Health Story

In the face of traumas how do we find resiliency and healing? Mayer Bellehsen, PhD, director of the Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery (CTSRR), shares what he calls the five domains of coping. Within that framework, he says connection is the most robust protective factor and stresses the importance of family in the recovery process. Dr. Bellehsen also discusses the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on health care providers; pulling from past disasters like 9/11 and the AIDS crisis; and his work with veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and more.

Caring for kids and teens, and adult self-care, are among topics discussed with Victor Fornari, MD, director of child and adolescent psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital. Dr. Fornari describes mental health support programs and tools available to help struggling families "bounce forward" toward a healthier, post-COVID-19 future.

Drawing on personal experiences may calm conflicts, reduce stress, and empower frontline health care workers to maintain effectiveness and build stronger relationships with patients and coworkers. Dr. Joseph Weiner, MD, PhD, is associate clinical professor of psychiatry, medicine, and science education at the Zucker School Medicine. Dr. Weiner discusses emotional triggers and explains how a look back may show a healthy way forward for helpers who need healing.

Signs of progress against the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States are encouraging, yet infection rates continue to surge in some regions of the world, and lack of access to vaccines abroad and vaccine-hesitancy at home raise the risk of virus variants and future infections. The on-going need to remain on-guard includes ready access to mental health services. Manish Sapra, MD, executive director of the Behavioral Health Services at Northwell Health, discusses today's unique mental health challenges, and explains why Telehealth and Telepsychiatry are vital tools in the practitioner's kit.

Social distancing and quarantine can magnify pandemic anxiety. For those who feel isolated, a holistic nurse practitioner provides a guided meditation to build awareness of shared connections. self-care, guided meditation, loneliness, social isolation, covid19, covid stress, covid, coronavirus, social distancing

Focus on everyday purpose and meaning with a parable about work, then find encouragement with a brief meditation created especially for essential workers by a holistic nurse practitioner.

Working from home can work your last nerve while you share limited space with others. Learn a simple way to slow down and calm frustration with a reset that works for any age. Jen Caliendo, from the Northwell Health Center for Wellness and Integrative Medicine, shares her work-from-home experience, and how a brief exercise lowers stress for her and her family.

A mother's concern for her daughter, a critical care nurse, inspired this capsule meditation to calm and encourage health care workers on the frontlines. Holistic nurse practitioner Deborah McElligott, of the Center for Wellness and Integrative Medicine, bears witness to the trying experiences on the frontlines, then leads you through the process of preparing to deliver treatment with compassion for patients and yourself.

Northwell Health’s Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) in Riverhead is the setting for conversations about the demands and rewards of caring for loved ones outside of hospital settings. Volunteers explain how a Caregivers Center at PBMC enables them to share information, encouragement and mutual support in a space designed for and solely-dedicated to serving their needs. It's an idea adopted from the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center in Westchester. Plans are to expand the program for caregivers throughout the region.

A doctor, hospital administrator and nurse-educators explain how a military-inspired program enlists the entire Northwell Health community to ensure teamwork and patient safety.

Dr. Lance Becker, chair of emergency departments for North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center describes research and shares his experiences on the subject of restoring life to people well-beyond traditional time limits of clinical death. Dr. Becker is also an investigator at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and is chair of emergency medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. In this conversation he demystifies a once-miraculous process, and says revivification may one day be routinely available for use by ambulance crews in a variety of settings and locations.

This edition of Health Story features an informal conversation with Dr. Matthew Weiss, deputy physician-in-chief and director of surgical oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute. Dr. Weiss describes the goals and practices of the Institute, and explains how its multi-disciplinary approach to targeting cancers supports and benefits physician-patient relationships, and encourages participation in research toward more successful outcomes.

New York native Toni Fabric returns from Chicago for care and treatment at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. Director of Surgical Oncology Dr. Matthew Weiss and institute-associate Dr. David Tuveson of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the Lustgarten Foundation discuss pancreas cancer, Toni's positive outcome, and the Northwell Health Cancer Institute's multi-disciplinary strategy against this all-too-common illness, including; chemotherapy, surgical intervention, support for physicians, and patient-participation in genetic research.

A surgical team employs email correspondence to gain insights about the lives, loves and enthusiasms of their patients. Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, New York, explains how information about subjects including Italian meatballs and the music of Pink Floyd can build rapport among his colleagues, their patients and the patient's loved ones, contributing to favorable outcomes.

A New York mom approaches midlife with a heavy heart, and heart disease. A presentation produced by the Katz Institute for Women's Health for female employees inspired Kathy Khodadadi to seek help. Kathy and members of the Katz cardiology team discuss game-changing strategies for addressing heart-health challenges confronting women.

Michael J. Dowling, Northwell Health President and Chief Executive Officer, and Coauthor Charles Kenney conclude a three-part discussion of their new book and present evidence of how optimism, effort, respect and persistence are keys to a successful "reboot" of the U.S. health care system. Topics include Northwell Health as a model for consolidation and trends in health care policy.

In Part Two of a three-part series, Michael J. Dowling, Northwell Health President and Chief Executive Officer and coauthor Charles Kenney describe energizing megatrends in medicine, including; new practices in education, brain health, information technology, and health care value. Micheal J. Dowling, Charles Kenney, Health Care Reboot, hospital consolidation, brain health, To Err is Human,

In the first of a three-part series, Michael J. Dowling, Northwell Health President and Chief Executive Officer and Coauthor Charles Kenney discuss their new book, and support their case for renewed confidence in the American health care system. The authors describe Health Care Reboot as, "optimistic in a realistic way."

Vincent Maltese was a typical teen, suddenly confronted with a life-challenging condition. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, Vinnie, now a university undergraduate, describes a nearly fatal slip and along with his counselor, endocrinologists, and mom addresses diabetes management, family dynamics, and the latest innovations to help the newly-diagnosed be confident about enjoying a healthy life.

Two-way connectivity permits immediate access to medical evaluation for patients and families any time, virtually anywhere. Doctors, emergency department nurses, and a patient describe their experiences with Telehealth today, and explain how incorporating new technologies preserves the traditions of their professions while inspiring future generations of caregivers.

Billy Brogdon-Simmons. employed to enhance Patient-Family Experience at LIJ Valley Stream Hospital, collapsed while entertaining neighborhood children during a Holiday celebration. Tests indicated Billy had a total of six brain aneurysms, including one bleeding aneurysm. Billy, hospital authorities, and his mom explain how Northwell patients and families may benefit from his personal, patient-family experience

The recipient of the first heart transplantation procedure on Long Island, Yvonne Flemming, and members of her medical team describe their shared experience at Northwell Health's Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital. Surgeons explain what their success at the heart hospital means for thousands of at-risk residents and their families throughout Metro-New York. Yvonne's Health Story may inspire you to explore organ/tissue donations during April, "Donate Life Month," and throughout the year.

Two veteran nurses, divorced, reunite prior to one partner's surgery to correct a life-threatening heart condition. Listen as Glen and Susan Riske renew their vows, and their dedication to nursing.

Jon Allen couldn't deny his addiction to opioids; he denied his ability to stop using drugs, and it nearly killed him. Jon shares thoughts about denial, stigma, and advice for parents. Anti-addiction specialists at Northwell describe a program to help recognize those with substance abuse disorders, and to encourage recovery by recognizing and respecting their humanity.

Northwell Health volunteers come to the aid of fellow-citizens in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. Hear firsthand how their experience, cultural awareness and the bonds of family informed their ability to provide modern medical care in a region of limited electricity, disrupted communications, and threatened supplies of safe drinking water.

Confronting a large and life-threatening brain tumor presents an opportunity for Judy Lukas to confirm her faith, and an opportunity for the nursing staff of a four-time, Magnet-Designated Northwell hospital to demonstrate why they've earned the respect and confidence of doctors, co-workers and their community.

At 29, Alexandra Adams suffered back-to-back strokes. Alex describes her remarkable recovery, --and the decision that saved her life. Also: Hear how the brain can create new pathways after a stroke, plus vital prevention and intervention tips.

As our national debate about health insurance rages; Northwell Senior V.P. and Community Health Officer Dr. Ram Raju offers a cool assessment of disparities in access to healthcare, and describes his strategy for building healthier communities by employing enlightened cooperation with local agencies.

Pure oxygen is a key component among the tools employed by a surgeon and therapists to save the limb of a Long Island woman. Northwell Health's Dr. John Hoina and Certified Hyperbaric Technician Michael Vidafar explain the principals of hyperbaric therapy and describe its role in helping to heal patient Lisa Longo.

In this episode, nurses, who are famous for listening, speak about love, life and the experiences that shape their outlooks, and careers. Some tales are harrowing, some are heart-breaking, all are heartwarming. Listeners of all ages may be inspired to enter the world of nursing, celebrated here, by Northwell Health nurses.

Dan Lasko is a former Marine who worked with Northwell Health’s 3D printing experts and two Long Island-based firms to solve a life-altering impediment for the wounded warrior. Mr. Lasko, 33, lost his left leg below the knee in 2004 as a result of an IED attack while serving in Afghanistan. An avid triathlete, Mr. Lasko struggled to transition to and from the water – until he met researcher Todd Goldstein, PhD, the director of Northwell Ventures’ 3D Printing Laboratory. Health Story explains the journey behind the resulting "Fin" prosthetic.