in
comfortable, private rooms. Phelps also
offers sleep studies for children under the
guidance of a board-certified pediatric
sleep specialist. Sleep Center staff work
closely with patients who choose CPAP
therapy to ensure that adjustment to the
therapy is successful. In addition to overnight sleep studies, the center will soon
be offering daytime studies and studies
that can be conducted in the home. The
center also offers a sleep support group
that meets in the evening or daytime. For
information about the Phelps Sleep Center, call 914-366-3755.
Michael J. Bergstein, MD, FACS, is surgical director of the Phelps Sleep Center
Maternity & Baby Care Classes
The Childbirth Experience/
LaMaze Method
Wednesday evenings 7:30 – 9:30 pm
for 5-6 weeks
Start dates: January 8, February 19,
April 2, May 14, June 25
OR 2-day weekend sessions,
10 am – 3 pm:
January 11-12, February 8-9,
March 8-9, April 12-13, May 17-18,
June 21-22
$170 per couple
Breastfeeding: First Choice
for Babies
June 12 or 26
7 pm • $65 per couple
Big Brother/Big Sister:
Sibling Preparation
January 18, March 15, May 24, July 19
10:30 am • $20 per child
Totsaver Program: American
Heart Association CPR for
Family and Friends
January 4, February 1, March 1,
April 5, May 3, June 7
9 am • $55 per person
7 – 9 pm • $45 per couple
For up-to-date schedules, visit
phelpshospital.org. Call (914) 366-3382 for
information or to register.
ABCs of Baby Care
Prenatal Clinic: Phelps Memorial Hos-
January 6, February 3, March 6,
March 31, May 1, June 9
January 23, February 10 or 27, March
10 or 27, April 7 or 24, May 8 or 29,
pital Center and Open Door Family Medical
Center, participants in the Medicaid Prenatal
Care Assistance Program, jointly sponsor a
and chief of the department of otolaryngology. Dr. Bergstein earned his medical
degree at Mount Sinai Medical Center,
where he also performed an internship
and residency in general surgery and otolaryngology. He completed a fellowship
in facial plastic surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical
Center. Dr. Bergstein is board certified in
otolaryngology – head and neck surgery
and in facial plastic and reconstructive
surgery. He is an assistant clinical professor of otolaryngology – head and neck
surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He has offices in Sleepy Hollow
and Yorktown Heights (914-631-3053).
Prenatal Program. Care for expectant mothers is provided by a highly trained, caring,
bilingual staff. No one is turned away based
on income or health insurance. Women are
encouraged to seek prenatal care early in
their pregnancy. Care is provided at Open
Door during the first 36 weeks of pregnancy
and at Phelps Memorial Hospital during the
remainder of the pregnancy and for delivery.
For information, call: (914) 941-1263.
Atención Prenatal: Phelps Memorial
Hospital Center en Sleepy Hollow y Open
Door Family Medical Center, participantes
en el Programa de Asistencia de Atención
Prenatal de Medicaid, auspician conjuntamente un Programa Prenatal. La atención
de mujeres embarazadas es provista por un
personal bilingüe y solidario, altamente capacitado. No se rechaza a nadie basándose
en sus ingresos económicos o seguro. Se
alienta a las mujeres a recibir atención prenatal lo más temprano posible durante su
embarazo. La atención es provista en Open
Door durante las primeras 36 semanas del
embarazo y en Phelps Memorial Hospital
durante el resto del embarazo y el parto.
Para mayor información, sírvase llamar al:
(914) 941-1263.
PHELPS TODAY
13
Cardiac Rehab
Program Receives
Certification
P
helps Cardiovascular Services has received certification for its cardiac rehabilitation program from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). AACVPR-certified
programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and
pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices
available. Certification is valid for three years.
Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with
cardiac disease improve their cardiovascular health and their quality
of life. The programs include medically supervised exercise, education,
counseling and support for patients and their families, with the goal of
maximizing a patient’s aerobic capacity through regular exercise.
This is the fourth program certification achieved by Phelps Cardiovascular
Services in the past year. The other three were for peripheral arterial testing, peripheral venous testing and extracranial cerebrovascular studies
(carotid artery studies).
Pictured above are two cardiovascular rehab patients
during a medically supervised workout.
For more information about cardiac rehab at Phelps, call 914-366-3742.
Pictured at the Robin’s Nest expansion ribbon-cutting: Keith Safian, Phelps President
and CEO; Kenneth Wray, Sleepy Hollow Mayor; Diane Matrafailo, Robin’s Nest director;
Lauren McDonald, Robin’s Nest Board member; and Daniel Blum, Phelps Senior VP.
A ribbon-cutting for the Robin’s Nest
child care center at Phelps Memorial
Hospital Center was held in November, marking the official opening
of a $1,400,000 expansion. The
3,860-square-foot addition to the
facility opens up day care opportunities for 40 more infants, toddlers
and preschool age children, ages two
months through six years.
Taking part in cutting the ribbon,
Sleepy Hollow Mayor Ken Wray
said, “The expansion of Robin’s Nest
is great for everyone in the community, especially for working parents
14
PHELPS TODAY
who know that their children are
well taken care of here. The Village is
growing, the hospital is growing, and
it’s important that assets such as this
facility grow, too.”
Phelps President and CEO Keith F.
Safian said, “The Robin’s Nest has
a long tradition of providing excellent child care for local families and
hospital employees. The need we are
meeting for greater capacity is a solid
indicator that the community is recovering from the recession, with more
and more parents employed. Phelps
is delighted to be able to support our
Robin’s Nest
Child Care
Center
Celebrates
Expansion
region’s economic growth by making it possible for a greater number of
young children to receive care.”
Diane Matrafailo, director of the facility, said, “The Robin’s Nest is one of
very few day care facilities in the area
that is nationally accredited. Parents
know that this is a mark of excellence
and it is one of the reasons so many
want to bring their children to the
Robin’s Nest. With the expansion,
we are happy to be able to accommodate more children, cutting down
wait times for enrollment.” For information, call 914-366-3232.
Phelps Breaks Ground
On New Surgical Suite
G
long x 9-foot-wide enclosed corridor
bridge will connect the new surgical area
to the surgical wing of the main hospital
building.
“We expect the planning we have done
today to produce a facility so modern
that it will meet our needs for decades
to come.”
“Building this new surgical suite is a huge
step forward for Phelps,” said Richard
Sinni, chairman of the hospital’s board.
“We are very excited to be able to meet
the growing needs of the community in
this significant way.”
“What we’ll have at Phelps is a stateof-the-art surgical facility, designed
for tomorrow’s technology,” said Keith
Safian, Phelps president and CEO. “The
spacious operating rooms will accommodate new, larger equipment and will
provide a comfortable environment for
our patients and surgical staff.”
Dr. Peress noted that a number of surgeons
and staff were consulted about the design
and capabilities of the new suite, so that
the end result will reflect many people’s
visions about how to create the best possible environment for patients, providers and changing technology. “We’ll be
equipped to accommodate a full range of
major surgeries, as well as minor procedures,” he said. “And we’ll be wired to
handle robotic surgery when necessary.”
round was broken recently on a
20,163-square-foot surgical suite
to be built on the Phelps campus
on the third floor of the 755 Medical Services Building.
The suite, called the SurgiCenter, is
unique in New York State in that it will be
the first surgical facility to be located in a
medical office building. It will function
as a self-contained surgical unit for both
inpatients and outpatients. A 200-foot-
“This is really a bridge to the future,” said
Dr. Richard Peress, a specialist in spine
surgery and participant with thoracic surgeon Dr. Avraham Merav on the Board’s
Facilities Master Planning Task Force.
The estimated opening date for the new
SurgiCenter is October 2014.
Pictured at the SurgiCenter groundbreaking: Mary McDermott, Phelps Chief Nursing Officer; Kathleen Scherf, Nursing Director of Surgical
Services; Louis Wachtel, Board member; Keith Safian, Phelps President and CEO; Richard Peress, MD, Director of Surgery; Richard Sinni, Board
Chair; Russell Watson, Board member; George Gatullo, Director of Engineering; and Kerry Pisano, Vice President of Facilities.
PHELPS TODAY
15
Phelps Medical Associates News
Two New Physicians Join Phelps Medical
Associates
P
helps Medical Associates, the hospital’s
multi-specialty medical group, continues to expand. The latest additions to
the group are internal medicine physician
Imaan Chowdhury, MD, and neurologist Mark
Homonoff, MD. Phelps Medical Associates
now includes 34 clinicians in 12 practice locations in Briarcliff, Croton, Dobbs Ferry, Ossining, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.
Imaan Chowdhury, MD
Mark Homonoff, MD
Rebecca L. McCracken, CNM
Dr. Chowdhury received her medical degree
from Ross University School of Medicine.
She conducted research in the anesthesiology
department at Cleveland Clinic and completed
a residency in internal medicine at Brookdale
University Hospital and Medical Center in
Brooklyn.
Dr. Homonoff practices general neurology with
a special interest in problems of higher cortical
function, including Alzheimer’s disease. Before
coming to Phelps, he was on the medical staff
of Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan
and held a faculty appointment at Mount Sinai
School of Medicine. Dr. Homonoff earned his
medical degree at Albert Einstein College of
Medicine in the Bronx and completed residency training in neurology at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. He was a post-doctoral
and research fellow at Rockefeller University
and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Both physicians are now accepting new
patients on the Phelps campus in Suite 417 of
the 755 building. To schedule an appointment
with Dr. Homonoff, call 914-366-5330. Dr.
Chowdhury can be reached at 914-366-5490
and also sees patients at Phelps’ primary care
medical suite in Dobbs Ferry at 18 Ashford
Avenue, 914-478-1384.
Nurse Midwife Joins Sleepy Hollow
Medical Group
Rebecca L. McCracken, CNM, RN, BS, MS, a
Certified Nurse Midwife, has joined the Sleepy
Hollow Medical Group, a Phelps Medical
Associates practice located on the hospital
campus at 755 North Broadway. She provides
prenatal care and delivery for normal pregnancies, routine gynecology and family planning
services.
Montgomery Douglas, MD
16
PHELPS TODAY
McCracken served most recently as a midwife
at Nyack Hospital and at Beth Israel Medical
Center in New York City. Prior to that, she
worked as a registered nurse at Lenox Hill Hospital and New York University Medical Center.
McCracken holds a bachelor of science degree
in nursing from University of Rochester and a
master of science degree in midwifery from
New York University. She is certified in Basic
Life Support (BLS) and as a Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP). She is a member of
the American College of Nurse Midwives, Midwives Alliance of North America and the New
York State Association of Licensed Midwives.
Appointments may be made by calling 914366-5400.
Montgomery Douglas, MD, Elected to
American Board of Family Medicine
Family physician Montgomery Douglas, MD,
who sees patients at the Phelps Medical Associates primary care practice in Dobbs Ferry,
was one of three new board members recently
elected to the American Board of Family Medicine. The ABFM, the second largest medical
specialty board in the United States, administers the exams and maintenance of certification programs taken by board-certified family
physicians nationwide.
Dr. Douglas is chairman of the Department
of Family and Community Medicine at New
York Medical College (NYMC) and is immediate past chair of the board of directors of the
New York State Academy of Family Physicians.
Board certified in family medicine and geriatrics, he played a critical role in the development of the NYMC Phelps Family Medicine
Residency Program, the first residency program
of its kind established in New York State since
1995.
“Monty is a passionate advocate for excellence
in medical education and clinical practice,”
says Lawrence Faltz, MD, Senior VP of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Phelps.
“It was his vision and energy that brought the
family medicine residency program to Phelps.”
The Dobbs Ferry practice of Phelps Medical
Associates is at 18 Ashford Avenue, Suite MW
(914-478-1384).
Phelps Opens Osteoporosis Center
Phelps Memorial Hospital Center is pleased to announce the establishment of a new office dedicated to the diagnosis
and treatment of osteoporosis. The Phelps Osteoporosis Center, located at 200 South Broadway, Suite 100 in Tarrytown,
is headed by endocrinologist James Hellerman, MD. A multidisciplinary team of osteoporosis specialists will develop
a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Treatment plans may include:
• physical and occupational therapy • exercise programs • pain management • educational forums • a support group
For more information or to make an appointment contact the Phelps Osteoporosis Center at 914-269-1888.
TOGETHER WE CAN KEEP
THE FLU FROM SPREADING
At Phelps, our goal is to protect patients, employees and visitors during the flu season.
What we do:
All hospital employees have gotten the flu shot or will wear
surgical masks when near patients during flu season.
Please don’t come to the hospital if you have flu-like
symptoms, including:
• Fever or chills
Hospital employees also use standard precautions:
• Cough
• Hand washing or hand sanitizers
• Sore throat
• Goggles
• Runny nose
• Gowns
• Body aches
• Antiseptic wipes for equipment use
• Headaches
Employees who have the flu must stay home while sick and
may not return to work until 24 hours after flu symptoms
end.
• Fatigue
What you can do to prevent getting the flu:
Get a flu shot. It is the best defense against the flu! Also,
wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick. If you
become ill, stay home so you don’t spread germs to others.
• Vomiting/diarrhea
Instead, call your doctor,
who may want to see you
if you are at risk for
complications. Taking
an anti-viral medication
within the first 48
hours of the onset
of symptoms can
lessen the severity
of the flu.
PHELPS TODAY
17
On the Move: Promoting Physical
Fitness in the Community
T
he Phelps Vitality initiative was
established in an effort to promote
healthier lifestyles in the community. One of the ways Phelps does this
is by sponsoring local physical fitness
events and encouraging participation in
these and other fitness events by hospital
employees and medical staff. No matter what the season, a dedicated team
of race enthusiasts from Phelps can be
found actively engaging in walks, runs,
marathons and triathlons, along with
their families and friends, while supporting worthwhile causes.
The Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon,
sponsored by Phelps, started the spring
season off with an ambitious 13.1-mile
run through scenic Sleepy Hollow. Sixteen Phelps participants included staff
members and their friends and family.
Seven hospital departments were represented: Behavioral Health, Blood Donor
Services, the Family Medicine Residency Program, Heritage Medical Group,
Patient Accounts, Nursing and Vitality,
along with staff from the Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrine Center, a division of
Children’s and Women’s Physicians of
Westchester, located on Phelps’ campus.
As the weather got warmer, Phelps staff
prepared for the Sleepy Hollow Sprint
Triathlon, which benefits the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society and was also
sponsored by Phelps. The June weather makes the 13.5-mile race (half-mile
swim, 10-mile bicycle ride and 3-mile
run) a natural for the outdoor athlete.
The Family Medicine Residency Program formed a team with Dr. Shantie Harkisoon, Dr. Rebecca Collins and
Kimberly Andron, LCSW-R, each taking
NYC Marathon
American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Walk
American Heart Association Heart Walk
18
PHELPS TODAY
NYC Marathon
Planning for Your Future
Phelps will be hosting a three-part
series on planning for the future for
individuals who are already retired
as well as those who are just beginning to plan for retirement.
7:30 pm in the Phelps Auditorium on
the following dates:
The presentations will be held the
first Tuesday of the month from 6:00-
May 6: Nuts and Bolts: Making Your
Money Last Through Retirement
a leg of the race. Geriatrician Dr. Cathryn Devons of Senior Health was really
ambitious and participated in all three
legs of the race on her own.
In the fall, there were three events sponsored by Phelps: the American Heart
Association’s Heart Walk, the American
Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer Walk and the Rivertown
Runners’ Sleepy Hollow 10K Halloween
race.
April 4: Estate Planning/Elder Law
101: Nuts and Bolts of Estate Planning to Preserve Your Assets
Twenty-two people representing Team
Phelps participated in the American
Heart Association’s Heart Walk by either
walking three miles around the Kensico
Dam or raising funds for the cause.
Through a variety of efforts, the team was
able to raise $2,158.
A field of more than 1,000 runners followed Phelps Pharmacy Director Fred
Perino as his motorcycle led the Sleepy
Hollow 10K Halloween race through
June 3: How Do I Pay for Long Term
Care: Planning With or Without Long
Term Care Insurance
Registration is required. Please call
Ellen Woods at 914-366-3937 to
reserve a space at any or all of the
programs.
Sleepy Hollow. The event became a real
family affair with Phelps staff and their
families participating together, including children who ran in their own race.
Behavioral Health, Health Information
Management, Human Resources, Patient
Accounts and Radiology all had representatives in the race.
The grand finale of events was the New
York City Marathon on November 3,
2013. An impressive four people from
Phelps participated in the 26.2-mile
event: Rosanna Almanzar, Dr. Rebecca
Collins, Dr. Cathryn Devons, and Dr.
Satish Kapoor. Congratulations to everyone who put in the time and dedication
to train and participate in the event.
Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon
Sleepy Hollow 10K Halloween Race
Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon
PHELPS TODAY
19
Look Good
Feel Better
Now Gift Buying for Phelps
Patients Is Easier than Ever!
Look Good Feel Better® is a free, two-hour workshop
held monthly at Phelps that teaches beauty techniques
to women undergoing cancer treatment to help them
manage the appearance-related aspects of treatment.
The program includes a hair consultation with a professional stylist and a makeup consultation with a cosmetologist.
Buying a gift for a Phelps patient is now easier than ever! Just
call the Phelps Gift Shop at 914-366-3183 to place an order by
phone. All phone orders include complimentary gift wrapping
and are delivered to the patient along with a small gift card bearing your message.
®
Order from Phelps Gift Shop by Phone
Attendees can take home a complimentary wig and a
makeup kit donated by a cosmetics company. The program is offered in partnership with the American Cancer
Society, the National Cosmetology Association, and the
Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Foundation. Registration is required. Please call 914-366-3315
or 914-366-3345 to register for an upcoming session.
A Note of Thanks from
a Look Good Feel
Better Participant
I’m just getting around to thanking you
for the great event you held at Phelps
this past Monday evening. I didn’t
expect to walk away with so many goodies and a wig! I am so glad that I
heard about Look Good Feel Better
and that you had space for me to join in.
I got rave reviews on my new look thanks
to you all. I never would have gone blonde
and short, but it works! My husband
loves it, and my 12-year-old daughter said
wow! Many other compliments include
looking young and sexy... so thank you
very much!
-MaryBeth Schulze
20
PHELPS TODAY
The Phelps Gift Shop, located off the main lobby, is a wonderful place to browse for that special gift. Among its treasures are
attractive and well-priced gifts for all occasions, including fashion jewelry, ladies’ scarves, baby clothing, handbags and wallets, umbrellas, decorative figurines and pillows, picture frames,
stuffed animals and more. Greeting cards, snacks, and a variety
of personal items are also available for purchase.
The Gift Shop, which is open seven days a week and staffed by
volunteers, is a fundraising project of the Phelps Auxiliary. Visa
and MasterCard are accepted, and all gift purchases include free
gift wrapping. For information, call 914-366-3183.
Hours of operation:
Monday and Friday: 9 am to 4:45 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9 am to 8:45 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm to 3:45 pm
VENDOR SALES IN MAIN LOBBY
The Phelps Auxiliary sponsors dozens of vendor sales
throughout the year, held in the main lobby of the hospital. Collections of beautiful jewelry, cosmetics, leather
goods, and more are brought into the hospital, where they
are sold, often at discounted prices. Sale proceeds benefit
Phelps Memorial Hospital. For information, call 914-3663183. For a current list of vendor sales, visit phelpshospital.org/ patient-visitor-info/gift-shop/.
Juntos podemos hacer que la
gripe no se propague
En Phelps, nuestro objetivo es proteger a nuestros pacientes, empleados
y visitantes durante la temporada de la gripe.
Qué hacemos:
Todos los empleados del hospital han recibido una vacuna
contra la gripe o usarán máscaras quirúrgicas cuando estén
cerca de pacientes durante la temporada de la gripe.
Los empleados del hospital también usan precauciones
estándares:
• Lavado de manos o uso de desinfectantes de manos
• Gafas
• Batas
• Toallitas antisépticas para usar en equipos
Los empleados que tienen la gripe deben permanecer en el
hogar y no pueden volver al trabajo hasta 24 horas después
que finalizaron los síntomas.
Qué puede hacer para prevenir contagiarse la gripe:
Reciba una vacuna contra la gripe. ¡Es la mejor defensa contra
la gripe! Además, lávese las manos con frecuencia y evite personas que estén enfermas. Si se enferma, quédese en su casa
para no propagar los gérmenes a otros.
Por favor, no venga al hospital si tiene síntomas parecidos a
los de la gripe, incluyendo:
• Fiebre o escalofríos
• Tos
• Dolor de garganta
• Goteo nasal
• Dolores corporales
• Dolores de cabeza
• Fatiga
• Vómitos/diarrea
En su lugar, llame al médico,
quien puede desear verlo
si corre riesgo de
complicaciones. Tomar
un medicamento antiviral
dentro de las primeras
48 horas de la
aparición de
síntomas puede
disminuir la
severidad de la
gripe.
Request Your Appointment Online!
¡Solicite su cita en línea!
Appointments for many of Phelps’ outpatient services can
be requested on the hospital’s website, including: cardiovascular, diabetes, hyperbaric, infusion, nutrition counseling,
occupational and physical therapy, pain center, pulmonary/
respiratory, radiology/x-ray, senior services, sleep, speech &
hearing, voice & swallowing, and wound healing. You can
even make an appointment to donate blood online. Just go to
www.phelpshospital.org and click on “Request an Appointment” – any time of the day or night!
Citas para muchos de los servicios de pacientes ambulatorios de Phelps pueden solicitarse en el sitio web
del hospital, incluyendo: cardiovascular, diabetes, hiperbárico, infusión, terapia ocupacional y física, Centro
del Dolor, radiología/radiografías, servicios para adultos
mayores, sueño, habla y audición, voz y deglución y
curación de heridas. Visite www.phelpshospital.org y
haga clic en “Request an Appointment” (Solicite una
cita) – ¡en cualquier momento del día o de la noche!
PHELPS TODAY
21
¿Cuándo es el momento de realizar
una cirugía de reemplazo de cadera?
P
uede empezar como dolor y rigidez en la entrepierna, los glúteos
o muslos en cuanto se levanta por
la mañana. El dolor empeora cuando se
mueve y mejora cuando descansa. Pero
después de un tiempo, puede descubrir
que ni siquiera el reposo alivia el dolor.
Es probable que padezca de artritis de
la cadera.
Según los Centros de Control de Enfermedades, una de cada cuatro personas
desarrollará artritis de la cadera en su
vida. Aquellos con historial familiar
de artritis de la cadera tienen mayores
probabilidades de desarrollarla y el riesgo aumenta con la edad, la obesidad o
una lesión que aplique tensión sobre el
cartílago de la cadera.
La artritis es una afección que ocurre
cuando se desgasta la superficie (cartílago) de una articulación. Su cartílago
está cubierto de un tejido duro y liso de
1/4 de pulgada de grosor que permite a
los huesos deslizarse unos sobre otros sin
provocar una fricción dolorosa. Cuando
el cartílago se adelgaza o desgasta por
completo, los extremos de los huesos
rozan entre sí, lo que provoca dolor y
rigidez.
Las terapias de primera línea generalmente recomendadas para el dolor
causado por artritis de la cadera son
fármacos antiinflamatorios, ejercicio y
fisioterapia. Por un tiempo, una o más
de estas terapias podría proporcionar
alivio para que usted pueda dormir,
subir escaleras y desempeñar las actividades de la vida diaria. Sin embargo,
cuando el dolor de la cadera se vuelve
tan intenso que estas terapias ya no funcionan, e incluso salir a caminar provoca
22
PHELPS TODAY
demasiado dolor, puede ser el momento
de considerar un reemplazo de cadera.
Tipos de reemplazo de cadera
El tipo más común de reemplazo de
cadera es el abordaje posterior. Durante esta cirugía, el cirujano realiza una
incisión de 6 a 8 pulgadas en la parte
lateral o posterior de la cadera, cortando
los músculos y separando los tendones
y ligamentos de la parte posterior de
la cadera. Después el cirujano retira
el hueso y el cartílago enfermos de la
articulación de la cadera y reemplaza
la bola y el receptáculo con una cadera
artificial.
La cirugía de reemplazo de cadera con
abordaje anterior y de invasión mínima
requiere tan solo una pequeña incisión
de 3 a 4 pulgadas. La entrada quirúrgica
a la articulación de la cadera se realiza a
través del área entre el abdomen inferior
y la parte superior del muslo. El cirujano
puede llegar a la cadera sin cortar músculos ni separar tendones, trabajando
con el espacio natural que existe entre
los músculos. Además, se dejan intactos los músculos más importantes para
la función de la cadera, los glúteos, que
se insertan en la pelvis y el fémur, por lo
que no requieren un proceso de cicatrización.
En comparación con el reemplazo de
cadera total tradicional, el abordaje
anterior ha demostrado causar bastante
menos dolor, con una recuperación más
rápida y menor riesgo de luxación de
cadera posoperatoria, donde la cadera
se sale de la articulación, una de las
complicaciones más comunes después
de la cirugía.
Debido a que no se corta ningún músculo para acceder a la articulación de
la cadera, el abordaje anterior, también
llamado cirugía “preservadora de músculo”, está asociado con un retorno más
rápido a las actividades normales. Los
pacientes no requieren dormir en una
posición especial, usar instrumentos
especiales para ponerse los zapatos y
calcetines, ni tener un asiento elevado
para el inodoro. Pueden regresar a conducir tan pronto como se sientan cómodos para hacerlo.
El reemplazo de cadera con abordaje
anterior se realiza en una mesa quirúrgica especial llamada Mesa para artroplastia de cadera y rodilla hana™, la
única mesa diseñada exclusivamente
para el reemplazo de cadera y rodilla. La
mesa permite al cirujano girar la cadera
de maneras que no son posibles con una
mesa quirúrgica convencional. Además,
Pelvis
Cabeza del
fémur
Cavidad de
la pelvis
Fémur
Cadera normal
debido a que la mesa permite el uso continuo de imágenes como guía durante la
cirugía, es posible ajustar el implante si
no está perfectamente alineado, antes de
que el paciente salga del quirófano.
El cirujano ortopédico Dr. Corey F.
Burak, introdujo en Phelps la técnica
para reemplazo de cadera con abordaje
anterior de invasión mínima en 2006.
Él fue el primer cirujano en el Condado
Westchester, Nueva York, en realizar
esta cirugía y tiene más experiencia en
el abordaje anterior que cualquier otro
cirujano ortopédico en la zona noreste, habiendo realizado más de 2,000
cirugías de este tipo hasta la fecha. Opción para una variedad más
amplia de pacientes
“La mayoría de mis pacientes tienen
entre 40 y 60 años de edad”, dice el
Dr. Burak. “Son personas con artritis o
afecciones congénitas, o atletas que
han sufrido lesiones relacionadas con el
deporte. Tienen diferentes expectativas
de la cirugía que una persona mayor,
están ansiosos por regresar a sus estilos
de vida activos, lo que a menudo incluye
deportes y jugar con sus hijos”.
Además de estos beneficios para un paciente más joven y activo, esta cirugía
es una opción para una variedad mucho
más amplia de pacientes que las cirugías
tradicionales u otras cirugías para el
reemplazo de cadera de invasión mínima. “He operado a pacientes de 25 a
98 años de edad y de 100 a 400 libras”,
dice el Dr. Burak. “Lo maravilloso de
esta operación es que no es necesario
ser selectivo, porque casi todos los pacientes son candidatos para ella”.
Aquellos con historial
familiar de artritis de
la cadera tienen
mayores
probabilidades de
desarrollarla y el
riesgo aumenta con
la edad, la obesidad o
una lesión que aplique
tensión sobre el
cartílago de la cadera.
Pelvis
Cartílago
dañado
Fémur
Cadera artrítica
PHELPS TODAY
23
Hace aproximadamente cinco años,
Cheryl Slaughter, atleta y entrenadora
personal de 45 años de edad con residencia en Croton, empezó a tener dolor
en la cadera causado por artritis y por
caer sobre su cadera al practicar esquí.
Inicialmente probó la fisioterapia para
aliviar el dolor, lo cual ayudó por un
tiempo, pero eventualmente el dolor
por la fricción de hueso contra hueso se
volvió más de lo que podía tolerar. Su
dolor restringía gravemente su vida.
Cheryl realizó una investigación a fondo
antes de decidir qué tipo de reemplazo
de cadera hacerse y quién realizaría la
cirugía. Debido a su ocupación, ella está
en contacto con muchos fisioterapeutas,
de modo que les pidió recomendaciones. El nombre del Dr. Corey Burak se
mencionaba una y otra vez.
24
PHELPS TODAY
Cheryl tuvo una cirugía para reemplazo de cadera con abordaje anterior
realizada por el Dr. Burak en Phelps en
diciembre de 2012 y salió del hospital
tres días después. Una semana después
de la cirugía, ella ya estaba caminando
una milla y media, y regresó a trabajar a
tiempo completo solo un mes después.
“Si tuviera un trabajo de escritorio
hubiera regresado al trabajo semanas
antes,” dice.
Además del método utilizado para reemplazar su cadera, ella atribuye su rápida
recuperación a los ejercicios de fortalecimiento que realizó antes de la cirugía y
al hecho de que se sometió a una dieta
antiinflamatoria. Certificada como especialista en ejercicio correctivo (un entrenador personal para personas con lesiones), ella dice que “sabe cómo hacer la
rehabilitación”.
La madre casada de dos adolescentes
habla sobre lo maravilloso que es ir a la
ciudad con ellos y poder subir y bajar
las escaleras del metro. Además regresó
a practicar boxeo dos veces a la semana, uno de sus deportes favoritos, y hace
ejercicio con pesas en el gimnasio.
“Mi reemplazo de cadera es lo mejor
que he hecho”, dice. “Mi cadera me
restringía mucho. Ahora tengo una
nueva articulación con mucho rango de
movimiento y una vida renovada. Puedo
pararme sin encorvarme y moverme sin
restricciones. Es grandioso poder caminar sin dolor”.
Marian Weinberg
había tenido dolor
en la cadera durante
años. Esta residente
de Sleepy Hollow de
94 años ha llevado
una vida muy activa
y continuó jugando
tenis hasta la edad
de 92 años a pesar
del dolor. Finalmente reconoció
que tenía que hacer
algo al respecto.
Mary Wu de Ossining es una de las pacientes más
impresionantes del Dr. Corey Burak. A Mary, una
receptora de trasplante de riñón en dos ocasiones
con varias afecciones médicas crónicas que incluyen
trastorno renal congénito, se le diagnosticó escoliosis
leve y artritis de cadera a los 10 años de edad. Ella ha
sufrido dolores y ha padecido de movilidad limitada
durante la mayor parte de sus 30 años de vida.
En abril del año pasado, cuando el dolor de su cadera
se volvió insoportable, Mary se sometió a una cirugía
de reemplazo de cadera con abordaje anterior. Por
más de cinco años, no había podido caminar más
de 15 minutos seguidos, pero después de la cirugía y
varios meses de rehabilitación física intensa en Phelps,
está aprendiendo a “moverse y bailar de nuevo”.
De hecho, Mary fue elegida para recibir el premio
para adultos en la primera Carrera/Caminata anual por
la Artritis Jingle Bell del Condado de Westchester de
2013, un evento nacional llevado a cabo por la Fundación de Artritis en 200 ciudades de todo Estados
Unidos. Una dedicada embajadora de la Fundación
de Artritis, Mary ha comparecido ante el Congreso y
legisladores locales abogando por cuestiones relacionadas con la artritis. “Mi nueva situación normal con
mi nueva cadera ha sido estimulante. La vida nunca
han sido tan hermosa y extraordinaria”, dice.
“Cuando les dije a
mis hijos que estaba
considerando una
cirugía de reemplazo de cadera,
ellos me dijeron que
no debería hacerlo,
que soy demasiado vieja, que
mis huesos se quebrarían y que
pasaría el resto de mi vida en
una silla de ruedas. Pero no les
hice caso, y me alegra no haberlo
hecho”.
El Dr. Burak realizó una cirugía
de reemplazo de cadera con
abordaje anterior a la Sra. Weinberg en septiembre de 2011;
ella salió del hospital tres días
después para quedarse en un
centro de enfermería especializado y recibir dos semanas de
fisioterapia. En cuatro semanas,
estaba caminando sin bastón y
sin dolor.
“Reemplazar mi cadera fue lo
mejor que he hecho”, dice la Sra.
Weinberg, quien fue maestra de
matemáticas en la Preparatoria
Briarcliff y es una de las fundadoras de Corporate Angel Network,
una organización de beneficencia que organiza viajes gratuitos en avión para pacientes con
cáncer hacia y desde sus lugares
de tratamiento usando asientos
vacíos en jets corporativos. Ella
no ha tenido ningún problema
con su cadera en los últimos dos
años y actualmente nada media
milla dos veces a la semana.
“Algunas personas creen que una
vez que se llega a cierta edad, ya
no vale la pena someterse a una
cirugía mayor”, dice el Dr. Burak.
“Pero si cuenta con una buena
salud general y está motivado a
recuperarse, puede realizarse de
manera segura y con éxito”.
Corey Burak, MD, es médico certificado en cirugía ortopédica por el Consejo Americano de Cirugía Ortopédica. Obtuvo su título de medicina de SUNY-HSC en la Escuela
de Medicina de Syracuse en Nueva York. Terminó un internado en cirugía general en el
Hospital y Centro Médico Saint Vincent, Nueva York, NY, y una residencia en cirugía
ortopédica en el Hospital y Centro Médico Universitario de Tulane en New Orleans,
LA, donde terminó una investigación postdoctoral en reconstrucción en pacientes
adultos con el renombrado Dr. Robert L. Barrack. El Dr. Burak también realizó una
subespecialidad en artroplastia de cadera y rodilla en Dorr Arthritis Institute, Los
Angeles, CA, además recibió el Premio Rockwood and Green en 2002.
PHELPS TODAY
25
Cómo vivir una vida
plena con artritis
reumatoide o psoriásica
C
Casi 1.3 millones de
estadounidenses
afectados con artritis
reumatoide, la cual
es una de las dos
enfermedades
articulares más
comunes.
uando Sharon Mitchell fue a la
universidad en 1978, lo último
que esperaba era descubrir que
tenía Artritis Reumatoide. Los tratamientos ayudaron poco y pronto para Sharon
era muy dificultoso caminar a través del
campus. Ese fue el comienzo de muchos
años de probar nuevas terapias y sufrir el
aumento de dolor y discapacidad.
Sharon es uno de casi 1.3 millones de
estadounidenses afectados con artritis
reumatoide, la cual es una de las dos
enfermedades articulares más comunes.
La otra es la artritis psoriásica.
En la edad adulta, la mayoría de las personas ha sufrido la ocasional inflamación
o dolor de articulación como resultado
de una lesión o infección. Fácil de
resolver por medio de descanso, medicamentos antiinflamatorios y, en algunos casos, antibióticos, el dolor es rápidamente olvidado. Sin embargo, para
muchas personas, el dolor articular es
crónico y requiere una atención médica
agresiva y a largo plazo.
En ambas artritis reumatoide y psoriásica, la inflamación es causada por un
funcionamiento anormal del sistema
inmunitario: la respuesta defensiva del
cuerpo contra sustancias extrañas que
atacan erróneamente células y tejidos
internos.
Artritis reumatoide
La artritis reumatoide ocurre por lo
general entre los 30 y 50 años de edad,
aunque personas de cualquier edad
pueden desarrollar la enfermedad. Dos
de cada tres casos son mujeres. El diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide se basa
en la presencia de más de tres de los
siguientes criterios:
• Rigidez articular en la mañana que dura más de una hora antes de
mejorar
26
PHELPS TODAY
• Tres o más áreas articulares que tienen inflamación articular a la vez
• Inflamación simultánea de las mis-
mas áreas articulares en ambos ladôs del cuerpo
• Por lo menos una articulación infla-
mada en la muñeca o nudillos o ên
el área entre el medio y la base del dedo
• Nódulos duros bajo la superficie sobre prominencias óseas, en la parte posterior de los codos o parte frontal de la rodilla o cerca de articulaciones
• Niveles más altos que los normales de varios anticuerpos en la sangre, algunos de los cuales son específicos solo a la artritis reumatoide
• Una radiografía o tomografía
que muestre características como inflamación de los tejidos blandos o estrechamiento o erosión del espacio entre las articulaciones
Una persona que tiene artritis reumatoide típicamente experimenta fatiga,
disminución del rango de movimiento y
fiebre. Mientras que las causas exactas
de la artritis reumatoide son desconocidas, los investigadores médicos especulan que la enfermedad puede desencadenarse por una combinación de
factores como una respuesta autoinmune
anormal, susceptibilidad genética, infección viral, cambios hormonales y larga
exposición al tabaco o humo de cigarrillo.
Artritis psoriásica
La artritis psoriásica afecta a hombres y
mujeres por igual, y la mayoría de los
casos se desarrollan entre los 30 y 50
años. Se desconocen los factores que
podrían predisponer a una persona a la
enfermedad, aunque hasta el 30 % de
personas que tienen psoriasis desarro-
llarán esta condición. Las personas con
el marcador genético HLA-B27 podrían
también correr mayor riesgo. Hay cinco
tipos de artritis psoriásica, incluyendo:
Asimétrica – una etapa de artritis psoriásica caracterizada por la inflamación de
algunas articulaciones de las extremidades. Alrededor del 30 a 50 por ciento
de los pacientes de artritis psoriásica
tienen este tipo de la enfermedad.
Simétrica – una etapa común más tardía
de la artritis psoriásica en la cual el dolor
articular e inflamación ocurren en ambos
lados del cuerpo.
Interfalángica distal predominante (DIP)
– una aflicción en la articulación más
cercana a la punta de los dedos o dedos
de los pies, la cual produce marcas, separación y otros cambios degenerativos
en uñas de manos y pies. Alrededor del
25 por ciento de los pacientes de artritis
psoriásica desarrolla DIP.
Artritis mutilante – una forma severa de
artritis psoriásica que causa inflamación
dolorosa en los ligamentos y tendones
que se conectan al hueso. Esta condición
es rara.
Espondilitis psoriásica – produce
inflamación en el revestimiento alrededor de la pelvis e inflamación de las
vértebras. Ocurre en alrededor del 30 a
35 por ciento de todos los casos.
Otros hallazgos que indican artritis
psoriásica incluyen una prueba sanguínea negativa para el factor reumatoide, estudios de imágenes que
muestran cambios articulares, dactilitis
(inflamación en los dedos que produce
una apariencia parecida a una salchicha)
y quejas de fatiga y agotamiento.
Tratamiento para la artritis
reumatoide o psoriásica
Según el reumatólogo Richard Parrino, MD, Director Médico del Centro de Infusión de Phelps, “La práctica
actual apoya el tratamiento agresivo en
las etapas tempranas de la artritis reumatoide y la sporiásica para prevenir
la discapacidad a largo plazo. No hay
una droga específica que pueda curar
cualquier forma de artritis, pero hay
medicamentos que pueden disminuir
la progresión de la enfermedad, lo cual
lleva a una reducción de la inflamación,
previene daño a los huesos y los liga-
La enfermera Nancy Carangelo del Centro de Infusión de Phelps asiste a la paciente Sharon
Mitchell durante un tratamiento de infusión para la artritis reumatoide.
mentos de las articulaciones y preserva
el movimiento”. El tratamiento es similar
para ambas condiciones, confiando en
agentes antiinflamatorios, antirreumáticos modificadores de la enfermedad
(DMARDS) y los modificadores de respuesta biológica (DMARDS biológicos).
Los DMARD como el metotrexato,
leflunomida, y sulfasalazina, trabajan al
suprimir el sistema inmunitario sobrerreactivo del cuerpo. La desventaja de estos
medicamentos es que pueden producir
malestar gastrointestinal y pueden no
aliviar inmediatamente el dolor articular. Mientras se espera que los DMARD
hagan efecto, pueden recetarse analgésicos como la aspirina, el ibuprofeno,
naproxeno y algunas veces la prednisona. Los factores que influencian la selección de un DMARD incluyen la etapa y
severidad de la condición de la articulación, el balance entre los posibles efectos colaterales y beneficios esperados y
la preferencia del paciente.
Los DMARD biológicos, desarrollados en
la década de 1990, son drogas fabricadas
de células vivas. Remicade, HUMIRA y
Rituxan son nombres comunes de algunos de los medicamentos biológicos disponibles. Los medicamentos biológicos,
los cuales son generalmente administra-
dos intravenosamente o por inyección
cada seis a ocho semanas, trabajan sobre
los componentes del sistema inmunitario
que causan la inflamación de la articulación. Los efectos colaterales posibles
de los medicamentos biológicos son un
aumento en el riesgo de infecciones y
la posibilidad de que causen que una
condición latente como la tuberculosis
vuelva a aparecer.
Vectra, una nueva herramienta
de diagnóstico para la artritis
reumatoide
Los pacientes del Centro de Infusión de
Phelps están entre los primeros en el
Estado de Nueva York en beneficiarse
con una nueva herramienta de diagnóstico para la artritis reumatoide llamada
Vectra. Esta prueba de sangre avanzada
mide los niveles de las 12 proteínas en
la sangre que están asociadas con la
artritis reumatoide, la cual provee a los
clínicos una comprensión de la actividad actual de la enfermedad. Esta información ayuda a los clínicos a determinar
el éxito del tratamiento actual del paciente y puede controlar el gasto de los
medicamentos biológicos permitiendo
a los médicos saber cuándo empezar y
detener la administración de la droga,
PHELPS TODAY
27
además de la efectividad de la dosis.
Cómo seguir una vida activa con
artritis psoriásica
Una actitud positiva, la voluntad de
adaptarse al cambio y un ambiente
social de apoyo ayudan a muchas personas con artritis reumatoide y psoriásica
a vivir una vida plena, a pesar del malestar de las articulaciones y la amenaza
de impedimentos físicos.
Para John Kavanah, mantener una vida
plena con artritis psoriásica ha significado “escuchar a su cuerpo y ajustar
objetivos según se necesite”. Nacido con
pies zambos, John siguió exitosamente
su pasión por el atletismo y su interés
profesional en la educación física a pesar
de sus dolencias. La cirugía correctiva en
sus pies permitió a John jugar sus deportes preferidos a lo largo de su juventud.
Poco después de obtener un título universitario de maestro de educación física en
1984, John empezó a notar inflamación
en sus tobillos. Diagnosticado con artritis psoriásica, continuó participando en
deportes de alto movimiento durante los
10 años siguientes por medio de tratamiento con cortisona y, más adelante,
metotrexato. En 2007, la iniciación de
tratamiento con medicamentos biológicos eliminó la mayoría del dolor en sus
pies, aunque continuó teniendo una
manera de caminar irregular debido a la
rigidez en sus piernas.
Casi 30 años desde su diagnóstico inicial, John aún trabaja como maestro de
educación física pero ya no practica
deportes de alto movimiento. Se han
sumado nuevas responsabilidades a su
vida, como entrenar a un equipo varsity
de básquetbol de niñas y como filmador
de un equipo de fútbol americano local.
Además, él entrena en un gimnasio para
obtener un bienestar general. Cualquier
sea su rol, John comunica a otros sus
limitaciones corporales y su gran interés
en mantener su independencia física.
Cómo vivir con artritis
reumatoide
Como estudiante universitaria en 1978,
Sharon Mitchell se adaptó pidiendo a sus
profesores más tiempo para llegar caminando a sus clases, o programando sus
clases en un edificio. Las terapias iniciales, que incluyeron prednisona, inyecc-
28
PHELPS TODAY
iones de oro e Indocin, aliviaron un poco
su dolor, pero no le dieron la habilidad
de prevenir que la enfermedad atacara
sus articulaciones. Después que Sharon
se casara y tuviera hijos, la familia trabajó en equipo para mantener el hogar
y responder a sus necesidades personales. Al deteriorase la salud de Sharon,
esto significó algunas veces restablecer
sus prioridades. Ella aprendió, por ejemplo, a no esperar que su familia tomara
responsabilidad inmediata por las tareas
del hogar que ella ya no podía realizar.
Aceptó más abiertamente la ayuda ofrecida por vecinos para llevar a sus hijos
a la escuela o a actividades extracurriculares. Ella y su esposo modificaron
también sus entornos para mantener su
independencia. Palancas reemplazaron
llaves en grifos y picaportes en puertas,
y la familia evitó colocar artículos del
hogar en estante altos.
La introducción de medicamentos
biológicos en 2007 cambió la vida de
Sharon dramáticamente. La mañana
después de su tratamiento inicial, ella
pudo levantarse de la cama sin dolor y
rigidez por primera vez en 30 años. Al
disminuir el dolor, su energía aumentó y
Sharon pronto se sintió bien como para
trabajar tiempo completo en vez de
tiempo parcial como directora de finanzas. Las tareas diarias, como conducir,
se hicieron menos preocupantes debido
a la disminución de los niveles de dolor
y aumento de la movilidad. Su nivel de
energía aumentó además de su habilidad
de participar en actividades físicas, las
cuales ayudaron a traer alegría tanto a
ella como a su familia. A pesar de que
Sharon continúa sufriendo de daño articular permanente, considera su mejoramiento en la calidad de su vida ofrecido
por los medicamentos biológicos “casi
un milagro”.
Para Sharon y John, la administración de
medicamentos biológicos fue instrumental en reducir el dolor y minimizar más
daño articular. Sin embargo, los medicamentos biológicos pueden que no
sean apropiados para todos los pacientes con artritis reumatoide o psoriásica.
El Dr. Parrino aconseja hablar con su
reumatólogo antes de comenzar cualquier tratamiento para “discutir los beneficios y riesgos de cada terapia, incluyendo los posibles efectos colaterales y
toxicidades, programación de la dosis,
monitoreo de la frecuencia y resultados
esperados”.
El Centro de Infusión de Phelps
El Centro de Infusión de Phelps se estableció en 2004 para proveer a pacientes
con los últimos tratamientos para enfermedades inflamatorias crónicas, incluyendo artritis reumatoide y psoriásica,
colitis ulcerativa, lupus y Enfermedad de
Crohn. Es uno de los centros de infusión
más grande para enfermedades inflamatorias en el área metropolitana de Nueva
York. El centro, ubicado en el campus de
Phelps en la Suite 260 del Edificio 755,
ofrece habitaciones privadas cómodas
donde pacientes pueden descansar,
leer o trabajar en una laptop mientras
reciben tratamientos. “En nuestros casi
10 años de proveer servicios de infusión
ambulatorios, hemos perfeccionado la
administración de este servicio de una
manera que hace que los pacientes y sus
familias se sientan seguros y cómodos.
Es un gran tributo al personal amable y
experto del centro”, dijo el Dr. Parrino.
Para más información sobre el diagnóstico y tratamientos de artritis reumatoide
o psoriásica o cualquier otra enfermedad inflamatoria, contacte al Centro de
Infusión de Phelps al 914-366-3523
Richard Parrino, MD, Director Médico
del Centro de Infusión de Phelps, tiene
más de 40 años de experiencia en reumatología. Graduado de la Facultad de
Medicina de la Universidad de Roma,
el Dr. Parrino completó su residencia
en medicina en el Hospital Queens y su
fellowship en reumatología en Colegio
de Medicina y Odontología de Nueva
Jersey.
Programs and Services at Phelps
Bereavement Support(914) 366-3325
Blood Donor Services*(914) 366-3916
Cardiovascular Diagnostic Lab(914) 366-3740
Cardiac Rehabilitation(914) 366-3742
Child Care – Robin’s Nest(914) 366-3232
Diabetes & Metabolism Center**(914) 366-2270
Diabetes & Endocrine Center for Children & Young Adults*
(914) 366-3400
Educational Programs and Free Screenings
(914) 366-3220
Emergency Department(914) 366-3590
Emergency Department’s PromptCare(914) 366-3660
Emergency Education Center*(914) 366-3577
Gastroenterology & Advanced Endoscopy* (914) 366-1190
Hernia Center (888) 888-2311
Hospice(914) 366-3325
Hyperbaric Medicine Center(914) 366-3690
Infusion Center*(914) 366-3523
Laboratory (Outpatient)(914) 366-3917
Lung Nodule Center(914) 366-2333
Maternal Child Center(914) 366-3382
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center**
(914) 366-0664
Mental Health – Outpatient Counseling*
(914) 366-3600
Mental Health – Outpatient Chemical Dependency
(914) 944-5220
Mental Health – Inpatient Substance Abuse – Co-occurring Disorders
(914) 366-3027
Mental Health – Inpatient Psychiatry
(914) 366-3513
Nutrition Counseling(914) 366-2264
Osteoporosis Center(914) 269-1888
Pain Center(914) 366-3794
Pastoral Care(914) 366-3090
Pharmacy for the Community**(914) 366-1400
Physical Medicine & Rehab (PT, OT, Aquatherapy) - Outpatient*
(914) 366-3700
Physical Medicine & Rehab - Inpatient
(914) 366-3702
Physician Referral Service(914) 366-3367
Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP)
(914) 941-1263
Pulmonary Physiology Lab and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
(914) 366-3712
Radiology/X-Ray(914) 366-3430
Respite Care(914) 366-3356
Senior Services and Memory Loss Evaluation*
(914) 366-3677
Sleep Center(914) 366-3626
Speech & Hearing – The Donald R. Reed Center**
(914) 366-3010
Surgery – Call Physician Referral (914) 366-3367
Thoracic Center for Chest Diseases* (914) 366-2333
Vascular Institute(914) 366-3008
Voice & Swallowing Institute**(914) 366-3636
Volunteer Services(914) 366-3170
Wound Healing Institute* (914) 366-3040
*Located in the Phelps Medical Services Building (755 North Broadway).
** Located in the Phelps Professional Building (777 North Broadway).
For more information about Phelps services, visit phelpshospital.org and click on “Clinical Services.”
It is now possible to request an appointment for many services on the Phelps website. Just go to
phelpshospital.org and click on “Request an Appointment.”
PHELPS TODAY
29
Phelps Memorial Hospital Locations in the Community
A
croton-on-hudson
3
B
C
briarcliff manor
2

sleepy
hollow
D
tarrytown
Rt. 1
Rt. 1
17
19
E
1
irvington
dobbs ferry
F
MEDICAL PRACTICES
A
B
Phelps in Croton
Primary & Specialty Care: 914-269-1700;
Radiology: 914-269-1701
Phelps in Ossining
Family & Internal Medicine:
914-373-4948 & 914-941-1277
PRACTICES ON THE
• Advanced Endoscopy &
Gastroenterology: 914-366-1190
• Westchester Gastroenterology:
914-366-5420
• Multi-Specialty Medical Group at
Phelps (Primary Care & Neurology):
914-366-5490
C
Phelps Cardiology in Briarcliff
914-762-5810
D
Phelps in Sleepy Hollow –
Heritage Medical Group
Primary Care: 914-631-2070
• OB/GYN – Sleepy Hollow Medical
Group: 914-366-5400
E
Phelps in Tarrytown
Endocrinology: 914-631-9300
Osteoporosis Center: 914-269-1888
• Senior Health & Internal Medicine:
914-366-3677
F
Phelps in Dobbs Ferry
Primary Care: 914-478-1384
30
PHELPS TODAY
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
SERVICES
 PHELPS CAMPUS:
• Rheumatology at Phelps: 914-366-1005
• Thoracic Center: 914-366-2333
Threshold – Alcohol/Chemical
1
2
3
Dependency Services
Tarrytown: 914-631-3133
Addiction Treatment Services (ATS)
And Ossining Counseling Service
Ossining: 914-944-5220; 914-944-5250
Continuing Day Treatment;
Supportive Case Management
Briarcliff Manor: 914-923-5700;
914-923-5740
SAVE THE DATES:
An Evening of Food, Wine,
Martinis & Fine Friends
Showcasing wines from South America
Friday, April 11, 2014
Trump National Golf Club
Briarcliff Manor, New York
Spirit of Jazz Concert
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Irvington Town Hall Theater
Irvington, New York
11th Annual
Phelps Classic
Monday, June 9, 2014
Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Scarborough, New York
27th Annual
Champagne Ball
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Trump National Golf Club
Briarcliff Manor, New York
PHELPS TODAY
31
PHELPS
Nonprofit Organization
Phelps Memorial Hospital Center
701 North Broadway
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591-1096
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #63
Mechanicsburg, PA
www.phelpshospital.org
Donate Blood at Phelps
Give the Gift of Life and Receive a Discount from a Local Business
Did you know that every time you donate a unit of blood you can help save up to three lives? Also, each time you donate at Phelps,
you’ll receive a $15 voucher for a free meal in the Phelps cafeteria and will be invited to choose a discount offer from one of the many
generous area businesses listed below. To donate, you must be between 16 and 75 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Please give
the gift of life. To make an appointment, call 914-366-3916.
A NU Toy Store, Tarrytown
Geordane’s, Irvington
The Art Barn, Ossining
Goldfish, Ossining
Atria Senior Living, Ossining
Good Food, Briarcliff Manor
Bark & Meow Pet Products,
Gordo’s, Hawthorne
Tarrytown
Green Valley Nursery, Hawthorne
Basilico Pizza, Pasta, Mount Kisco
Hair on the Hudson, Tarrytown
Bella’s Boutique, Tarrytown
Heritage Frame, Tarrytown
Brasserie Swiss, Ossining
Highland Cleaners, Ossining
Bridge View Tavern, Sleepy Hollow
Hobston Jewelry, Tarrytown
Canfin Gallery, Tarrytown Hollywood North Pizza,
Capri Pizza & Pasta, Ossining
Sleepy Hollow
Caravela, Tarrytown
Horsefeathers, Tarrytown
Carpet Giant, Ossining
Il Sorriso, Irvington
Casa Rina, Thornwood
Images Art Gallery, Briarcliff Manor
Chiboust, Tarrytown Isabella Bistro, Tarrytown
Choice Pets, Ossining
J. P. Doyle’s Restaurant,
Coffee Labs Roasters, Tarrytown
Sleepy Hollow
Connections with Elena, Tarrytown
Jacob Burns Film Center,
Corsi Tire, Ossining Pleasantville
Courtyard by Marriott, Tarrytown
Josephine’s Hair Salon, Ossining
Doca’s Portuguese, Ossining
Kendal on Hudson, Sleepy Hollow
Dominick’s Limousine,
King Shell Service Center, Ossining
Sleepy Hollow
King Shell Service Center, Tarrytown
Doubletree Hotel, Tarrytown
Kittle House, Chappaqua
Eldorado West Diner, Tarrytown
L3 Couture, Briarcliff Manor
Elite Hair Design, Tarrytown
Landmark Diner, Ossining
Elmsford Chiropractic, Elmsford
Main Street Sweets, Tarrytown Fairview Golf Center, Elmsford
Mandee, Ossining
Family YMCA, Tarrytown Manor Wine & Spirits,
Fantastic Finds Boutique, Tarrytown
Briarcliff Manor
Mediterraneo, Pleasantville
Tarrytown Floral Designs, Tarrytown
Melita’s, Ossining
Tarrytown Woodworks, Tarrytown
Moon River River Grill,
Taste of China, Tarrytown
Sleepy Hollow
Tasty Port Wine, Ossining
Mr. Nick’s Brick Oven Pizza,
Terra Rustica, Briarcliff Manor
Tarrytown
TGI Friday’s, Tarrytown
mysherry&more, Briarcliff Manor
The Boathouse, Ossining
NY School of Esthetics, Tarrytown
The Cabin, White Plains
Okinawa, Ossining
The Huddle, Sleepy Hollow
Old Stone Trattoria, Chappaqua
The Red Hat, Irvington
OnTrack, Tarrytown The Tapp, Tarrytown
Paese Pasta & Pizza,
The Tuscan Grille, Briarcliff Manor
Briarcliff Manor
The Village Soccer Shop, Tarrytown
PHR Electrolysis, Tarrytown
W@tercooler, Tarrytown
Pleasantville Colonial Diner,
Thornwood Ale House, Thornwood
Pleasantville
Threads of Life, Tarrytown
Pure Mountain Olive Oil, Tarrytown
Trapp Optical, Tarrytown
Quirky Consignments, Tarrytown
Ultra Clean Car Wash, Ossining
River City Grille, Irvington
UNO Chicago Grill, Yonkers
River View Wine, Tarrytown
Warner Library, Tarrytown
Rock Island Sound, Tarrytown
Westchester Broadway Theatre,
Santa Fe Restaurant, Tarrytown Elmsford
Sheraton Hotel, Tarrytown
Westchester Marriott, Tarrytown
South of the Border, Ossining
Wobble Café, Ossining
Sparx Hair Salon, Pleasantville
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Please patronize these businesses
Squire’s, Briarcliff Manor and let them know you appreciate
Studio A Gallery, Tarrytown
their community-minded support.
Sunset Cove, TarrytownTo learn about donating blood, call
Tarry Tavern, Tarrytown
(914) 366-3916.