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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 24 March 2022

Patients often ask me, “What are the newest treatments in colorectal cancer?” Happily, I can respond with encouraging news. Recent discoveries are promising to improve the outcomes of those at risk for and currently battling this disease. This is especially heartening as colorectal cancer is no longer a disease exclusive to our older population; it is now on the rise in younger people as well.

As the only hospital in the New York City metropolitan area to be accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer, White Plains Hospital is committed to ensuring our patients with colorectal cancer receive the highest level of advanced care using evidence-based medicine and strategies, such as the following exciting developments:

Earlier Detection

Diagnosing colorectal cancer as early as possible is the key to better outcomes and longer life. The lowering of the recommended age for colorectal screening to age 45 (from 50) will catch thousands more cases at earlier stages, allowing for more simple and successful treatment.
In addition, the use of “circulating tumor DNA” is showing promise as a novel means of finding colorectal cancer earlier than previously possible. This up-and-coming technology identifies and measures microscopic fragments of tumor DNA from the blood and will help physicians get a step ahead of the disease.

More Precise Treatment

A new trend in colorectal cancer treatment is the development of “precision cancer medicines.” Not only are they easier to administer, these agents work better than chemotherapy by targeting specific molecular features (such as HER2, BRAF, and MSI). About 25% of people with advanced colorectal cancer have appropriate genetic targets for precision medicine or immunotherapy.

Shorter Chemo

When chemotherapy is the best option, the good news is that medical advances are making the processes easier and shorter for many patients dealing with stage 3 colon cancer. Recent data from a large international study has suggested shortening the current chemotherapy duration from six months to three months. In addition, the three-month regimen uses a chemo pill instead of an infusion pump, improving quality of life without sacrificing the benefits.

Despite all these exciting developments, it’s important to remember that prevention is still priority number one. Eat well, get exercise, and follow guidelines for regular screening via colonoscopy. If you are 45 or older, or have a family history of cancer, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your risks and a screening plan.

Dr. Joshua Raff is a medical oncologist and Director of the Digestive Cancer Program at White Plains Hospital, as well as the Leader of the Hospital’s GI Cancer Program Conference. To make an appointment, call 914-849-7600.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 06 April 2022

Scarsdale staffers handed out water to runners along the route.The rain held off on Sunday April 3 just long enough for almost everyone to complete Scarsdale’s four mile and 15 K road race. The route extends around Fox Meadow and Greenacres and is popular with runners of all ages, from teens to those in their eighties.

This year there were 530 registrants, 181 for the 15K race and 342 for the four mile race with a few signing up to run the races on their own time and submit their scores virtually.

Managing the race is a big undertaking for the Village, with staff from the Parks and Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, Police Department, and Fire Department. They were assisted by 40 volunteers. Streets were closed off, route signage was posted and tables with were set up with water for the contestants.

More than 50 members of the Wind Runners participated in the race and about 15 people volunteered at the water station or took photographs on the road. Many members motivated their kids and friends' kids to come out to either race or volunteer in the event. Ten members of the group, Chen Zou and Shangyuan Luo, Yixin Li, Xiaojuan Hu, Adella Lin, Laibin Liu, Rita Pan, Hongwei Zhou, Joyce Liu and Joning Wang, were among the winners.

Wind Runners

Here’s the list of the winners of both races in all groups:

4 Mile Race Winners

Top Female Christine Lee

Female to age 14
1- Jennifer Schwartz
2- Helen Gimbel
3-Joyce Liu

Female Ages 15 – 19Christine Lee was the first woman to complete the 4 mile race.
1-Lizzie Hurshman
2-Natalyn Kapner
3-Sophia Yazdi

Female Ages 20-29
1- Carly Glickenhaus2- Sarah Garcia
3- Maya Cutforth

Female Ages 30-39
1 Leena Gyftopoulos
2- Lee Cohen
3-Alison Zwerling

Female Ages 40- 49
1-Julie Graham
2- Ilaria Fleischer
3 – Michole Eisenberg

Females Ages 50-59
1. Hongwei Zhou
2. Rita Pan
3. Djoeke Van Beest

Females Ages 60-69
1- Dorian Glickenhaus
2- Loretta Adamo
3- Jill Horowtiz

Top Male – Avi PortilloAvi Portillo was the first male finisher in the 4 mile race.

Males 14 and Under
1-Yuhan Cruz
2- Rishi Shadaksharappa
3- Benjamin Weiner

Males 15-19
1- Santiago Gomez
2- JOning Wang
3- Fairs Amin

Males 20-29
1-Bryam Morocho
2-Stefan Kim
3- Bruno Teixerira

Males 30-39
1-Kevin Hoty
2-Brian Metro
3-Timothy Bliss

Males 40-49
1- Carolos E Gomez
2-Christopher Hinder
3- Babk Ghatan

Males 50-59
1-Michael Racanello
2-Vivek Pabby
3-Glenn DicksteinPaul Greenberg came in first in the 4 mile run for those age 60-69.

Males 60 -69
Paul Greenberg
2- Michael Blumstein
3- Jonathan York

Males 70-79
1-Ted Piekarski
2-Donald Sonnenborn
3-Steven Bernstein

Males 80-99
1-John Gibbons
2-Leonard Rich

15 K Race Winners

Female Overall Winner Chen Zou

Females Ages 1-29
1- Charlotte Hoskins
2- Yixin Li
3- Casey Steveko

Females Ages 30-39
1- Aliyah Frumin
2- Rebecca Berry
3- Maria Krentzman

Females Ages 40-49
1-Vanesss ChaladovskyKevin Hoyt fishined first of men ages 30-39.
2- Julia Mord
3- Xiaojuan Hu

Females Ages 50-59
1- Adella Lin
2- Christine Hees
3- Stephanie Mehta

Females Ages 60-69

Diane Calderon

Male Overall Winner – Corey Levin

Males 1-29
1-Adam Abramowitz
2 Timothy Barbella
3 Jan Breuer

Males 30-39
1- Lanie Van Heerden
2- Chris Cavanaugh
3- Allesandro Zori

Males 40-49
1-Robert Cruz
2-Shangyuan Luo
3-Darrell Moye

Males 50-59Yuhan Cruz first place 4 mile race 14 and under.
1 Raymond Russell
2- Laibin Liu
3- Rodney Cutler

Males 60-69
1-David Furnari
2- Tom Dube
3- Acho Nwana

Male 70-99
1- Glen Kirchoff Brian Metro came in second for males ages 30-39 in the 4 mile race.

Stephanie Oricchio finished fifth for female runners ages 20-29 in the 4 mile race.

Leena Gyftopolous, first female in 4 mile race, ages 30-39.Rishi Shadaksharappa was second for males 14 and under in the 4 mile race.

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Health

Published: 09 March 2022

Could prekindergarten classes for four year-olds be available in Scarsdale? Over 30 Assembly Members from across the State, joined by school officials and advocates, rallied in Albany to support full funding for universal full-day pre-K in the State budget and address the inequities between New York City and the outer districts on Tuesday March 8.

Since 2014, NYC has received $300M annually under the Statewide Universal Full-Day Pre-K (SUFDPK) program. The SUFDPK program, which allocates $10,000 per child, has allowed NYC to offer universal pre-K to all children. As a result, if you live in NYC, whether you are rich or poor, your child can go to pre-K for free just as they can with public school.

Districts outside of NYC however, which enroll more than half of the public students in the State, are only allocated $40M in annual funding under the SUFDPK program, and for FY 2022 an additional $15M in available grants, which similarly gives $10,000 per child for full day pre-K, was provided. This allotment is largely insufficient to provide pre-K for the vast majority of districts in NYS, and the lack of funding for these schools has resulted in the majority of the districts being unable to operate pre-K programs. These schools also ended up having to apply and compete for the SUFDPK funds, and the majority do not receive funding. The inequity between schools in New York City and districts outside of the city needs to be remedied.

NYS’ “UPK” Funding Program

Districts outside of New York City, can also receive funding from the state for universal pre-K, from a pool that is simply called state “UPK” funding. Prior to 2021, out of the total of $515 million in UPK funds, approximately $250 million was allocated to districts outside of New York City. Although $90M was added in last year’s budget, the amount needed for districts outside of New York City is still wholly insufficient. The formula for receiving these funds is based on property values, which for Westchester and Rockland only generates $2700/child for a ½ day program and $5400/child for a full day program. $5400/child is not enough for Westchester, Rockland, Long Island, and most counties in New York State, to provide full-day pre-K services.

Benefits of Pre-K

High-quality pre-K has significant benefits for children as it provides them with valuable skills to succeed in school and beyond. Studies show that children who arrive at kindergarten prepared to learn perform better throughout school and complete more years of education.

Research shows that brain development in the years prior to kindergarten builds “school readiness” which is the foundation for success in school, at work, and throughout life. Pre-K aids in giving children the four key dimensions of school readiness -- language and literacy, thinking skills, self-control and self-confidence. When these four foundations are strong, a child is ready to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

Public pre-K also enables parents of young children to return to the workforce. A study of Washington DC’s universal pre-K program shows that it has resulted in more mothers in the workforce, helping women, families, and the economy.

“School superintendents and children’s advocates from across the state have made it clear they are willing to create new Pre-K programs or expand their existing half-day Pre-K programs, but simply lack the funding. The time has come for the state to deliver on the promise of truly universal Pre-K by providing adequate state funding for all of New York’s children,” said Assembly Member Amy Paulin.

“The benefits of universal full-day pre-K are well documented, and it is critical that the state fully funds these programs across the state. Last year’s additional funding was a step forward, however far too many children were still unable to access full-day programs. We urge Gov. Hochul and the legislative leaders to make this funding a priority and include it in this year’s budget,” said Assembly Member Ken Zebrowski.

“The Statewide Universal Full-Day Pre-K (SUFDPK) program is not just an issue of education and childcare, but an issue of equity as well. The families in all regions of this state should have the same opportunity to enroll their children in the SUFDPK program. Children who attend pre-K are better prepared for kindergarten and have improved academic outcomes. This funding is essential for the future of our children,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson.

“Pre-K provides our kids with a nurturing environment to build a meaningful foundation for their future K-12 education. We must secure this funding so that all students, regardless of where they live, have equal access to this program,” said Assemblymember Fred W. Thiele, Jr.

School officials and advocates joined the rally in support.

“Assemblywoman Paulin continues to be a champion for all of New York’s children, including our youngest New Yorkers. While we lead the effort to provide Pre-K opportunities to our children throughout the state in 2014, the time has come to reinvest in our commitment and increase the resources available to ensure that every Pre-K aged child, no matter their zip code, has access to high quality Pre-K opportunities. By investing in our youngest, we know that we will continue to create a solid educational foundation that will support the future of our great state. Let’s appropriately increase the funding allotment now, so that all PreK aged children can start PreK in September on the right foot,” said Joseph L. Ricca, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, White Plains Public Schools.

“We know that universal pre-kindergarten is one of the best ways to provide a firm educational foundation for our children. Having additional resources to continue to provide a quality program to our district’s youngest scholars will go a long way to assure their success as they develop into life-long learners,” said Raymond Sanchez, Superintendent, Ossining Union Free School District.

"We all know the facts: preschool attendance has been shown to improve children’s academic and socio-emotional skills, preparing them for kindergarten and beyond. We also know that quality preschool programs benefit children from disadvantaged families the most, providing those children with a safe and nurturing environment for healthy development. Greater funding for additional UPK slots would only build on New York's progress and its important place in leading the nation on the equitable delivery of high-quality Universal Pre-K programs,” said Kris Felicello, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, North Rockland Central School District.

“By providing a UPK program, we not only support the child, we support the family. Every day we see incredible growth in these children as they develop skills in the classroom. Their ability to communicate and work with others is remarkable. Full funding for UPK must be supported; there is no better investment in the future of education,” said Cynthia Delfino, President/CEO · YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester.