Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Research, School
As a first-year neurosurgery resident at Mount Sinai, I am continuously reminded of the seamless integration of innovative surgical technology and its ability to positively affect the outcomes of our patients. In fact, when I was a medical student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, I remember being fascinated by the “high-tech” feel of a neurosurgical operating room. Everything, from the microscope, to the cranial and spinal navigation systems seemed like something straight out of a science fiction movie. I realized that neurosurgery was a rapidly evolving field that was fueled by cutting-edge technology. It is one the reasons why I ultimately decided to join the ranks of the neurosurgeons I always idealized as a medical student. With this in mind, I am excited for the opportunity to describe my experiences with the launch our neurosurgery department’s NeuroTouch Simulation Project.
To provide a bit of background, in 2009, the National Research Council of Canada introduced the NeuroTouch, a one-of-a-kind physics-based virtual simulator for cranial micro-neurosurgery training. The development of similar virtual reality simulation devices within the past decade has enabled residents to practice basic surgical procedures in a risk-free environment. These devices have progressively increased in sophistication, playing an increasingly important role in the education and training of new surgeons. In September 2012, The Department of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center became the first in the United States to purchase the NeuroTouch Simulator.
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Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Community Outreach, LGBT Health, Sexual Health, Women's Health
February 2013 is the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and will see commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the civil rights March on Washington. March 2013 is Women’s History Month, and this year celebrates the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The last week in March 2013 also marks the 11th annual National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Health Awareness Week.
Each of these occasions brings visibility to the contributions made by Americans of African descent, women or, in the case of National LGBT Health Awareness Week, LGBT health care providers, advocates and allies in advancing equality, equity and fuller inclusion of these populations in American society.
LGBT People of Color Face Significant Health Disparities
Great strides have been made for each of these communities. Yet significant challenges remain in addressing and eliminating significant health disparities faced by all of these populations, especially for those at the intersections of race, gender and sexual orientation/gender identity. For example, lack of affordable health care and insurance and lack of culturally competent service providers have led to significant health disparities faced by many people of color.
An LGBT person of color faces the combined impact of these barriers, increasing the likelihood of negative health outcomes. Statistics on transgender persons, particularly transgender women of color, show drastically higher rates of HIV/AIDS. LGBT individuals show higher rates of acute disease attributed to avoiding and delaying screening and care for fear of perceived or actual discrimination and stigma from the health care providers treating them. These numbers rise significantly for LGBT men and women of color.
Events Highlight Commitment to LGBT Patients
Continuum Health Partners continues to move forward in our commitment to culturally competent and quality care for our LGBT patients and communities. During National LGBT Health Awareness Week 2013, we will be sponsoring a series of events and workshops focused on offering resources for delivering the best care to lesbian, bisexual and transgender women and families.
Activities will include a grand round series and two community/providers networking events:
• Monday, March 18 from 5 to 7 pm at Roosevelt Hospital, 1000 Tenth Ave. Note that there’s been a change in the date and location for the first networking event. St. Luke’s-Roosevelt LGBT & Friends will jointly sponsor a networking event with Beth Israel’s LGBT Committee on April 8th, 5:30-7:30 pm at St. Luke’s Hospital, Amsterdam Avenue and 114th Street.
• Monday, March 25 from 5 to 7 pm at the Phillips Ambulatory Care Center’s Dr. Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman Conference Center, 10 Union Square East.
Each event will celebrate our progress towards LGBT health equity, and bring together our staff and providers with LGBT consumers and community-based organizations serving LGBT persons. We will distribute posters, cards, stickers and pins to employees to help promote LGBT Health Awareness Week in our hospitals and clinics.
Hold these dates on your calendar. More detailed information will available by e-mail—to add your name to the list, please contact Bwarren@chpnet.org. We look forward to seeing you there and to working with you in 2013 toward greater health equity for all.
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Allergy, Common Illness, Ear Nose Throat, Pulmonary Disease
This is the second in a series on indoor allergies—of which cats are common culprits. For people allergic to cats, the major allergen (substance that causes an allergic reaction) is found in the cat’s saliva, urine and dander (dried flakes of skin).
How can I reduce cat allergen in my house?
The most effective way is to rid the house of the cat. This is not acceptable to most people, and after pet removal, the allergen will remain in the house for 6 months or more. The second choice might be to keep the cat outside, which is not possible in certain climates. And, if the outdoor cat is played with, the sticky allergen makes its way into the house anyway.
What about bathing my cat?
Studies have shown that washing a cat can reduce the amount of allergen on it (the allergen is mostly in cat saliva, and is transferred to the fur by licking). Based on scientific studies, twice weekly washing would be required—and a lot of rinsing, too—so this is not very feasible, nor favored by cats. Perhaps a Cleopatra-style bath (milk bath) would be acceptable to the cat!
What are some other options to reduce cat allergen?
• Removing reservoirs for the allergen, such as carpets, sofas and other upholstered furniture
• Using vacuum cleaners with effective filtration systems
• Installing HEPA-type air filters in rooms, particularly the bedroom
• Increasing ventilation in the house
Is there anything else I can do?
I like to recommend making the bedroom (where we spend most of our indoor time) a “cat-free zone.” After the room is closed off to the cat, it should be cleaned thoroughly, including damp mopping the sticky allergen off the walls, and cleaning window treatments and bedding. After this cleaning, the cat cannot reenter the room (ever), otherwise the allergen level will increase. This means the door to the room needs to remain closed at all times. But, cats are sneaky, so this is not so readily accomplished.
Stay tuned for more information on indoor allergies.
To find an allergist who is right for you, please call the Physician Referral Service at 1 (866) 804-1007 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Uncategorized
Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Common Illness, Dermatology, Health Tips, Safety
For many of us pet owners, our animal friends provide comfort and companionship. It is often said that we begin to resemble our pets and share common features. This may or may not be true; however, one thing that is becoming evident is that pet owners and their pets can share diseases. Such shared diseases are called zoonoses.
Over the last 10 years, there has been an increase in skin problems in both pets and their owners attributed to what the media has hyped as the “flesh eating bacteria/super bug,” or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a form of bacteria that is resistant to traditional antibiotics. MRSA infection and colonization have been reported in horses, dogs, cats, birds and cows, just to name a few. Still, it is important to note that humans are more likely to acquire MRSA from other humans.
Are You at Risk?
While MRSA may be common and harmless in healthy people and their pets, there is a subset of the population that is more susceptible to these infections: the very young, who still have an immature immune system; the elderly, with declining immune function; and people who have open wounds or sores. Patients on various treatments like chemotherapy or antibiotic therapy also may have decreased immune activity.
The human hands are the most common area for exposure to MRSA because they are the most likely sites to be bitten by an animal. Cats typically pose more of a risk for bite infections because of their very sharp, pointed teeth, which could puncture the joints of the hands. Dogs tend to cause more traumatic destruction of tissue.
Pets usually acquire a MRSA infection from someone who has brought the bacteria home. Once a pet is infected, it could easily transfer the bacteria to additional human beings, such as an individual returning from the hospital or child with a chronic medical problem.
An Ounce of Prevention
The best way to prevent this kind of transmission to and from your pet is hand washing. It is also important to cover all wounds with bandages. If you develop a wound about the size of a quarter or bigger, prompt medical attention is important, especially if you also have a fever.
A few other things to keep in mind:
• Cat bites typically cause deep tissue wounds that should be washed immediately, covered in antibiotic ointment, bandaged and watched for infection.
• With a dog bite, medical attention may be necessary to evaluate the risk of rabies.
• With pet bites, if the patient is a carrier of Staph. aureus, his or her own bacteria may be lodged deeper, causing an infection. Similarly, a staph infection from one’s own bacteria could occur if it is introduced into a vulnerable location due to a bite or scratch wound, even if the pet is not infected.
• In households where people suffer from serial MRSA infections, pets should be swabbed (tested) and treated when necessary by their vets. Pets may shed the bacteria on their own, but can be treated with a simple nasal antibacterial cream.
So, next time, think twice before kissing your pet!
To find an excellent dermatologist who is right for you, please call our Physician Referral Service at 866.804.1007.
