Press Release Archive

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November 18, 2003: HOSPITAL’S REGIONAL BONE CENTER AWARDED RESEARCH GRANTS

The Helen Hayes Hospital Regional Bone Center (RBC) is the recipient of two research grants totaling $514,202, being funded the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). David Dempster, Ph.D. will be the hospital’s primary investigator. He will be collaborating with Hua Zhou, Ph.D., also of the RBC, as well as with researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and with experts in the fields of molecular biology, hematology and endocrinology.

A three-year study will examine the pathogenesis and treatment of myeloma bone disease. The disease causes bone destruction and the absence of new bone formation, resulting in pain, fractures, deformity, hypercalcemia and nerve compression. Approximately 13,500 new cases of myeloma are reported in the United States each year. Patients develop bone lesions primarily in the vertebrae, ribs, pelvis and skull, which occur in the bone marrow. Over the past 30 years, there has been a 400% increase in the incidence of the disease.

The RBC will be performing microscopy and bone histomorphometry for this project. One aspect of the study involves the use of parathyroid hormone in treating myeloma, an agent that Helen Hayes Hospital has already studied and demonstrated to be beneficial in the treatment of osteoporosis.

The NIH funded grant is for a five-year study examining the causes of Paget's Disease, a chronic disorder resulting in enlarged and deformed bones. Patients often develop arthritis, hearing and vision loss, heart disease and kidney stones. It is the second most common bone disease affecting two to three million people in the United States.
There are currently two hypotheses on the causes of Paget's Disease: scientists believe there is a hereditary factor and also that the disease may be caused by a slow measles-like viral infection. This research will seek to increase the basis of understanding of both of these hypothesis.

"We are very excited about these two grants," explains Dr. Dempster. "This represents our first entry into the fields of bone cancer and Paget’s Disease. The studies will yield important strategies for the prevention and treatment of both diseases and may ultimately have important implications for all areas of bone research.”

Established in 1979, the Regional Bone Center is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of research into the causes of and treatments for bone disease, including osteoporosis.

November 2, 2003: HOSPITAL TO HOST ART EXHIBIT

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is hosting an exhibit by the artists Marianne V. Kuhn and Arthur Patrick Gilmore. The exhibit will be on view in the hospital’s Atrium from November 1-30, 2003.

Ms. Kuhn is displaying a collection of oil paintings, including an array of landscapes from across the Hudson Valley, as well as the Adirondacks. An advocate of plein air painting, Ms. Kuhn enjoys incorporating the ever-changing lighting effects of North East scenes in her work. A graduate of Montclair State College, she has worked as a commercial artist and has studied at the Ridgewood Art institute with John P. Osborne. She is a member of The American Artists Professional League, The Ridgewood Art Institute, The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, as well as other groups. Ms. Kuhn’s work has been showcased at a number of regional galleries and shows and has received widespread recognition, including first place honors for her oil paintings. She is a resident of Suffern, New York.

Mr. Gilmore has been an award-winning art director and graphic designer for over 40 years. He has worked for Time Inc., Newsweek and Reader’s Digest, among many others. Mr. Gilmore studied at Pratt, the School of Visual Arts and most recently with Joel Popadics at the Ridgewood Art Institute. He has lectured at Parson’s School of Design and Syracuse University and is now painting and teaching watercolor full time. His work is shown locally and in New York City.

The exhibit in the Atrium of the physical rehabilitation hospital is open to the public on a daily basis and is free of charge. For additional information, call the Public Relations Office at 786-4225.

October 21, 2003: CONSORTIUM TO SPONSOR SEMINARS FOR OLDER DRIVERS

A consortium of sixteen local organizations, spearheaded by the Rockland County Office for the Aging, is sponsoring a seminar on “Being A Safe Older Driver.” The program is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2003 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, and again on Thursday, November 13, 2003 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Dominican College’s Hennessy Center in Sparkhill. The seminar will be repeated in the spring at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw.

A panel of experts, including police officers, therapists, and representatives of various county agencies will present information on a variety of topics related to safe driving and transportation options. Evaluating driving skills, obtaining assistance to sharpen and improve driving skills, emergency preparedness and alternate forms of transportation will be discussed. Representative from the Rockland County TOR and TRIPS programs will be on hand to provide information on public transportation alternatives.

Representatives of the sixteen local organizations joined forces earlier this year to form the consortium, which focuses on making Rockland County roads and drivers safe as the population ages. The county has one of the most rapidly increasing number of older drivers in New York State. Although older drivers do not have the most accidents, their accidents are more often fatal.

The seminar is free of charge and registration is not required. Coffee and cookies will be served. For additional information, call the Rockland County Office for the Aging at 845 –364- 2110.

October 20, 2003: HOSPITAL TO DISTRIBUTE FLU VACCINES

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw will be administering flu vaccines to the public from November through February, while supplies last

Flu vaccines will be administered in the outpatient treatment department on the second floor, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM on Fridays, on the following dates: November 7,14 and 21; December 5, and 12.

Individuals who are covered by Medicaid or Medicare will not be charged if they bring their card with them. Those between 60 and 64 years of age who do not have health insurance will receive the vaccine free of charge, through the support of the Rockland County Department of Health. Individuals 59 years of age and younger, who are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, will be charged $15, which is due at the time of service. Anyone covered by an HMO, including a Medicare HMO, will be charged $15.00, due at the time of service. For additional information, call 845-786-422

October 1, 2003: HOSPITAL TO HOST ART EXHIBIT

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is hosting an exhibit created by the Marquetry Artists of Rockland County. The exhibit will be on view in the hospital’s Atrium from October 1 through October 31, 2003.

The word marquetry comes from the French "marquer," meaning "to inlay." Marquetry involves thin sheets of wood, metal, shell or mother-of-pearl that are cut into intricate patterns and affixed to flat surfaces. The Rockland Marquetry Artists use thin veneers of exotic, ornamental woods from which they cut picture elements with a kraft knife and assemble them to form a picture. Subject matter includes original art, reproductions of photographs, other artist’s work and cartoon characters. The exhibit features approximately 100 examples created by the members of the organization.

Formed in 1992, the Marquetry Group has grown to over 30 members and now meets weekly to exchange experiences and techniques, create work and for educational programs. New members are encouraged to join and are provided with a beginner’s kit and instruction.

The exhibit in the Atrium of the physical rehabilitation hospital is open to the public on a daily basis and is free of charge. For additional information, call the Public Relations Office at 845-786-4225.

September 12, 2003: HOSPITAL GALA SCHEDULED

The annual Helen Hayes Hospital Gala Banquet, a benefit for the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw, will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2003 at the Pearl River Hilton in Pearl River, New York. Sponsored by the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation, this year’s event will honor two individuals who help others live their life to the fullest potential. The Gala will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m.
Receiving the Helen Hayes MacArthur Award will be Martha M. MacGuffie, M.D. and Dikembe Mutombo. The Gala Committee based the theme of this year’s event, "Into the Heart of Africa," on the two award recipients philanthropic efforts on behalf of the nations and people of Africa.

Dr. MacGuffie, the first woman to graduate in plastic and reconstructive surgery from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, maintains a private practice in Rockland County, NY, where she is affiliated with all three hospitals in the County. Her special interest in burn reconstruction led to her establishing the first burn unit at Nyack hospital, the development of a prototype of a special water bed to ease the discomfort of burn victims and the introduction of a specially formulated scar cream to aid in healing wounds. In 1988, she founded the Society for Hospital and Resources Exchange (S.H.A.R.E.), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing the resources of medical technology to help the sick and neediest children of Africa. Dr. MacGuffie has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors and her work was featured on the network television program, "48 Hours."

Mr. Mutombo, the star center for the New Jersey Nets and four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has long been dedicated to improving the health, education and quality of life for the people of his birthplace, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Honored with USA Weekend Magazine’s "Most Caring Athlete Award," in 1997 Mr. Mutombo created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve the public health facilities of the Congo, including the building of a new hospital. Scheduled to be completed in 2004, it will be the first new hospital in the Congo in almost 40 years. Mr. Mutombo travels throughout Africa advocating for childhood immunization and performing at free basketball clinics for children. Fluent in nine languages, including his native Lingala, he has worked on behalf of the Special Olympics and funded the women’s basketball team from the Congo’s participation in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

The Gala is held annually to honor the achievements of individuals who help and inspire other people to live their lives to their fullest potential. This commitment is shared by the staff of Helen Hayes Hospital, who work each day toward the singular goal of helping patients achieve maximum independence. The Award was established by the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation to honor the hospital’s namesake, First Lady of the American Theater Helen Hayes MacArthur. Past recipients include Governor George Pataki, Christopher Reeve, Rosie O’Donnell, Aidan Quinn, Lily Tomlin, Arthur Ashe, John Hockenberry, and Edward James Olmos.

The Gala is the Foundation’s major fund-raising event. Tickets are $250 and opportunities for sponsorships and advertising space in the Journal are still available. In addition, donations are being accepted for silent auction prizes. For additional information about the Gala, contact the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation Office at 845-786-4365.

September 10, 2003: HOSPITAL TO HONOR FORMER PATIENTS

Helen Hayes Hospital will host its 103rd annual “Honors Assembly” on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 1:30 PM at the hospital in West Haverstraw. The event, which is taking place during National Rehabilitation Week, recognizes patients who have made outstanding progress in their physical rehabilitation programs over the past year. Twenty-one individuals from the New York Metropolitan region will be honored for triumphing over disability and for their contributions to the community.

The individuals receiving awards have been nominated and selected by the hospital staff. In all instances, the award recipients have demonstrated determination, strength, hard work and courage in the face of very challenging circumstances and obstacles. Through physical rehabilitation, they have regained functioning and independence to the greatest degree possible and have acted as role models to other individuals with disabilities.

The Honors Assembly has been held every year since the hospital was founded in the year 1900. During the early years, when the hospital was predominantly a pediatric facility and housed its own school, the event served as a graduation, marking the scholastic and physical progress of the young patients. The famous actress Helen Hayes MacArthur made it a point during her long association with the hospital to attend the event every year and personally present the diplomas and special awards to each patient.

Today, the Honors Assembly is designed to acknowledge the significant benefits that rehabilitation can have on a person’s life and to acknowledge Helen Hayes Hospital’s commitment to helping individuals live their lives to the fullest potential. It is a moving and inspirational ceremony, unique to the hospital.

In addition to family members and friends, the award recipients will be joined by hospital staff and volunteers, local dignitaries, members of the community and the hospital’s Board of Visitors and Foundation.

The public is invited to attend. A reception immediately following the ceremony will take place in the Cafeteria.

September 9, 2003 :HOSPITAL TO HOST BLOOD DRIVE

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw will host a Blood Drive on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM in the hospital’s Auditorium.

There is an urgent need for blood donations in the New York region as the blood supply is extremely low. All eligible donors are urged to participate.

Employees, volunteers, visitors, and community members are invited to donate blood. An appointment is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors should be healthy, between the ages of 17 and 75, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the last 56 days. People over the age of 75 may also participate by presenting a physician’s letter of approval.

For further information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 845-786-4229.

September 5, 2003: HOSPITAL TO HOST ART EXHIBIT

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is hosting an exhibit created by the artists Bridget Herbst and E.K. Jeong. The exhibit will be on view in the hospital’s Atrium from September 4 through September 30, 2003.

Ms. Herbst works in a variety of mediums, including oils and pastels, which she teaches and demonstrates in classes across the area. She currently serves on the board of directors at the Kent Art Association, where she is an elected artist and former exhibit chairperson. She has been the workshop coordinator for the Franklin Alexander Workshops in Woodstock, New York for the last seven years. Ms. Herbst has exhibited her work in shows and galleries throughout the Hudson Valley. She is a resident of Marlboro, New York.

Ms. Jeong is an adjunct professor of art at the State University of New York in New Paltz. She is displaying a collection of her large, meditative relief works and abstract watercolors, which are created in clay and various other mediums. Her background is in both traditional drawing and modern sculpture. A native of Korea, Ms. Jeong has exhibited her work in galleries in both Korea and New York.

The exhibit in the Atrium of the physical rehabilitation hospital is open to the public on a daily basis and is free of charge. For additional information, call the Public Relations Office at 845-786-4225.

September 4, 2003: HOSPITAL TO HOST OSTEOPOROSIS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

This fall, the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP) headquartered at Helen Hayes Hospital is offering a comprehensive bone health education seminar. All seminars will take place at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw.

The bone health seminar is open to hospital patients, as well as individuals in the community who have already had a bone mineral density test or are interested in learning more about the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Participants will learn what their bone density test results mean, how to promote healthy bones and how to reduce the risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture. The most current information about nutrition, exercise and medications available for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis will be discussed.

Each bone health seminar will take place in the Auditorium of Helen Hayes Hospital from 10:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The seminar will be repeated on the following dates.

* Monday September 29
* Sunday October 26
* Tuesday November 18

All seminars are free of charge and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. For additional information, or to register, call 845-786-4318.

July 21, 2003 : HOSPITAL FOUNDATION BOARD INDUCTS NEW OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation has announced the election of new officers and the induction of new members to its board of directors. Three new members and the new slate of officers were inducted at the Foundation’s annual meeting in June.

Heading the Executive Committee are the following new officers:

Chairman: Sheldon S. Horowitz, President Safe Harbour Group of New City and a resident of New City, New York.

Vice Chairman: Jan Degenshein, President Degenshein Architects of Nyack and a resident of South, Nyack, New York.

Secretary: Jill Sagarin, President of Sagarin & Associates and a resident of Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

Treasurer: Mark Rothenberg, retired Vice President of United Water NY and resident of New City, New York.

Completing the Executive Committee are former chairman Milton S. Herman, Esq., Philip Fey, J.D., Ed.D., Niles M. Davies Jr., Eric Kohlmeier, Bert Rappaport, and Magdalena Ramirez.

The three new members of the Board of Directors are:

Ronald J. DiPrinzio: First Vice President Investments for Merrill Lynch in New York City. Mr. DiPrinzio brings a wealth of experience in investment consulting for large endowments and foundations.

Jeffrey Keahon: - retired Treasurer of Keahon, Bros. Inc., Mr. Keahon is actively involved with many community organizations including Keep Rockland Beautiful, Jawonio, Inc., the Mental Health Association and the Pearl River Rotary. He is also the Chairperson of the Nyack Hospital Foundation.

Andre' Solomon-Glover is a world-renowned baritone and classical singer. Mr. Solomon-Glover has appeared in major concert halls throughout the US and Europe including Carnegie Hall and has performed with the Boston Pops and the Philadelphia Orchestra. On Broadway, he starred as Joe in Showboat. As a former patient, Mr. Solomon-Glover brings to the board an intimate understanding of the hospital’s mission, vision and values.

"I am extremely honored to have been elected Chairman of the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation," states Mr. Horowitz, who has served on the board for over 10 years, most recently as Vice Chairman. "The hospital is an extremely valuable healthcare resource in our region and I look forward to working with the full Board and the administration of the hospital in extending the hospital’s mission of providing outstanding medical rehabilitation services."

The Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation supports the physical rehabilitation hospital through fundraising and advocacy.

July 18, 2003: HOSPITAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS RESEARCH STUDY

The Helen Hayes Hospital Clinical Research Center in West Haverstraw is currently recruiting women to participate in a new six month research study examining new treatments for bone loss and osteoporosis.

To be eligible for the study, a woman must be between 45 and 75 years of age, at least three years postmenopausal, in general good health and not currently being treated for bone loss or osteoporosis.

Individuals who qualify and participate in the study will receive free bone density testing, free EKG and laboratory tests and possible investigational medication. In addition, participants who complete all study visits will be reimbursed for time and travel up to $825.

Osteoporosis is a serious health concern worldwide. It is a preventable disease which causes weakening of the bones and a loss of bone mass, resulting in fractures and disability. The disease is expected to affect one in every two women. The National Institutes of Health has designated Helen Hayes Hospital as a Specialized Center of Research in Osteoporosis, one of only two such centers in the country.

For additional information about this study, please call JoAnn DuBois Cruz, RN, Study Coordinator at 845-786-4802.

June 9, 2003: HOSPITAL APPOINTS MANAGER OF PROSTHETIC ORTHOTIC OFFICE

James W. Vandersea, CPO, has been appointed assistant director of the Helen Hayes Hospital Prosthetic Orthotic Center, according to David Moretto, CP, FAAOP, Director of the hospital’s Prosthetic Orthotic Center. Mr. Vandersea will manage the Center’s Poughkeepsie office, which is located in the Atrium Building at St. Francis Hospital.

Mr. Vandersea joins the center with over 16 years of experience in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. Most recently, he worked for nine years with the Hanger Orthopedic Group in Los Angeles and San Diego, California, where he was closely associated with Orthopaedic Hospital, one of the world’s largest orthopedic facilities, and also the trauma center at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. Prior to that, he served as a staff orthotist/prosthetist at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw.

Mr. Vandersea has a broad base of experience, including working with both upper and lower extremity amputees. Along with evaluating and fitting patients, he is skilled in fabricating custom devices. Mr. Vandersea is certified in both orthotics and prosthetics by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC). He is a graduate of the New York University orthotics prosthetics program.

Helen Hayes Hospital provides comprehensive prosthetic orthotic services at both the rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw, and at the Poughkeepsie center. The staff work closely with each patient, customizing devices to meet an individual’s needs and providing extensive education and training in the proper use and care of the new device. Services include custom foot orthoses, sports knee, spinal and post-polio bracing, custom orthotic seating systems, myoelectric prostheses and both adult and pediatric prostheses.

The Prosthetic Orthotic centers accept referrals from physicians and other health care providers. For further information, or to make an appointment in Poughkeepsie, call 845-471-3703. To reach the West Haverstraw office, call 845-786-4122.

June 2, 2003: HOSPITAL TO ACCEPT USED NEEDLES

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw will be accepting used needles, lancets and syringes from Rockland County residents on Tuesday, July 1, 2003 from 10:00 AM until Noon and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the hospital’s loading dock. This service is part of the Rockland County SHARPS Disposal Program, operated by a coalition of county hospitals and nursing homes, and is free of charge,

Any Rockland resident who uses SHARPS in the home is eligible to participate in this county-wide program. This includes individuals with diabetes or other medical conditions, such as cancer or allergies, requiring medication by injection.

The SHARPS Disposal Program is an environmentally responsible method to dispose of unwanted needles, lancets and syringes, which are a potential danger to sanitation workers and the environment when disposed of improperly. Residents must place the used items into an approved container, which may be obtained from a surgical supply house or pharmacy. When the container is full, it should be closed and brought to one of the collection sites.

SHARPS are collected on the first Tuesday of every month at a designated hospital or nursing home.

For additional information on the SHARPS Disposal Program, a schedule of collection sites, or the drop-off at Helen Hayes Hospital, call Joseph Puchalik at the Department of Health at 845-364-2615.

May 28, 2003: HOSPITAL TO HOST ART EXHIBIT

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is hosting an exhibit created by the artist Susan Maack. The exhibit will be on view in the hospital’s Atrium from June 1 through June 30, 2003.

The show includes a collection of landscapes and portraits painted in oil. Also on exhibit is an extensive collection of the artist’s oil paintings of classic automobiles. Ms. Maack is a resident of Closter, New Jersey.

The exhibit in the Atrium of the physical rehabilitation hospital is open to the public on a daily basis and is free of charge. For additional information, call the Public Relations Office at 845-786-4225.

May 2, 2003: HOSPITAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR TWO OSTEOPOROSIS RESEARCH STUDIES
Recruitment coincides with National Osteoporosis Prevention Month

The Helen Hayes Hospital Clinical Research Center in West Haverstraw is currently recruiting women to participate in two different research studies examining new and more effective ways to treat osteoporosis.

The first study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a once-yearly infusion of the drug Zoledronic Acid for the treatment of osteoporosis. This study is part of an overall clinical program known as "Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly" (HORIZON).

The HORIZON program is the first to study a once-yearly dosing regimen for treating osteoporosis. It is also the first study to simultaneously evaluate both spine and hip fracture benefits in a single study. To be eligible for participation, women must be between the ages of 65 and 89 and have documented osteoporosis.

For additional information about participating in this study, call Lillian Woelfert, R.N., at 845-786-4828 or toll free at 1-888-707-3422, extension 4828.

To be eligible for the second study, a woman must be postmenopausal, currently being treated with the medication EVISTA, and in general good health. Individuals who qualify and participate in the study will receive free bone density testing for osteoporosis, free calcium supplements, free blood work and other related medical care, possible investigational medication while remaining on EVISTA, and an opportunity to learn more about bone health.

For more information about this study, call Nancy Barbuto, R.N. at (845) 786-4804 or JoAnn Cruz, R.N. at (845) 786-4802, or toll free at 1-888-707-3422, extension 4804.

Osteoporosis is a serious health concern worldwide. It is a preventable disease which causes weakening of the bones and a loss of bone mass, resulting in fractures and disability. The disease is expected to affect one in every two women. May is National Osteoporosis Prevention Month.

March 10, 2003: WORKSHOPS SCHEDULED FOR ADAPTIVE GOLF PROGRAM

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw has announced a schedule of upcoming workshops for its GolfAbility program. GolfAbility is an instructional program to teach the basics of golf to individuals with disabilities.

Ten GolfAbility workshops have been scheduled to run from April through September. They will take place at the GolfAbility center, which is located on the campus of the physical rehabilitation hospital. The center consists of a 1300 square foot synthetic putting green with six cups and three netted tee areas. Participants will learn how to use appropriate adaptive golf equipment, including single-rider carts. A single-rider cart is a specially equipped golf cart which allows a disabled golfer to play seated or standing, directly from the cart, and can be driven right on to the green. All workshops will be conducted by a PGA or LPGA pro. The cost of each workshop is $10 per golfer. The GolfAbility programs will take place on Wednesdays, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Dates are as follows.

April 23, June 25, August 20, May 14, July 9, September 17, May 28 July 23, June 11, August 6.

GolfAbility is an excellent opportunity for anyone with a disability, including individuals with a spinal cord injury, stroke or arthritis, to learn how to play golf. It is open to individuals who may have played prior to acquiring a disability, or individuals who are new to the sport.

Bert Rappaport, Director of Therapeutic Recreation at Helen Hayes Hospital states, "A long-term goal of the program is to enable individuals with disabilities to play golf at courses throughout the tri-state area, utilizing the skills they have learned through GolfAbility." GolfAbility has been made possible through a grant from The United States Golf Association (USGA) Foundation and the ongoing support of the Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation.

For additional information on GolfAbility, or to register for a workshop, call Bert Rappaport at 845-786-4113.

March 5, 2003: HOSPITAL TO HOST BRAIN INJURY PROGRAMS

The Transitional Rehabilitation Center of Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is hosting a series of educational programs entitled "Issues in Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery." The programs, which will run from March through November, are being offered free of charge to professionals who work with individuals with brain injury.

Each program will focus on a different aspect of managing recovery from brain injury. They will be presented by experts in the field. Following is a schedule of the first two programs.

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 Management of Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Presented by Tim Feeney, Ph.D.
Wildwood institute, Sage NY
NYS Dept. of Health TBI Waiver Grant

Wednesday April 16, 2003 Overview of Brain Injury Rehabilitation & Recovery
12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM Presented by Glenn Seliger, M.D.
Director, TBI Rehabilitation Services
Helen Hayes Hospital

All programs will take place in the hospital’s Auditorium and light refreshments will be served. For additional information, or to register, call 845-429-1677, extension 303.

The Transitional Rehabilitation Center at Helen Hayes Hospital is the region’s first and only center dedicated to providing the comprehensive therapeutic and social services necessary to enable individuals with brain injury to reenter the community. The 10-unit transitional residence is located on the hospital’s campus. Helen Hayes Hospital provides an extensive continuum of care for individuals recovering from TBI, from coma recovery through rehabilitation and follow-up services.

March 3, 2003 : HOSPITAL ESTABLISHES SPINAL CORD RESEARCH INITIATIVE
Collaborates with Department of Veterans Affairs

Helen Hayes Hospital has entered into a partnership with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs for the purpose of conducting clinical research at the physical rehabilitation hospital in West Haverstraw in the area of the secondary medical consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI).

The new initiative is being led by the hospital’s Director of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, Inocencia Carrano, MD, in collaboration with William A. Bauman, MD and Ann M. Spungen, EdD of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center., Bronx new York. The Bronx VA is designated as a National Center of Excellence on the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury.

The collaboration is beginning with four research projects. One study, "The Effects of an Anticholinergic Agent on Subjective and Objective Pulmonary Function," hopes to improve pulmonary function and reduce respiratory complaints in persons with SCI. Because the injury compromises lung function, individuals often experience pneumonia, breathing complications, and asthma-like conditions due to smoke, heat or car fumes. Individuals with a spinal cord injury between levels C1 - C8 are being recruited.

A second study is examining the effects of testosterone replacement therapy in persons with paraplegia. It has been shown that many males with paraplegia have low levels of this hormone, which may contribute to loss in muscle mass and strength, altered carbohydrate metabolism and mood and energy level disturbances. Males with paraplegia who have low testosterone levels will be recruited to participate in the study. If body composition, exercise tolerance and metabolism can be improved, the individual's risk of cardiovascular disease should be reduced.

A third study, "Effect of Low-dose Baclofen Administration on the GH-IGF-1 Axis" will examine whether Baclofen, a drug which many SCI patients take for spasms, can raise the levels of insulin-like growth factor, a hormone which the body naturally makes. The hormone is often at low levels in individuals with SCI and is important in body composition and bone mass. For this study, both male and female subjects with SCI, between 20 and 70 years of age are being sought.

The fourth study seeks to develop a functional outcome tool exclusively for SCI patients that quantifies functional mobility at a wheelchair level. The tool would help to track functional mobility changes over time that may result from neurological return or as the result of rehabilitation. One hundred twenty-five male and female subjects, at least one year post injury, between the ages of 18 and 80, are being recruited. Ultimately, the tool could be used by rehab facilities nationwide to demonstrate a patient's functional improvement and status.

"Individuals with SCI have many varied problems and in order to attract a sufficient number of research participants, it is imperative that institutions collaborate," explains Dr. Spungen. "This new partnership shares the ultimate goal of discovering new approaches to spinal cord injury rehabilitation and recovery."

Dr. Carrano adds, "Spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating injuries a person can sustain. While rehabilitation offers an improved quality of life, we know that research offers hope for new treatments and further recovery. This initiative is a natural extension of the hospital's strong continuum of SCI services, and is further evidence of our commitment to being a leader in the field." Scientists in the hospital’s Center for Neural Recovery & Rehabilitation Research have long been involved in basic research focused on enabling the brain and spinal cord to recover from traumatic injuries and illnesses.

Reimbursement for travel and some stipends for participation in the research are available. To be screened for participation, or obtain additional information, contact Julie Fineman, PT or Amy Daugherty, MS at 845-786-4888.

JANUARY 24, 2003: HOSPITAL RECEIVES GRANT FOR EPILEPSY RESEARCH

The Center for Neural Recovery and Rehabilitation Research at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw has been awarded a research grant by the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE) Foundation. The $50,000 grant will fund a year long research study examining new therapeutic modalities for epilepsy.

Jeffrey H. Goodman, Ph.D. will be the primary investigator of the project, which is entitled, "Can Preemptive Low Frequency Stimulation Decrease the Incidence of Kindled Seizures?" The study is designed to determine if electrical stimulation delivered directly into the brain can safely decrease the incidence of seizures. In preliminary studies, Dr. Goodman has been able to decrease the incidence of seizures by 60%.
CURE was established by a group of parents of children with epilepsy. Their mission is to support the development of treatments that are free of side effects. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures. No effective treatment is currently available for 20% of the patients.
The Center for Neural Recovery and Rehabilitation Research (CNRRR) is one of four research centers at Helen Hayes Hospital, one of the country’s leading physical rehabilitation facilities. Basic and clinical research at the hospital focuses on conditions related to disabling illness and injury, such as stroke, osteoporosis and brain injury, which affect the hospital’s patients. The CNRRR is dedicated to determining the causes that underlie neurological and psychiatric diseases and reasons for cell death after stroke or trauma, as well as testing new strategies for prevention, treatment and cure.

Dr. Goodman is a Research Scientist in the CNRRR. He has co-authored 50 journal articles, abstracts and book chapters all in the field of epilepsy. Dr. Goodman's research has focused on the mechanisms responsible for seizure-induced brain damage and the phenomenon of Sudden Unexplained Death that occurs in a significant number of epileptic patients. He is an expert in experimental models of Status Epilepticus and the use of immunocytochemistry to assess brain damage after seizures, stroke and trauma.

"This is an exciting new area of investigation for Helen Hayes Hospital," says Dr. Helen Scharfman, Director of the CNRRR. "Dr. Goodman will be determining how to use the latest technology to actually prevent seizures, potentially without any anticonvulsant drugs. The technology might also be useful in treating other disorders."

For additional information on this study, contact Dr. Goodman at 845-786-4865.

January 3, 2003: HOSPITAL TO HOST EXHIBIT OF EMPLOYEE ART

Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw is hosting an exhibit, "Expressions: Works Created by the Staff of Helen Hayes Hospital." The exhibit will be on view in the hospital’s Atrium from January 3, 2003 through February 3, 2003.

The exhibit includes a diverse collection of paintings, photographs and needlework. Hospital employees, volunteers or their family members have created all of the pieces. Oil paintings of seascapes, pastel still lifes and pet portraits are featured alongside cross stitch samplers and photographs of children and local and international scenes.

The exhibit features work by the following individuals: Eliezer Astrinsky; Linda Bohleke; Doris Coughlin; Ann Courtney; Bryan Estores; Jessica Estores; Mike Gawronski; Herbert Haering; Jeanne Kimbark; Annette Moreno; Nancy Reinauer; Michelle Squibb; Mary Sullivan; Delia Sweeney; Lynda Tortorello.

The exhibit can be viewed in the Atrium of the physical rehabilitation hospital and is open to the public on a daily basis. It is free of charge. For additional information, call the Public Relations Office at 845-786-4225.