And Now ... Zika
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- Written by: Stacie M. Waldman
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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.
Open Houses for January 31, 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.
Polar Monitor Measures Heart Rates at Local Fitness Center
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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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.
Press Start: Enabling Journalists from Around the World
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- Written by: Preeti Singh
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Habib Battah, Zaklina Zafirova, Ruslan Gorbachev and Volodymr Torbich are not familiar names to most of us. These writers are investigative reporters from Lebanon, Macedonia, Belarus and Russia where the press cannot report freely. Now Scarsdale resident Gary Regenstreif, former Editor-at-Large at Reuters, wants to bring us their stories. Says Regenstreif, "Because of press restrictions in countries across the globe, so many important stories are going untold, of issues and events that have a bearing on local communities and that are of interest beyond those borders."
Regenstreif is Chairman of the Advisory Board of Press Start, a new platform to crowd fund journalists in countries where they cannot report freely. Press Start will fund independent journalists for a period of several months to give them time to conceive, develop, investigate and write stories that may not see mainstream media coverage. The stories will be published on different platforms to ensure a wide audience.
Interestingly, Press Start's focus is on local journalists, from countries that have less press freedom, and limited access to funds that investigative journalism requires. Press Start has received an initial grant from National Endowment for Democracy, a DC based organization committed to 'opposition building' and 'encouraging pluralism' in support for democracy. It also hopes to raise more money for journalists through crowd funding projects. Asserts Regenstreif, "It takes very little for world citizens to become actively engaged in conversations that can make an impact and challenge the status quo. A commitment as low as the price of your favorite Starbucks coffee can be the game changer."
Press Start was initiated by Jeremy Druker, a Jewish-American publisher based in Prague. Druker is the founder of Transitions, a journalism training organization in Central and Eastern Europe and publisher of tol.org, a news magazine about the post-communist region. Through years of training journalists to acquire reporting skills, Druker realized that just skill building was not enough; investigative journalists also require time and funds for narratives, which are both scarce commodities in the constantly changing information landscape. Regenstreif shares the opinion. In a career spanning over two decades, and managing newsrooms in three continents, Regenstreif knows the importance of not letting important stories slip through the cracks. In Press Start he saw the potential to harness technology, new forms of fundraising and growing international interest to create meaningful engagement.
Press Start has an impressive line-up of investigative journalists. Habib Battah, the well-known Lebanese journalist runs the blog Beirut Report and chronicles the rapidly decreasing public space in Lebanon and the deliberate destruction of ancient archeology sites. According to him, " These stories do not find their way into mainstream media. Ours is a broken state, and politicians take up airtime and print space with political blame and bickering. The noise is effective in obfuscation of the truth - of precious archaeological sites being destroyed, of poor municipal planning and even the politics of garbage in Beirut."
Battah writes in English, but in many countries, reporters write in their own language. Says Regenstreif, " Reporters may not be able to finance their stories, or have access to a platform to publish them. Through Press Start we will support their stories, translate them into English when they resonate across borders and publish them on various digital platforms and blogs for more reach." SCOOP Macedonia has partnered with Press Start and its founder Zaklina Zafirova is excited, " In Macedonia, independent funding is a rare opportunity. The funds from Press Start will enable journalists to write about issues without the fear of being fired from their jobs. And their translated works will reach a larger audience. " As will the works of Belarusian Ruslan Gorbachev and Ukrainian Volodymyr Torbich.
Cognizant of the dangers to journalists who are often threatened, imprisoned or even killed, Regenstreif asserts, " If there is a greater perceived or real threat to a journalist's life, we are willing to protect them by running their story under a pseudonym."
Will Press Start succeed? Its impact may take months or years to measure, but investigative journalism needs tremendous support. Newsrooms across the world are under pressure and the 2015 World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders, does not paint a happy picture. The index records that two thirds of the countries in its 180 strong sample size recorded a decline in press freedom in 2014. Conflicts imploded this past year that directly impacted the media. Threats from non-state operatives, violent demonstrations, and the economic crisis restricted or even silenced the media. Used as either a propaganda machine, or starved for information, media's freedom has waned in all five continents. (From its #19 position in 2010, the U.S. has steadily gone down, and in 2015 was at #34). Journalists in new democracies or countries witnessing social churn are particularly vulnerable, and their stories need a larger global audience that may help to spur change.
Regenstreif is upbeat, "We have a collective responsibility to stand up to all that attempts to suppress the basic right to information and the enduring nature of the human spirit. Whether donors are in New York or Stockholm, Frankfurt or Tokyo, they can feel gratified that they are helping to inform others who may be in the dark and that in the process they are strengthening democracies."
Those interested in following the progress of Press Start can sign up for updates on its website, which will soon launch formally, at www.pressstart.org.
East Love Music Video Goes Viral
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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A band with deep roots in Scarsdale has recently released a new music video to support an animal charity that supports a better quality of life for dogs in shelters. The video is called "A Dog is a Band's Best Friend" and features the band, East Love performing a mash up of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" and Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud," accompanied by wonderful footage of dogs and their owners sharing a little love in Tompkins Square Park. The video was already featured on Elite Daily (a major online publication) and Good Morning America and 4 of the shelter 5 dogs shown have been adopted. It's already received over 16,000 hits on YouTube.
The video was made to highlight the efforts of Rock & Rawhide to improve the lives of dogs by providing them with toys, bones and blankets that the charity collects at musical gigs. To prepare, band members spent a morning with the dogs in the park.
Band members and SHS alumni Robbie Fink and Lukas Effman started playing music together in middle school and got their start at local nursing homes where they earned credit for community service. In high school, they were joined by classmate Alex Goldstein and the three wrote and recorded songs for their senior options project.
The band was then put on hold when they all attended different colleges, but when they were reunited in New York City after they graduated, they started to play together again.
When Luke's roommate and Scarsdale classmate Jonny Kessner passed away unexpectedly in 2013, the music helped the boys to heal. Kessner was a major inspiration for East Love, both when he was alive and after his tragic death. The band continued to compose, play at bars and then opened for a band called "The Heydaze" at The Studio at Webster Hall and at the Gramercy Theatre.
In July 2015, East Love sold out The Marlin Room at Webster Hall and have since played at Rockwood Music Hall. Their next big show will be at the Brooklyn Bowl on January 27th. Follow East Love here.
