What to Know About Your Breast Health at Every Age
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Category: Health
Submitted by By Dr. Leslie Kim, Breast Surgeon, White Plains Hospital
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to breast cancer screening, which is why understanding your personal risk is an important first step. Your age, family history and other factors can help determine when you should begin screening and whether you may benefit from additional testing.
As a breast surgeon caring for patients at White Plains Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care and Montefiore New Rochelle, Dr. Leslie Kim works with women throughout the breast cancer journey. Here are five things she wants women to know about protecting their breast health.
1. Know your breast cancer risk early.
You don’t have to wait until you’re 40 to start thinking about breast cancer. Dr. Kim recommends that women have a breast cancer risk assessment beginning around their mid-20s. Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can help assess your personal and family history and determine whether you are at average or elevated risk.
For most women, this conversation will lead to a routine screening plan. But women at higher risk may benefit from starting screening earlier or adding other types of imaging, such as breast MRI.
2. Don’t put off your mammogram.
For women at average risk, routine mammography generally begins at age 40. But your individual screening schedule may be different based on your risk factors, so confirm with your primary care or OB/GYN physician. And if you’ve never had a mammogram, it’s not too late to start. “It is better to find out than live your life in the dark,” says Dr. Kim. “Through regular screenings, we can potentially catch something before it becomes a much bigger problem.”
3. Pay attention to changes - and talk to your doctor.
A lump or other breast change doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Benign breast conditions are common, and some may simply need monitoring while others may warrant additional evaluation or treatment.
The important thing is not to ignore something because you are otherwise healthy or because no one in your family has had breast cancer. Breast cancer is common, and it can occur in women without a known genetic risk.
4. If you are diagnosed, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, particularly for someone who has not had much experience with the healthcare system. There may be imaging appointments, surgery, medical oncology, radiation therapy and supportive services to coordinate.
Dr. Kim sees part of her role as helping patients navigate that bigger picture—not simply performing surgery. “It is really important for us to be able to guide the patient through not just a surgical process, but through every step of their care so they feel supported,” she says.
5. Ask about your treatment options.
Breast cancer treatment is increasingly tailored to each patient. Today’s surgical approaches allow doctors to remove what needs to be treated while avoiding unnecessary procedures when possible. For some patients, that can mean removing fewer lymph nodes and lowering the risk of lymphedema, a type of swelling that can develop in the arm.
Depending on the diagnosis, patients may also have different options for breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy and reconstruction. The right approach depends on the cancer, the patient’s health and, importantly, her preferences.
Most of all, Dr. Kim encourages women to give themselves permission to ask questions and take things one step at a time.
“Our goal is to meet patients where they are, answer their questions and help them take the next step,” adds Dr. Kim. “For women who have been putting off a mammogram or a conversation about their breast health, that next step can be as simple as making an appointment and starting the conversation.”
This October, make breast health part of your routine. Know your risk. Stay current with recommended screenings. And if you have a concern, don’t wait to ask about it.
To schedule a mammogram, visit wphospital.org/mammo or call 914.681.1260.
This story originally appeared on Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.
Dr. Leslie N. Kim is a Board-certified breast surgeon and surgical oncologist with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates. To schedule an appointment, call 914.849.7580.
The Flu Vaccine: Your Best Defense This Season
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Category: Health
By Dr. Jennifer Chovitch, Family Medicine Physician, Scarsdale Medical Group/White Plains Hospital Physician Associates
Every fall, Dr. Jennifer Chovitch, a family medicine physician at Scarsdale Medical Group/White Plains Hospital Physician Associates, gets the same question from patients: Do I really need a flu shot this year?
The short answer is yes.
And there’s a good reason: Flu can be far more serious than many people realize. During the 2025-2026 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that influenza resulted in up to 800,000 hospitalizations and as many as 81,000 deaths in the U.S.
Flu Facts vs. Fiction
“But I got the flu shot and still got sick” is something Dr. Chovitch hears often.
The flu vaccine does not provide 100% protection, and its effectiveness can vary from year to year depending in part on how closely the vaccine matches the viruses that are circulating. But preventing infection is only part of its purpose.
“The flu vaccine isn’t a guarantee that you won’t get sick, but it goes a long way in preventing serious illness and complications,” Dr. Chovitch says.
Another common misconception? That the vaccine itself can give you the flu.
“The flu vaccine can’t give you the flu because it does not contain live influenza virus,” Dr. Chovitch says. While some people may experience soreness, fatigue, headache or a low-grade fever after vaccination, these reactions are generally mild.
Who Needs Protection Most?
Anyone can catch the flu, but certain groups are at greater risk of developing serious complications, including:
• Adults age 65 and older
• Children younger than 5, particularly those under age 2
• Pregnant women and those who recently gave birth
• People with chronic health conditions, including asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney or liver disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with severe obesity
That doesn’t mean healthy adults should skip vaccination.
“Getting vaccinated isn’t only about protecting yourself,” Dr. Chovitch says. “It can also help protect infants, older adults and others around you who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.”
The Best Time to Get Vaccinated
Influenza viruses circulate throughout the year, but flu activity typically begins to increase in October and most often peaks between December and February. In some years, elevated activity can continue into May.
Therefore, September and October are ideal months for most people to get vaccinated, according to CDC guidance. But if you miss that window, don’t assume it’s too late: vaccination can continue throughout the season while influenza viruses are circulating.
That annual shot matters because influenza viruses continually change. In fact, all three virus components of the U.S. flu vaccine were updated for the 2026–2027 season.
Dr. Chovitch also recommends talking with your healthcare provider about whether there are other vaccines you should receive based on your age, health and individual risk factors, and whether they can be given during the same visit.
Your Best Defense Against Flu
Vaccination is an important defense, but it isn’t the only one. 
Dr. Chovitch recommends washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, staying away from people who are sick when possible, improving indoor ventilation and staying home when you are ill. Masking in crowded indoor spaces during periods of increased respiratory illness can provide another layer of protection.
And don’t overlook the basics: adequate sleep, good nutrition, hydration and regular physical activity all support your overall health.
Finally, if you develop flu symptoms and are at higher risk for complications or become very sick, please contact your healthcare provider promptly. Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, work best when started early, ideally within 48 hours of developing symptoms. In some cases, they may also be prescribed after exposure to the flu to help prevent you from becoming sick.
This story originally appeared on Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.
Dr. Jennifer Chovitch is a board-certified family medicine physician who provides comprehensive primary and preventative care.
Helping Kids Transition from Summer to Back-to-School
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Category: Health
Helping kids transition from summer to a new school year requires more than just rousing them out of bed the first day. And the effort parents put in now can help build routines that will help their kids succeed all year long.
Dr. Samantha Lowe, a pediatrician at White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness in Armonk, NY, offers invaluable advice about the four “S’s”—sleep, study, schedule, and safeguards—to help ease the shift from summer days to school days, and says that for all, the most important thing in a parents’ arsenal is “knowing your own child.”
The Four “S’s” for successfully transitioning from summer to back to school, are:
Sleep
“Creating and sticking to sleep routines is very important to ensure that children have the rest they need for both the cognitive and physical demands of their days,” Dr. Lowe says. She warns against “catch up” sleep strategies—staying up late during the week (getting less than 10 hours of sleep for kids 7-12 years-old and less than 9 hours for teenagers) and sleeping in on the weekend instead. This can lead to over exhaustion and irritability, and can cause a decrease in concentration and productivity. “Consult with your child and map out his/her day, after-school activities, homework time and downtime and determine what’s reasonable. It’s very possible that something may have to give to accommodate everything and to ensure your child is getting the rest they need.”
For kids that have difficulty falling asleep, Dr. Lowe recommends avoiding sugary or caffeinated foods and drinks in the evening, shutting electronics off 30 minutes prior to bed, removing bedroom clocks, and using blackout shades or a white noise machine. For children who have difficulty waking but are getting adequate rest each night, she suggests letting natural light into their room in the morning to help regulate their circadian rhythms to improve alertness.
Study
Every child learns differently, so the best way to help your child—whether at the start of school or throughout—is to identify what works best for them. What are his/her strengths? What are his/her weaknesses? What do they get excited about? When do they hit the wall? Once parents key into their child’s study and learning style, they can help create conditions where their child will thrive. Generally, Dr. Lowe advises that children should study in a comfortable, well-lit space that is free from distractions – at a mutually agreed-upon study time for maximum productivity. Parents should also encourage children to take breaks if they are feeling overwhelmed, and should let them know there is nothing wrong with asking for help when needed, which can reduce stress levels.
Schedule
Some children thrive with lots of structure and activities; others need a break from constant stimulation. When children are experiencing increased levels of stress, they can seem tired, irritable, worried, sad, withdrawn, nervous, and disengaged. Dr. Lowe also notes that stress can affect school performance and sleep, and that parents should continually assess their children’s mood, behavior, and performance to determine if activities should be scaled back. Children today have amazing opportunities and activities at their disposal, but sometimes it’s equally important to build in unscheduled down time.
Safeguards
While peers can help motivate children to succeed, peer pressure can also foster toxic competition, or worse, can push your child towards negative and dangerous behavior. Dr. Lowe says that it is important for parents to know their children’s friends, and to encourage kids to engage a variety of friends across various “groups.” Equally important is monitoring children’s internet activity—from knowing their passwords, to insisting on “private” social media profiles, to scanning followers, comments, and posted photos. Parents should be on the lookout for warning signs of bullying that need immediate attention: behavioral changes, weight loss or weight gain, withdrawal, and changes in appearance (clothes, hair, etc.).
Dr. Samantha Lowe is a pediatrician with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates, seeing patients in Armonk and Scarsdale. To make an appointment, call (914) 849-7900.
This story originally appeared on Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.
Men, Don't Write It Off as "Just Getting Older."
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Category: Health
Most men expect their bodies to change with age. They may notice they don't have the same energy they once did. Some experience changes in their sex drive or sexual function. Others simply don't feel like themselves.
While aging does bring natural changes, they should not all be dismissed as "just getting older” nor should men just accept a decline in their health or quality of life.
“One of the biggest concerns I hear from men as they get older is remaining healthy enough to continue doing the things they enjoy,” says Dr. Angel Rodriguez, primary care physician at White Plains Physician Associates Pleasantville. “The good news is many men are increasingly prioritizing mental health, stress management, quality sleep, and brain health as part of their overall well-being. Yet, many men still delay routine checkups or ignore symptoms until they become more serious.”
Here is what he wants men to know to help them feel their best for years to come.
When Is It More Than Just Aging?
Unlike women, who experience menopause over a relatively defined period, men undergo a much more gradual decline in hormones such as testosterone. These age-related changes are sometimes referred to as andropause, or late-onset hypogonadism, although they occur slowly and vary considerably from one man to another.
Some men notice very little change, while others experience symptoms that affect their daily lives, including:
• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
• Reduced muscle mass or strength
• Lower sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Mood changes or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor sleep
Dr. Rodriguez advises, “If they're persistent or affecting your quality of life, don't ignore them.”
Your Body May Be Telling You Something Else
One of the biggest misconceptions is that these symptoms automatically mean low testosterone.
In reality, many different health conditions can cause the same symptoms, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, obesity, depression, cardiovascular disease and even medication side effects. Lifestyle factors—including chronic stress, poor sleep, limited physical activity and unhealthy eating habits—can also play a significant role.
"Erectile dysfunction, for example, can sometimes be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease because changes in blood flow may appear there before they affect the heart," Dr. Rodriguez explains.
Fortunately, many of these conditions can be managed, making an accurate – and early – diagnosis the first step toward effective treatment.
Why Men Don't Talk About It
For many men, the hardest part isn't dealing with symptoms—it's bringing them up.
“There's still a 'macho man' mindset that tells many men they should be tough, self-reliant and able to handle problems on their own," says Dr. Rodriguez. "As a result, they may hide symptoms or simply accept them rather than seek help. Seeking help isn't a sign of weakness and staying silent can delay the diagnosis of conditions that are often highly treatable.”
The Truth About Testosterone—and Those "Wonder Pills"
Advertisements promising renewed energy, increased muscle, improved sexual performance and restored vitality seem to be everywhere.
While some men do have testosterone deficiency, Dr. Rodriguez says it's important not to assume that's what's causing symptoms.
"These symptoms are not specific to low testosterone," he says. "They may be caused by a variety of medical conditions or lifestyle factors."
Testosterone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment—but only for men who have both persistent symptoms and consistently low testosterone levels confirmed through appropriate blood testing.
Over-the-counter "testosterone boosters" are another story. Unlike prescription medications, these supplements aren't required to undergo the same rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness. Many have little quality scientific evidence to support their claims, and some may contain ingredients that interact with medications or pose health risks.
"The best first step isn't ordering a supplement online," says Dr. Rodriguez. "Talking with your provider to identify the underlying cause of symptoms is."
Keep Feeling Like Your Best Self
Taking care of your health isn't about waiting until something feels wrong—it's about staying ahead of problems before they develop.
As men enter their 40s, 50s and beyond, Dr. Rodriguez encourages men to establish an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider and stay up to date with recommended screenings.
And, whether it's declining energy, changes in sexual health, unexplained weight gain or simply not feeling like yourself, don't assume it's something you have to live with. 
"Aging is inevitable, but poor health doesn't have to be," says Dr. Rodriguez.
Dr. Angel Rodriguez is the Medical Director of Primary Care at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates and he sees patients at WPHPA of Pleasantville. To schedule an appointment, call 914.849.4100.
This story originally appeared on Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.
Summer Safety for Seniors Starts Here
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
- Category: Health
Summer is a season for seniors to enjoy, whether tending the garden, taking evening walks, vacationing or cheering on the grandchildren at a ballgame.
But warmer temperatures can make it easier for older adults to become dehydrated, sometimes before they even realize it.
Dr. Jennifer Chovitch, a family medicine physician with White Plains Hospital Physician Associates' Scarsdale Medical Group, shares practical advice to help seniors safely make the most of their summer as well as guidance for their loved ones and caregivers.
Why Older Adults Face Greater Heat Risks
"The biggest misconception I hear is, 'If I'm not thirsty, I don't need to drink water,'" says Dr. Chovitch. "As we get older, that warning signal isn't as reliable. By the time many older adults feel thirsty, they may already be dehydrated."
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature. We sweat less, have less total body water and don't cool ourselves as effectively as we once did.
"Even small fluid losses can have a much bigger impact than people realize," Dr. Chovitch explains.
That means time spent walking through a street fair or simply sitting outside can sometimes lead to dehydration more quickly than expected.
Health Conditions and Medications Can Also Increase Risk
For many older adults, the weather is not the only concern.
Chronic conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and gastrointestinal conditions that cause fluid loss can all increase the risk of dehydration during the summer.
Certain medications can add to that risk, including:
• Diuretics ("water pills")
• Certain diabetes medications
• Laxatives
• Some medications used to treat anxiety, depression or insomnia
• Medications with anticholinergic effects, which can reduce sweating
"Some people should increase their fluid intake during hot weather, while others may have medical reasons to limit fluids,” says Dr. Chovitch. “It's always best to discuss a plan with your healthcare provider."
Don't Wait Until You Feel Dehydrated
"People often say, 'I'll just drink more water if I start feeling dehydrated,'" Dr. Chovitch says. "The reality is that older adults have weaker warning signals, so symptoms can develop before they realize anything is wrong."
Early signs can include dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, darker urine and decreased urination. Left untreated, dehydration can progress to confusion, delirium, a rapid heart rate and even kidney injury.
Heat exhaustion may also cause heavy sweating, pale skin, nausea, vomiting and weakness.
If an older adult develops confusion, loses consciousness, experiences seizures or has a body temperature of 104°F or higher, it may be heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe
Fortunately, staying safe doesn't mean staying indoors but keeping hydrated is key.
In addition to drinking water regularly (even if you don't feel thirsty), other preventative measures can include: air-conditioned spaces, wearing lightweight clothing, limiting alcohol and caffeine, avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat and taking shade breaks when spending time outdoors.
She also encourages family members to keep an eye on older loved ones during heat waves.
"Another common misconception is that heat illness only happens if you're exercising outside," Dr. Chovitch advises. "It can happen indoors too, especially if someone doesn't have air conditioning or adequate ventilation. A quick phone call or visit to check in on an older family member can make a real difference."
Enjoy Summer Safely
Summer should be about making memories, not a trip to the emergency department.
"Most heat-related illnesses are preventable," says Dr. Chovitch. "Staying hydrated, planning ahead and recognizing the early warning signs can go a long way toward helping older adults stay healthy and active all season."
To make an appointment with Dr. Chovitch, call 914-949-7556.
This story first appeared in Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.
