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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 08 February 2016

Created: 08 February 2016

Last Updated: 08 February 2016

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Last week we alerted you to concerns about cryptosporidium and giardia in surface water in the Kensico Reservoir. This week, another threat to the Westchester water supply has surfaced. Entergy, the owner and operator of the Indian Point Power Plant in Buchanan New York issued a report showing elevated levels of tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen in 3 of 40 testing sites of the groundwater at the site.

Entergy claims that the tritium did not affect any sources of drinking water, on or offsite, and says they are putting remediation plans in place.

Both Governor Cuomo, who lives in New Castle, and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino issued statements on the news. The two have been rivals since the 2014 race for Governor when Astorino challenged Cuomo.

Cuomo issued his statement on Saturday 2-6, and called for a full investigation. He said, "This latest failure at Indian Point is unacceptable and I have directed Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos and Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker to fully investigate this incident and employ all available measures, including working with Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to determine the extent of the release, its likely duration, cause and potential impacts to the environment and public health."

Astorino said he met with Entergy and that "these elevated levels are more than one thousand times below federal permissible limits." He pledged that, "The county will continue to verify and monitor the situation. Getting the facts and understanding them are critically important to serving the public interest. False hysteria is not. "

This is just the latest issue at the aging power plant where one unit is now 40 years old. The plant was closed twice in December due to mechanical malfunctions – and for 19 days in May and July of 2015.

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Written by: Stacie M. Waldman

Published: 04 February 2016

Created: 04 February 2016

Last Updated: 04 February 2016

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The recent scares from Ebola, SARS, Swine Flu, Bird Flu and now Zika have hit us with the realization that we are vulnerable to diseases from the third world.

Zika virus has been all over the news for the past couple of weeks and with each day there is more information about the virus. The Aedes mosquito has been causally linked to Zika virus but other modes of transmission are also being investigated. And this is happening right around the time that many people from our area are leaving the not-so-bitterly-cold winter behind and taking off for some fun in the sun in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and other areas that have been affected by the virus.

There is still little known about the increasing spread and prevalence of the Zika virus. It appears that it may be linked to microcephaly in infants whose mothers had the virus during pregnancy as well as possibly Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The general population, however, is not severely affected by Zika virus in that only 20% of people are symptomatic. Signs and symptoms are generally mild and short-lasting and may include fever, rash, join pain, conjunctivitis, headache and muscle pain lasting a few days to a week.

There have been sporadic cases of people diagnosed with Zika virus in New York but all were infected outside of the country. Perhaps more alarming is the recent sexually transmitted case of Zika in Texas. A woman tested positive for Zika virus after having unprotected sex with an infected person who had traveled to a Zika-affected country. There are more people testing positive for Zika virus on a daily basis especially in Florida. Thus far, everyone affected had travelled, but Florida is one of the places that houses populations of the vector mosquito. A person gets infected with Zika after a mosquito ingests virus laden blood from an infected person and then transmits it to its next host.

Dr. Judy Stone, an infectious disease specialist, cautioned that if Zika adapts to the Asian Tiger Mosquito, people in 32 states in the U.S. could be at significant risk for the virus. This type of mosquito can adapt to colder temperatures by becoming dormant in the cold months.

Dr. Fred Bomback, a local and well-respected pediatrician, said, "Some pregnant women are worried. If I know someone is pregnant or planning on getting pregnant I would strongly recommend not going at this time to an area where Zika has been confirmed."

The CDC has issued a travel warning for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to countries affected by Zika. To date, those countries include most of Central America (Belize is safe!), much of the Caribbean including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cape Verde, Samoa, and all of South America except for Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Only necessary travel is recommended in places affected with Zika virus until more is known about transmission and the effect the virus may have on the fetus. If a pregnant woman must travel to these areas, strong precautions are suggested to avoid mosquito bites including using EPA-registered insect repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying inside as much as possible in a place with screens on the windows.

Dr. Peter Piot, the scientist who discovered Ebola, is very concerned about the explosive outbreak of Zika in the Americas. In a recent BBC interview, (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03h7056) he said the top priority needs to be establishing proof that Zika is causing birth defects. After that a good diagnostic test needs to be developed as well as a vaccine. In the meantime, effective mosquito control must be sought. Even with an effective test for the virus, however, who would be tested? Only a minority of people experience detectable symptoms and many mimic other diseases including the flu and the common cold.

A popular OB/GYN affiliated with WESTMED Medical Group said that he is being asked a lot of questions about Zika virus. He is following the CDC suggested travel warnings- advising that pregnant women or those contemplating getting pregnant refrain from travelling to Zika-affected areas. "Until we know more, I think women should heed the travel warning. Why are we seeing so much more of this virus than in the past? Is Zika virus actually causing microcephaly in babies? We are still lacking much information about this virus," he said.

He has also had patients ask how long they should wait after coming back from an affected area to get pregnant. "A lot of people have been saying one to two months is probably sufficient," he said. "The virus does not linger in the bloodstream for very long." He's getting calls from patients who have been invited to weddings and bachelorette parties in affected areas and most who are pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant are postponing or canceling their trips.

For now, the doctor's staff asks patients if they've traveled recently to any of the countries on the CDC list of places with Zika virus. "But if they have, and if they're pregnant," he said, "testing is not so easy. Your doctor can't just order a blood test. It has to be approved by the health department and certain criteria must be met in order to be a candidate for testing."

"From a pregnancy perspective," he continued, "you may not be able to pick up any of the defects until late in the pregnancy and by that time there's not much you can do for it. In my mind, one of the scary parts of this virus potentially causing birth defects is that you may not be able to detect any abnormality at the point that the pregnancy could be terminated if desired." He also cautioned that abortions could increase unnecessarily.

For now, the most updated and trusted source of evidence-based information about Zika virus can be found on the CDC websites.

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Published: 27 January 2016

Created: 27 January 2016

Last Updated: 04 March 2016

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Check out these open houses around town on Sunday January 31.
81 Walworth Avenue, Scarsdale
Sunday January 31st, 12pm-2pm

Vintage sun drenched Mediterranean Gem in desirable Greenacres brimming with details offers 9' ceilings, hardwood floors, meticulously restored windows, built-ins, doors, moldings and hardware and is lovingly maintained with a host of thoughtful and energy efficient updates in keeping with the its' architectural grace and spirit. Fabulous oversized kitchen (2001) complete with outfitted butler's pantry complements the formal dining room, inviting Library and gracious Living Room which has a handsome beamed ceiling, an impressive Rumford fireplace and leaded glass built ins. With a stylish outdoor loggia, stone patios and perennial gardens to enjoy, this seven bedroom jewel of a home, offers comfortable elegance with delightful privacy yet a most convenient location with train, school and shops all within a short stroll. A great opportunity to own this special much loved home in most desirable Greenacres! For more information, click here.

1 Dolma Road, Scarsdale
Sunday January 31st , 2:00pm-4:00pm

One of Scarsdale's premier properties, this spectacular sun-lit Tudor home is sited in the heart of Murray Hill on a level, 1.89 park-like acre. Picturesque, tranquil outdoor entertaining spaces include the beautiful pool with stone surround and the convenient patio, providing the ideal backdrop for gracious living and entertaining. Built in 1929 and partially renovated in 2002, this majestic estate offers exquisite architectural detail, remarkable craftsmanship including arched doorways, high beamed ceilings and leaded windows. The impressive two-story entry leads you to the formal living room with a grand fireplace and custom handcrafted wood paneling, sun room, library with custom millwork and formal dining room. Large, modern eat-in kitchen with pantry. There are seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms, three half baths and a three car garage. Potential room for a tennis court. For more information, click here.

26 Seely Place, Edgemont
Sunday January 31st , 2:30 PM- 4:30 PM

A perfect hideaway in the heart of Old Edgemont. At the end of a private drive, this home is close to schools, village, train and bus, nestled on park like .65 acres this completely renovated (2001) pristine Colonial offers 3500+ square feet of sunbathed living. This sanctuary offers today's preferred layout with spacious eat-in kitchen, large center island, plenty of cherry wood cabinets with an adjoining oversized family room enhanced with stylish built-ins, access to large Mahogany deck and yard, plus the ultimate convenience of laundry and mudroom within steps. The inviting first level is complete with large dining room, living room with fireplace and study featuring an attractive stone fireplace. Second floor boasts a sky-lit master with spa-like bath, three bedrooms and two full baths. An extraordinary rare find, private, park-like living in exclusive Old Edgemont within a comfortable stroll to Scarsdale Village and parks. Tremendous opportunity and value in desirable Edgemont. For more information, click here.

128 Moorland Drive, Edgemont
Sunday January 31st , 1:00PM-3:00PM

Move right in to this beautifully renovated Edgemont home with an open floor plan ready for today's lifestyle, sunlight in every room with many picture frame windows and skylights. Significant recent renovations include all new oak hardwood floors, new windows, new refrigerator and double ovens, new kitchen floor, luxurious new expanded master bath, new hall bath, new lighting, new staircase, new moldings, new exterior siding, updated electric, new landscaping, new laundry on first floor, new roof, new oil tank and new insulation. Tremendous walk-out full basement with fireplace, plenty of storage and new flooring has unbelievable potential. Exceptional location close to elementary school and commuter bus to Scarsdale train. Don't miss out on this fabulous home, which is private, tranquil and also perfect for entertaining. For more information, click here.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 21 January 2016

Created: 21 January 2016

Last Updated: 21 January 2016

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In June 2015, Jarek Szurlej, a personal fitness trainer at Total Form Fitness (TFF) located in Hartsdale, had a very frightening incident occur with one of his regular clients who is in his late 60's. With 10 minutes to go in a one-hour workout session, his client felt horrible and neither "walking it off nor taking a break" was relieving his shortness of breath. Jarek quickly recognized the situation for what is was and immediately brought him to the White Plains Hospital ER where the man was diagnosed with a heart attack. Ultimately a stent was installed to alleviate a blockage.

Six months later, after four months of monitored cardiac rehab, this client is back to the gym and working out multiple times a week with Jarek and the other trained professionals at Total Form Fitness. The client explained that the exercise physiologist at cardiac rehab calculated a maximal allowed heart rate range for him during exercise based on the results of the four-month course as well as from cardiac stress tests. "Upon my return to Total Form, I was happily surprised, and relieved, to see that the facility had installed Polar Flow wireless monitors and equipment to measure and keep track of my heart rate and percent of maximal allowed heart rate during the entire session. This has helped me return to regular and rigorous exercise with confidence."

The Polar monitor is available at TFF for anyone interested in utilizing it, but is being recommended to clients over a certain age, with a history of heart concerns, or with higher BMI's.
The trainers are able to calculate targeted heart rate ranges with performance activity for each individual to keep them in their appropriate training zone. " During every work out session, the trainer carefully monitors and adjusts each circuit to maintain the safe heart range indicated for that person and can then review it in real time or archive it to create an ongoing, easily accessible profile which can also be emailed to the client. In addition, TFF has implemented ongoing training so that their staff is further aware of the warning signs of consequential heart incidents related to exercise.

"After the heart attack, it is great to be back on track and going forward knowing that safeguards are in place," the client added.