East Your Health 04-09-2026

Mount Sinai South Nassau is advancing cardiovascular care on Nassau County’s South Shore

Joyce Ashe, 79, was relaxing at her Rockaway Park home when she felt a tingling sensation in her neck, shoulder, and arm that began to increase in intensity.

Ms. Ashe and her husband, John, called 911, and she was transported by ambulance to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Fennessy Family Emergency Department in Oceanside, where she was diagnosed with dangerously high blood pressure and a heart murmur caused by aortic stenosis (a serious heart valve disease where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the body).

Sunny Goel, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Director of Structural Heart Disease at Mount Sinai South Nassau, will soon be able to perform advanced cardiac procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacements, a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the narrowed aortic valve, right here in Oceanside at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Her condition was stabilized and after further evaluation, physicians determined that she would require a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the narrowed aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery.

She was admitted last April to The Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, where Sunny Goel, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Director of Structural Heart Disease at Mount Sinai South Nassau, performed the TAVR procedure. A few days later, she was discharged home, followed by an intensive cardiovascular rehabilitation program at Mount Sinai South Nassau Cardiovascular Rehabilitation in Oceanside. Asked to rate her experience with Dr. Goel and Mount Sinai South Nassau, Ms. Ashe responded: “A-plus,” she said. “Dr. Goel was

so impressive. I’ve already recommended him to three of my dear friends.”

Soon, residents like Ms. Ashe who need TAVR or other advanced cardiac surgical care will be able to get it conveniently in their own community on the South Shore.

Starting later this year, patients can be diagnosed, treated, and cared for at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside at the new Feil Family Pavilion, featuring nine operating rooms that will support open-heart and other advanced cardiac procedures, staffed by expert cardiac specialists from the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at The Mount Sinai Hospital. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 2 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report® for 2025-26.

Each year, more than 450 Long Island residents with complex heart conditions travel to hospitals outside of Nassau and Suffolk counties for advanced cardiac surgery. Starting this spring, patients can be diagnosed, treated, and cared for at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside at the new Feil Family Pavilion, featuring nine operating rooms that will support open-heart and other advanced cardiac procedures.

Mount Sinai South Nassau also plans to open new cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs as well as a CT-angiography lab. These additions, combined with three additional labs that

were upgraded in 2023, will increase the hospital’s capacity to serve the rising number of patients needing cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures. The CT-angiography lab provides rapid diagnostic evaluations and detailed reports about the heart to expedite diagnosis and delivery of care.

Mount Sinai South Nassau has been among Long Island’s leading providers of interventional cardiology services for more than 15 years. Its cardiac catheterization lab is a recipient of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence and holds the American College of Cardiology’s highest rating as a “four-star achiever.”

To ensure that patients achieve the best possible recovery, Mount Sinai South Nassau offers an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program. Certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the program provides rehabilitation plans that are tailored to the specific needs of patients and coordinated by specialists in cardiovascular rehabilitation medicine.

For more information, visit https://www. mountsinai.org/locations/south-nassau or call 516-632-3670 to schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai South Nassau cardiovascular physician.

High Performing Heart Care, Right Here on the South Shore

Mount Sinai South Nassau is proud to be named a high performing hospital in heart attack and heart failure by U.S. News & World Report ® year after year.

Our comprehensive heart care, including award-winning expertise in minimally invasive treatments to address blockages, has made us the premier choice for cardiac care on the South Shore. Cardiac surgeons from the world-renowned Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan also now see patients at our Oceanside campus for pre and post operative evaluation and rehabilitation. The Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 2 in the nation for Cardiology, Heart, and Vascular Surgery by U.S. News & World Report ®, outranking every cardiac program on the South Shore.

Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau

Cover Story

By Christy Hinko

In an era when busy schedules and digital distractions often pull families in di erent directions, fitness is becoming an increasingly shared pursuit rather than an individual one. For Pam Rosenbluth, owner of Club Pilates studios in Oceanside and Merrick, with another location set to open in the Five Towns area, the shift toward wholefamily wellness reflects a broader cultural change.

“Habits don’t exist in isolation,” Rosenbluth said. “So if one person is trying to prioritize their health, but then the environment around them doesn’t support it, it’s a lot harder to stay consistent.”

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Health experts have long emphasized the importance of social support in maintaining healthy routines. Rosenbluth said that when families commit to fitness together—or at least support one another’s e orts—it creates accountability and consistency that can be di cult to achieve alone.

K“Kids learn from what they see,” she said. “So it’s good to get them started early and show them that making time to move your body is important.”

That philosophy is increasingly visible inside her studios, where she said more families and friend groups are attending classes together.

“We do see people coming in as families and as friends,” Rosenbluth said. “It’s more fun working out together and it helps people stay more accountable.”

One noticeable trend is the rise in teenage participation, particularly in Pilates, a low-impact exercise method focused on core strength, flexibility and alignment. Rosenbluth attributes that growth to both accessibility and broader awareness.

ids learn from what they see,” she said. “So it’s good to get them started early and show them that making time to move your body is important.”

“If the whole family is doing it, it builds a level of accountability,” she said. “When you’re doing it together, it becomes something that you look forward to doing, rather than something you have to check o a list. It’s like a want-to instead of a have-to.”

Family fitness builds stronger bodies, stronger bonds

That sense of shared experience can also strengthen family bonds at a time when many households struggle to find opportunities to connect. Between work, school and screen time, Rosenbluth noted that simple activities like exercising together can fill an important gap.

“We’ve gotten away from reasons to be together or to put the phone down and talk to each other,” she said. “Whether it’s having a meal together, working out together or even taking a walk, it keeps the family connected while reinforcing the value of taking care of your body.”

The influence extends beyond adults. Children, Rosenbluth said, often adopt habits they observe at home.

“Pilates is incredibly adaptable,” she said. “You can have somebody brand new to working out and somebody very experienced and they can both get a very e ective, meaningful workout.”

She added that the method’s versatility makes it appealing across generations.

“It meets people where they are and then it builds from there,” Rosenbluth said. “Whether it’s for sports, daily movement or just staying pain-free, it carries into everyday life.”

The growing popularity of Pilates also reflects a shift in how people approach fitness. Highintensity workouts and “no pain, no gain” mentalities are giving way to more sustainable practices focused on long-term health.

“People are less interested in burning out and working to the point of exhaustion,” Rosenbluth said. “They’re really looking to feel good long term.”

That includes increased attention to mobility, recovery and injury prevention—areas where Pilates has gained recognition among medical professionals.

“We get referrals now from chiropractors, physical therapists and doctors,” she said. “We’ve had

people whose doctors tell them, ‘I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep doing it≠.’”

Equally important, Rosenbluth said, is the sense of community fostered in smaller, studio-based environments, a contrast to large, impersonal gyms.

“People want to connect. They don’t want to just work out,” she said. “They want to feel known when they walk in the door.”

That demand for connection intensified following the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people

relied on virtual workouts at home.

“After all the virtual workouts, people were really seeking connection,” Rosenbluth said. “It’s more fun to work out with other people and feed off their energy.”

Her studios emphasize personal relationships with members, from checking in on absences to celebrating milestones—an approach she believes keeps people engaged.

“We want to know our clients,” she said. “If we don’t see somebody for a week or two, we’ll reach out. We want people to come in and feel supported.”

As her business expands, Rosenbluth sees whole-family fitness as more than a trend. It is, she said, a practical and meaningful way to build healthier habits and stronger relationships.

“At the end of the day, it’s about making fitness sustainable and enjoyable,” she said. “When you do that together, it becomes part of your life—not just something you try to fit into it.”

Monday Core & Strength (Pilates Focus)

• 30–45 min beginner Pilates session

Focus: core, posture, flexibility Great for all ages and fitness levels.

TueSday

Family Walk or Light Cardio

• 20–30 min walk after dinner

Optional: light jog or bike ride Goal: movement + conversation.

WedneSday

Stretch & Recovery

• 15–20 min stretching or mobility work

Focus: injury prevention and flexibility.

ThuRSday Group Workout Attend a class together (Pilates, yoga, etc.)

Encourages consistency and accountability.

FRiday

Fun Fitness night

Dance workout, backyard games, or sports keep it light, social, and enjoyable.

SaTuRday active outing

Hiking, beach walk, or park activities combine fitness with family time.

Sunday Rest & Reset

Light stretching or short walk reflect and plan for the next week.

Tick season returns as spring temperatures rise

By Christy Hinko

As warmer weather settles over Long Island, tick season is returning in force this April, sending health officials’ annual reminder back into focus: the smallest outdoor nuisance can carry some of the region’s most persistent health risks.

Blacklegged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks, are already active across Nassau and Suffolk counties, where wooded preserves, neighborhood trails, backyard gardens and leaf-covered lawns all create ideal habitat. Long Island remains one of New York’s highestrisk areas for tick-borne illness, particularly Lyme disease, which is spread primarily through infected deer ticks.

Ticks do not wait for summer. Once temperatures consistently rise above freezing, they begin seeking hosts, and a mild winter can lengthen that active window. Suffolk County’s tick surveillance program continues monitoring species and disease prevalence throughout the region as residents head outdoors more frequently for spring walks,

youth sports, gardening and hiking.

In addition to deer ticks, lone star ticks have become increasingly common on Long Island. That species is associated with ehrlichiosis and has also been linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that can trigger an allergic reaction to red meat after certain bites.

Because ticks are often difficult to detect before they attach, prevention remains the first line of defense.

Health experts recommend simple habits before and after time outdoors:

• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.

• Stay on cleared paths and avoid brushing against tall grass or low brush.

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or another EPA-

approved ingredient.

• Tuck pant legs into socks when walking in wooded or grassy areas.

A careful tick check after coming indoors is equally important, especially around ankles, behind knees, under arms, around waistbands, behind ears and along the scalp. Showering soon after outdoor exposure can also help remove ticks before they attach.

Pets deserve the same attention. Dogs and outdoor cats can pick up ticks in yards, parks and on neighborhood walks, then carry them indoors. Ears, collars, paws and underbelly areas are common hiding spots, even when pets are using veterinarian-recommended tick prevention.

If a tick is attached, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it close to the skin

and pull upward steadily without twisting. Avoid squeezing, crushing or using home remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail polish or heat, which can increase the chance of disease transmission.

After removal:

• Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

• Save the tick in a sealed bag if identification may be needed later.

• Mark the date of the bite and monitor for symptoms.

Anyone who develops fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain or a rash in the days or weeks after a bite should contact a health care provider. A bull’s-eye rash is often associated with Lyme disease, but not every case produces one, making symptom awareness especially important.

Local resources, including county health departments, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, offer seasonal updates and tick identification guides as outdoor season begins.

Take a hike

By Christy Hinko

Long Island’s hiking landscape is often overshadowed by its beaches, but the island’s trail network o ers a surprising range of terrain — from steep harbor blu s to pine barrens, coastal overlooks and rare maritime forest. For hikers looking to stay local, the best routes span both Nassau and Su olk counties and can suit nearly any experience level, from short family walks to all-day mileage.

On the North Shore, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve remains one of Long Island’s most versatile hiking destinations. The preserve’s more than 13 miles of trails move through open meadows, woodland and shoreline, with wide paths that make route-finding easy for beginners while still o ering enough distance for longer outings. Parking is available at the main lot o Lloyd Harbor Road and the park is open year-round to sunset.

Seasonal fees may apply for vehicles.

sustained uphill sections. Parking is limited at the Harbor Road entrance, so early arrival is recommended on weekends. The park is free and open sunrise to sunset, but sturdy footwear is essential because leaf-covered slopes can become slippery, especially after rain. Fall is particularly popular here because of foliage and clearer harbor views.

Restrooms are available near the entrance area, making it a practical choice for families or anyone planning several hours on the trail. Spring and fall are often the most comfortable seasons, when temperatures are mild and the open fields are especially scenic.

spring and autumn typically o er the best conditions.

At the eastern end of the island, Montauk Point State Park delivers one of Long Island’s most scenic easy hikes. The loop near the lighthouse combines ocean views, rocky shoreline and short coastal trails. Parking is available inside the state park, where seasonal vehicle fees apply and restrooms and food service are available near the main visitor area. Early morning visits often provide the quietest conditions and the clearest views.

Nearby, Cold Spring Harbor State Park o ers one of the island’s most physically demanding hikes despite its relatively short trail system. The steep climbs and descents overlooking the harbor create rare elevation changes for Long Island and hikers should expect uneven footing and

For longer-distance hikers, the Long Island Greenbelt Trail links together multiple parks over roughly 32 miles, running north to south through varied ecosystems. Many hikers begin sections near Trail View State Park or Bethpage, using public parking lots at trail access points. Because the route crosses multiple jurisdictions, carrying a trail map or GPS app is important. Sections are manageable as day hikes, particularly in cooler months when exposed stretches are more comfortable. The island’s longest signature route, Paumanok Path, stretches about 125 miles from western Su olk County to Montauk. Di culty varies widely depending on section, with some flat woodland miles and others more exposed or sandy. It is best approached in segments rather than as a continuous trek, especially for newer hikers.

Late

For easier family-friendly outings, Sunken Meadow State Park combines boardwalk stretches with wooded trails overlooking Long Island Sound. The flatter terrain makes it accessible for casual walkers, though blu sections add moderate elevation in some areas. Summer mornings and fall afternoons are especially popular. Bethpage State Park o ers long, mostly flat mileage through the Bethpage Bikeway corridor, making it ideal for hikers focused on endurance rather than technical

terrain. Parking is straightforward at the main park entrances and restrooms are available seasonally. For quieter hiking, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve provides shaded trails, river views and reliable birdwatching. The preserve tends to feel less crowded than larger parks, particularly on weekday mornings. Two of Long Island’s most distinctive ecosystems appear farther east: Sunken Forest on Fire Island, reached by ferry and boardwalk and Brookhaven State Park, where more than 25 miles of pine barrens trails create one of the island’s most remote hiking experiences.

Across all of Long Island’s trails, hikers should carry water, check tick conditions and expect limited shade on coastal routes. Cell service can vary in larger preserves, so downloaded maps are helpful. Even on shorter trails, changing weather o the Sound or Atlantic can quickly a ect conditions.

Long Island Hiking A practical guide for safe, smart trails

By Christy Hinko

Long Island offers more than beaches. From pine barrens to coastal bluffs, the region features hundreds of miles of trails. Preparation and awareness are essential for a safe hike. Use these practical tips before heading out.

Know the terrain

Trails range from flat woodland paths to sandy stretches and steep coastal edges. Expect roots, mud and seasonal flooding in low areas. Review trail maps in advance and note distance, elevation and conditions.

Stay on legal trails

Respect property boundaries. Many wooded areas border private land, and trespassing laws are enforced. Follow posted signage and remain on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging habitats.

Local Resources

Suffolk County Parkswww.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks (631) 854-4949

Manages more than 100 parks with trail systems, campgrounds and greenbelts.

Nassau County Parks www.nassaucountyny.gov (516) 571-7443

Oversees preserves, coastal parks and trail networks in western Long Island.

Match the hike to your ability

Choose routes suited to your fitness level. Beginners should start with short, marked loops, while experienced hikers can attempt longer greenways. Overestimating ability increases injury risk.

Plan your route and share it

Identify trailheads, parking and exit points before departure. Leave your route, start time and expected return with someone at home to aid emergency response if needed.

Carry navigation tools

Bring a physical map or offline app. Orienteering skills are useful where trails intersect and markers are inconsistent. The AllTrails app provides user-generated maps and GPS tracking.

Bring a charged phone

Carry a fully charged cellphone

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation www.parks.ny.gov (631) 669-1000

Provides trail maps, closures and safety guidance for state parks.

Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference www.ligreenbelt.org (631) 360-0753

Maintains the Greenbelt Trail system and

and consider a backup battery. Service can be unreliable in dense or remote areas.

Pack a basic first aid kit

Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care, gauze and personal medications. Immediate care helps prevent minor injuries from worsening.

Dress for conditions

Wear moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy footwear. Long sleeves and pants protect against brush and insects. Layer for changing temperatures.

Use sun protection

Apply sunscreen, wear a hat and bring sunglasses. Sun exposure can be significant even on shaded trails.

Prepare for ticks and insects

Ticks are common in wooded and grassy areas. Use repellent and perform a full-body check after hiking.

offers guided hikes and maps.

New York–New Jersey Trail Conference www.nynjtc.org

Offers trail maps, apps and maintenance support.

Sierra Club www.sierraclub.org

Provides hikes, conservation efforts and outdoor programs.

Carry sufficient water and food

Bring extra water, especially in warm weather. Pack snacks to maintain energy levels.

Follow Leave No Trace principles

Pack out trash, avoid disturbing wildlife and stay on designated paths to preserve natural areas.

Watch the weather

Check forecasts before hiking. Rain can make trails slippery and storms can create hazards. The National Weather Service (www. weather.gov/okx) provides local forecasts.

Know your limits

Turn back if conditions change, you feel fatigued or navigation becomes uncertain.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) www.dec.ny.gov

Provides guidance on wildlife, ticks and land use.

Prepared hikers reduce risk and protect

Long Island’s natural spaces. Proper planning, gear and awareness make every outing safer and more enjoyable.

APRIL 16 • 10AM-12:30PM

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

Register for this FREE event: Deerpark.eventbrite.com or email lcreem@LIHerald.com or call 516.569.4000 x243 AGENDA: VISIT EXHIBITORS EXPERT PANEL + Q&A RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

By Christy Hinko

Early strawberries are among the first signs of spring on Long Island, arriving in late April and gaining momentum into May. Though the region is better known for its peak strawberry harvest in early summer, the first crop generates excitement at farm stands and local markets eager to showcase fresh, locally grown produce after a long winter. These berries are often smaller and more delicate than their laterseason counterparts, but they make up for it with a bright red color, fragrant aroma and a sweettart flavor that signals the changing season.

Beyond their appeal, strawberries offer notable health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, providing more per serving than an orange, and are packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation and support immune health. Strawberries also contain fiber, which aids digestion, and important nutrients such as folate and potassium. Their naturally low calorie content and high water composition make them a refreshing, hydrating snack.

In the kitchen, strawberries are remarkably versatile. They can be eaten fresh on their own, sliced over yogurt or cereal, or tossed into salads for a burst of sweetness. They pair

Spring’s sweetest start: Strawberry season arrives early

Long Island’s first berries bring fresh flavor, health perks and simple ways to enjoy every bite, from smoothies to shortcake—and even the leafy tops.

well with both sweet and savory ingredients, complementing foods such as spinach, goat cheese and balsamic vinegar. Strawberries can also be blended into beverages, baked into desserts or cooked down into sauces and jams. Their adaptability makes them a staple ingredient throughout the spring and summer months.

One of the simplest ways to enjoy early strawberries is in a smoothie:

Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled

• 1 banana

• 1/2 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)

• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

• A few ice cubes

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness with honey if needed. Serve immediately.

A quick side note about hulled strawberries: the entire strawberry can be thrown into the blender. Eating the whole strawberry, including the leafy green tops, reduces waste and adds

nutrients. The greens are edible, slightly bitter and contain fiber and antioxidants. Blend them into smoothies or chop finely into salads to get the full benefit of the fruit.

For a classic dessert, strawberry shortcake remains a favorite:

Simple Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 2 cups biscuit mix or flour-based baking mix

• 2/3 cup milk

• Whipped cream

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for about 20 minutes to release juices. Prepare biscuits according to package directions or mix baking mix with milk to form a dough, then bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. Split warm biscuits in half, spoon strawberries over the bottom halves and top with whipped cream. Place the biscuit tops over the filling and serve.

As the season progresses, strawberries will become more abundant and widely available across Long Island. Early berries, however, offer a preview of what is to come, bringing fresh flavor, nutritional benefits and culinary flexibility to the table at the start of the growing season.