Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and every four minutes, someone dies from a stroke, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Stroke is the leading cause of permanent disability in the U.S. and the fifth leading cause of death. The earlier a stroke is recognized and treated, the greater the chance of recovery. In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, NewYork-Presbyterian is sharing information on stroke risk and prevention.

NewYork-Presbyterian Queens celebrated the Lunar New Year with an event on Tuesday, February 20. Guests were treated to a display of traditional Chinese and Korean entertainment including a Lion Dance and a Korean Drum Dance, as well as a buffet luncheon featuring a variety of Asian cuisines. The Lunar New Year is recognized by many Asian cultures. The date of the Lunar New Year is determined by the moon’s cycle. Each year, the New Year correlates with one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. This year is the Year of the Dog, which symbolizes loyalty and honesty.

February marks Heart Health Month, a time to raise awareness about ways to prevent heart disease and improve cardiovascular functions. Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women. In fact, according to the Heart Health Foundation, cardiovascular diseases take more lives than all forms of cancers combined. “Heart disease kills hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, but many of these conditions are preventable,” said Dr. David Slotwiner, chief, Division of Cardiology, at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. “Exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding high-risk activities like smoking are some of the best ways to keep your heart healthy.”

On Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 a.m., Daylight Saving Time, we advance our clocks forward an hour to better utilize sunlight. While many lament “the loss” of an hour’s sleep, setting our clocks forward one hour can indeed disturb our sleep patterns and leave us groggy for several days. While sleeping patterns are different for all us, doctors generally recommend seven to eight hours of sleep a night for an adult and nine to ten for children. A good night’s sleep has many proven health benefits related to longevity, mental acuity, memory retention, and athletic recovery. Joseph T. Cooke, M.D., chairman, Department of Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, offers eight tips to help make sure Daylight Saving Time does not impact your sleep schedule.

NewYork-Presbyterian Queens (NYP Queens) is announcing a new initiative, HIV, HBV and HCV Testing Model in an Urban Hospital Setting, to test for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) so people living with any of the diseases can be aware of their status and linked to care. The program, which is in its pilot year and will run through 2016, will offer testing for HBV, HCV and HIV to all eligible adult NYP/Queens Emergency Department (ED) and Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) patients. In order for patients to be eligible, they must be 21 years or older. If a patient tests positive, they will be linked to a primary care physician or the appropriate medical specialists for follow-up care.

Dr. Jeremy B. Wiygul joins NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group/Queens to serve as director of pediatric urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. Dr. Wiygul is also an assistant professor of clinical urology at Weill Cornell Medicine. He joins NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group/Queens from The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, where he was chief of the Division of Pediatric Urology.

In time for Mother’s Day, NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia University Irving Medical Center announced the opening of the Mothers Center, a new space that will provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care before, during and after a high-risk pregnancy, starting this summer. An innovative approach to maternal health care, the Mothers Center will consolidate all relevant specialists in the same location, where they can collaborate on individual patients’ care. It is the first of its kind in the country.