First High-Tech Biopsy On East End

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital has a powerful new MRI solution for targeted prostate biopsies. The UroNav fusion system offers patients with elevated and/or rising prostate-specific antigen levels a new biopsy option that provides more precision in identifying and targeting suspicious lesions. This advanced technology is the first of its kind on the East End.

Dr. Robert Munkelwitz, with Meeting House Lane Medical Practice, said targeted MRI/ultrasound biopsy is poised to become the new standard in prostate care. The urologist said the process fuses pre-biopsy MRI images of the prostate with ultrasound-guided biopsy images in real time for excellent delineation of the prostate and suspicious lesions.

“After a patient has undergone a prostate MRI, the radiology team utilizes DynaCAD — an advanced set of visualization tools for prostate — to quickly visualize and evaluate suspicious lesions,” said Dr. Steven Sobey, also a urologist with the Meeting House Lane Medical Practice. “The UroNav fusion biopsy system uses this critical diagnostic information to provide us with a targeted approach to prostate biopsy.”

The American Cancer Society reports one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. The symptoms of prostate cancer may not be apparent in the early stages, and can be different for each man. Routine screenings are important.

“Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer has become the most common form of cancer for men in the United States and the second-leading cause of cancer death in this population,” said Dr. Richard Ashley, a urologist with Meeting House Lane and Stony Brook Medicine. “The fusion of MRI and ultrasound images gives us the ability to offer our patients a more precise diagnosis after a prostate exam.”

Preventing Falls

The hospital is also holding “A Matter of Balance,” the award-winning program that educates on preventing falls and increasing activity levels among those 65 years and older. The free eight-week program will meet Wednesdays from 9 to 11 AM October 2 through November 20 at the Ed and Phyllis Davis Wellness Institute, located on the third floor at 240 Meeting House Lane.

“Learning how to prevent falls among our older adult community can result in averting critical injuries and fatalities,” said the hospital’s special programs manager Sarah Cohen. “All older adults, especially those with a history of falls and/or with mobility or balance problems, should be encouraged to seek an individual fall risk assessment from their health care providers.”

One out of 10 falls causes a serious injury, such as a hip fracture or head injury, which requires hospitalization. In addition to the physical and emotional pain, many wounded need to spend at least a year recovering in a long-term care facility. Some are never able to live independently again. Approximately 25,000 older adults die as a result of a fall each year.

To help prevent accidents, use a secure step stool instead of standing on a chair; remove clutter and tripping hazards; and install good lighting, stair railings, and grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower. These and other tips will be offered throughout the program.

Registration is required. To do so, call 631-726-8800.

Cancer Wellness

The Phillips Family Cancer Center is rolling out a year-round, ongoing schedule of free programs specifically curated for men and women who have been diagnosed with cancer, for those undergoing radiation or medical oncology treatments, or who are in remission. The classes, workshops, support groups, and services are produced and presented free to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers on the East End by Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Wellness Institute.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for the patient, the patient’s family, and friends,” said Jessica Swiatocha, FNP-BC, MSN, manager of wellness and cardiology services at the hospital. “Our goal is to provide a broad spectrum of programs, classes, and groups that will deliver support throughout every stage of the cancer journey to help enhance healing by improving mind and body strength as well as overall well-being.”

Research shows that a strong support system can help improve the patient experience. Patients get stronger, have better endurance, and less depression.

Current topics and classes that are offered by The Phillips Family Cancer Center include support groups; nutrition education; singing (no prior experience necessary); exercise; yoga; reiki; boxing, and more. While the programming is free, registration is required. To register and get the latest updates on programming, visit www.bit.ly/cancerwellness19 or call 631-726-8800. For women’s gynecologic and breast cancer survivor programs, call 631-726-8715.

Free Flu Shots

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital will hold its annual free flu shot clinic for adults 18 years or older October 15 from 9 AM to 8 PM in Parrish Memorial Hall, located on the corner of Herrick Road and Lewis Street in Southampton. Vaccines are subject to availability, and valid ID is required. No appointments are necessary.

The 2017-18 flu season saw the highest rate of flu-like illness since the 2009 pandemic. Hospitalization rates across all age groups were the highest ever recorded in the New York State Department of Health recording system.

“A 2018 study shows that risk of hospitalization with the flu reduced 37 percent thanks to the vaccine, and risk of Intensive Care Unit admission with the flu reduced 82 percent,” said Deborah Maile, RN, director of infection prevention. “Flu vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu and flu-related complications.”

As of August 25, a total of 180 pediatric deaths nationwide have been reported from the 2017-18 season, the second-highest rate since reporting began in 2004. Both the NYSDOH and CDC recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible for the upcoming season, preferably before the end of October.

desiree@indyeastend.com