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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 05 August 2026

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.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 29 July 2026

Walk through almost any grocery store today and you'll find gluten-free products everywhere—from bread and pasta to cookies and cereal. Restaurants are prominently labeling gluten-free menu items, and social media is filled with influencers claiming that cutting out gluten leads to better health, more energy and less bloating.

But is gluten-free eating really healthier?

According to Dr. Ameet Hans, gastroenterologist at White Plains Hospital's Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery, the answer depends on why you're avoiding gluten.

"For some people, avoiding gluten is medically necessary," she says. "For others, eliminating gluten may offer no health benefit. A healthy diet is less about avoiding one ingredient and more about choosing balanced, nutrient-rich foods."

Who Really Needs to Avoid Gluten?

Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. It gives bread its chewy texture and helps baked goods hold their shape.

For most people, gluten isn't a problem. But for others, avoiding it is an essential part of staying healthy.

People with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, must completely eliminate gluten because it triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. Others, including people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity or a wheat allergy, may also benefit from avoiding gluten under the guidance of their healthcare provider.

Is Gluten-Free Healthier?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that foods labeled "gluten-free" are automatically better for you.

In reality, many packaged gluten-free products—such as breads, crackers, cookies and snack bars—contain more sugar, sodium and refined starches to help replicate the taste and texture of foods made with wheat than their traditional counterparts. At the same time, whole grains that naturally contain gluten provide important nutrients such as fiber, iron and B vitamins.

"For people who don't have a medical reason to avoid gluten, there's no strong evidence that eliminating it makes you healthier," says Dr. Hans.

Instead of focusing on what's missing from your plate, consider what you could be adding to it.

Build Your Plate Around Naturally Gluten-Free Foods

One of the best-kept secrets about gluten-free eating is that many healthy foods are naturally gluten-free to begin with.

Lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, potatoes, rice and gluten-free grains such as quinoa can all serve as the foundation of delicious, satisfying meals. Healthy fats, fresh herbs and colorful produce add even more flavor and nutrition.

"When you focus on whole foods instead of processed substitutes, gluten-free eating becomes much simpler," Dr. Hans says.

Shop Smart—and Read Labels Carefully

Even if you don't rely heavily on packaged foods, gluten can sometimes show up where you least expect it.

Soy sauce, marinades, seasoning blends, salad dressings, soups and processed meats may all contain hidden sources of gluten.

For people with celiac disease, cross-contamination during food preparation is another important consideration, particularly when dining out.
Reading ingredient labels carefully and asking questions at restaurants can help ensure meals are truly gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Doesn't Mean Flavor-Free

Perhaps the biggest misconception about gluten-free eating is that it's restrictive.

White Plains Hospital recently partnered with Zwilling Cooking Studio for an interactive cooking event that demonstrated how fresh, naturally gluten-free ingredients can be transformed into colorful, satisfying meals with recipes built around seasonal produce, lean protein and bold flavors.

The takeaway wasn't simply how to cook without gluten. It was how to cook – and eat – well without it.

Whether you're following a gluten-free diet because of a medical condition or simply looking to incorporate more fresh, wholesome meals into your routine, healthy eating doesn't have to feel limiting.

Inspired to bring good eats into your own kitchen? Here are two tasty recipes from White Plains Hospital's gluten-free cooking event.

JICAMA, WATERMELON & CUCUMBER SALAD

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: N/A

INGREDIENTS JALAPENO LIME VINAIGRETTE:
¼ cup lime juice
2 tsp honey or agave
1 Jalapeno
1 garlic clove, grated
⅓ cup avocado oil
Salt to taste

INGREDIENTS SALAD:
2 cups of watermelon, julienne
2 cups jicama, julienne
2 cucumbers, julienne
8 Mint leaves, chiffonade
Tajín or chili-lime seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Using an immersion blender or personal blender, add all of the ingredients for the
vinaigrette.
2. Blend until smooth, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. In a large bowl, toss the salad gently before serving.
4. Finish with mint and chili-lime seasoning.

ADOBO FLANK STEAK

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 30- 90 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS ADOBO FLANK STEAK:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 Chipotle peppers in adobo
3 garlic cloves
Juice of 2 limes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
Salt & pepper
2 lbs flank steak

INSTRUCTIONS ADOBO FLANK STEAK:
1. Blend all the marinade ingredients until smooth.
2. In a container or bag, add the flank steak and the blended marinade, and seal using a hand-held vacuum sealer. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat a grill pan, fry pan, or grill on high.
4. Scrape or shake off the excess marinade. Adjust the heat to medium-high. Gently place the steak in the pan and sear on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.
5. Rest before slicing against the grain.

CHEF NOTE: If time permits, remove the steak from the container after the marinating time, and place it on a sheet tray lined with a wire rack. Place the tray in the refrigerator uncovered for 1 hour or up to overnight.

To make an appointment with Dr. Hans, call 914-949-7556.

This story first appeared in Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 09 July 2026

Dr. Fara BellowsHot weather and dehydration can create the perfect conditions for kidney stones. Learn how they form, when to seek medical care, and what you can do to help prevent them.

As temperatures climb and hydration habits slip, doctors see a seasonal spike in kidney stones during the summer months—thanks in large part to dehydration. “The painful condition is very common, with about 10 percent of the population having a kidney stone at some point in their life,” notes Dr. Fara Bellows, a urologist at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates in Scarsdale.

What causes kidney stones? While healthy urine contains many chemicals dissolved in fluid, those chemicals (including calcium, oxalate, uric acid, cystine, and phosphate) can crystallize when hydration levels drop, explains Dr. Bellows.

For some, tiny stones pass on their own with minimal discomfort. For others, stones can become lodged in the ureter - the thin tube that carries urine from each kidney to the bladder. Symptoms can include:

• severe pain, often in the back or just under the rib cage
• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• bloody or cloudy urine

If your pain is not improving with over-the-counter pain medications, or if you have difficulty urinating, persistent vomiting, or a fever, you should seek care in an Emergency Department. A urine test and imaging can help determine the cause and guide treatment, which may include medication or, in some cases, a procedure or surgery.

The good news: while there are many causes of kidney stones, most risk factors are modifiable. Dr. Bellows recommends the following during hot summer months:

1. Stay well hydrated. Most people prone to kidney stones should aim for close to 100 ounces of fluid daily to help produce enough urine to dilute stone-forming minerals. Individual fluid needs vary, so prioritize consistent intake and monitor your urine color, which should be clear to pale yellow.

2. Watch your diet. Avoid foods high in salt, sugar, and fat. Limit salt intake to about two grams per day (roughly one teaspoon), and keep animal protein to one serving daily, about the size of a deck of cards.

3. Make balanced choices. Limit alcohol and incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods into your diet.

Certain factors can also increase risk, Dr. Bellows adds, including a family history of kidney stones and conditions such as diabetes, gout, hyperparathyroid¬ism, or a history of gastric bypass surgery. Recurrence is common: about three out of four people who devel¬op a kidney stone will experience another.

As always, it’s best to consult with your doctor to develop a plan tailored to your individual risk. Bottom line: with the right hydration and dietary choices, many kidney stones can be prevented before they ever start.

To make an appointment with Dr. Bellows, call 914-949-7556.

This story first appeared in Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 02 July 2026

Dr. Mark Tullman, Dr. Ute Traugott, and Dr. Samantha Epstein of the White Plains Hospital Multiple Sclerosis Center.White Plains Hospital’s Multiple Sclerosis Center offers help—and hope—to patients at every step of their care

Although multiple sclerosis is a widely recognized disease, many people know little about how it affects the body and daily life. In recent years, several celebrities have opened up about their experiences with this chronic autoimmune disease, bringing more awareness to the general public.

Actresses Christina Applegate and Jaime-Lynn Sigler host a podcast in which they discuss their day-to-day struggles with MS, while Selma Blair starred in a documentary which explored her physical and emotional challenges as a result of MS.

Through these and other public advocacy efforts, MS discussions have become more mainstream—but the experts at White Plains Hospital’s Multiple Sclerosis Center have been focused on it for decades.

There is an urgent demand for the high-quality care the Hospital’s program offers. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, more than one million people nationwide have MS, a condition that damages the sheaths which cover the nerve fibers of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, causing weakness, balance problems, and other issues.

Common MS Symptoms

It’s easy to shrug off the early signs of MS, since they can come and go. Pay attention to issues like these, and promptly seek medical attention if they occur:
• Weakness
• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• Vision changes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Difficulties in walking or balancing
• Pain or itchiness
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bladder and bowel problems
• Depression or other emotional changes
• Cognitive changes
• A burning sensation in your torso (or, less frequently, in your head, arms, legs, or feet)

Certain factors can raise the risk of developing MS: Women are four times more likely to have it than men, for instance, and most new cases are diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 50. It is also most common among white people with Northern European heritage. The prevalence of MS is rising, although it’s not fully understood why; experts think it may be due to factors including improved testing, increased testing among people who were insufficiently represented in the past, and lengthening lifespans among MS patients.

Dr. Ute Traugott, FAAN, director of White Plains Hospital’s Multiple Sclerosis Center, has proudly watched the program grow since its founding in 2004. “We now have three experts—myself and neurologists Dr. Samantha Epstein and associate director of multiple sclerosis Dr. Mark Tullman—who are certified by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,” Dr. Traugott says. “It means we are qualified to provide the best of care to our patients. We also have an MS-certified nurse who advises, supports, and educates patients; as well as our social worker.”, FAAN, director of White Plains Hospital’s Multiple Sclerosis Center, has proudly watched the program grow since its founding in 2004. “We now have three experts—myself and neurologists Dr. Samantha Epstein and associate director of multiple sclerosis Dr. Mark Tullman—who are certified by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,” Dr. Traugott says. “It means we are qualified to provide the best of care to our patients. We also have an MS-certified nurse who advises, supports, and educates patients; as well as our social worker.”


The Center is located at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates of West Harrison, but MS specialists also see patients at WPHPA’s locations in Armonk (Dr. Epstein) and Rye Brook (Dr. Claudiu Diaconu). “Treatment for MS has to be individualized to each patient,” adds Dr. Traugott, who has conducted pioneering MS research and treated the disorder for decades. It’s no surprise that patients come from as far away as Pennsylvania to seek out the MS program’s expertise.

When evaluating patients, physicians assess how far the disease has progressed and where someone may be in their MS journey. This is based upon the neurological evaluation and MRI studies of the brain and spinal cord using the most advanced techniques. Some patients seek care after noticing early, intermittent symptoms that may have come and gone, while others don’t pursue treatment until symptoms become more persistent or disruptive. (See sidebar, Common MS Symptoms.) “Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce damage to the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves caused by inflammation, which improves the chances of maintaining long-term function,” explains Dr. Epstein.

Treatments at the MS Center may include pills, self-injected medications, or those delivered by infusion (available at White Plains Hospital’s Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery and other locations). “We weigh the side effects and risks for each,” Dr. Traugott says. For example, while all medications work by modifying the immune system to reduce inflammation, some more potent treatments can weaken the immune system and require close monitoring. If someone else requires physical therapy, it’s available at WPHPA of West Harrison—just across the hallway from the MS Center—and at multiple locations through Burke Rehabilitation, including Armonk.

A diagnosis of MS understandably can be upsetting, which is why the Center also offers psychological support. “We have a social worker, Tammy Schoenfarber, here once a week, and she’s very good at helping patients navigate challenges,” Dr. Traugott says. “Our commitment is to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary and individualized care,” adds Dr. Tullman.

Dr. Traugott is eager to dispel the myth that all MS patients eventually become wheelchair-bound and incapacitated—in fact, thanks to advances in treatment, many can live full, active lives. “I tell newly diagnosed patients that they have a good chance to work until retirement age and have families,” Dr. Traugott says. “Their life may not go straight ahead the way they have planned it. But whose life ever does?”

Learn more about Multiple Sclerosis Services.

This story first appeared in Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.