38 THE QUEENS COURIER • WELLNESS • AUGUST 17, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
wellness
Infant graduates from LIJ Forest Hills
NICU with honors in breastfeeding
Long Island Jewish Forest Hills
Hospital’s award-winning breastfeeding
program held a graduation ceremony to
honor 1-month-old Mason Wheeler, who
spent the early part of July in the hospital’s
neonatal intensive care unit.
Dressed in a baby-blue cap and gown
and accompanied by his proud parents,
Benjamin and Gabrielle Wheeler
of Astoria, Mason received a diploma
with special honors in breastfeeding. Th e
achievement was hard-earned because
both mother and son had a diffi cult birth.
Gabrielle, who wanted to deliver naturally,
spent 39 hours in labor. Due to
complications with asthma, she underwent
a C-section instead. Mason wound
up in the NICU for six days with fl uid in
his lungs and rapid breathing.
Because of Gabrielle’s surgery, it was
diffi cult for her to hold and visit Mason
until the next day. Th e nurses provided
her with a breast pump and encouraged
the fi rst-time mom to express milk
for him. At fi rst, all she could get were
drops. Th e NICU nurses attempted to
feed Mason but he kept spitting up.
Gabrielle was determined to breastfeed.
She learned that breast milk was best for
her son at a prenatal class off ered at LIJ
Forest Hills and from her own research.
“Breastfeeding is not a new option, it
is a forgotten option and we here at LIJ
Forest Hills are working to change that
by educating the community on its benefi
ts,” said Orlando Santandreu, MD, vice
chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at
the hospital.
When the new mom went to the
NICU, she was nervous that breastfeeding
wouldn’t work. With the help of the
NICU staff , especially Lorraine Munoz,
lactation coordinator at the hospital,
Mason was able to latch and breastfeed.
“Th ere are so many benefi ts to breastfeeding.
Breast milk contains numerous
antibodies and immunoglobins,
which helps prevent infections in infants.
Breastfed babies are less likely to have ear
infections, respiratory illness, and digestive
issues. For mothers, breast feeding
may reduce their risk of acquiring diabetes,”
said Jennifer Kurtz, DO, chief of
neonatology at LIJ Forest Hills. “Breast
milk is convenient, and cost eff ective.
And most importantly, it’s an amazing
way for mothers and babies to bond.”
Now weighing in at a hearty 11 pounds,
Mason is a prime example of why LIJ
Forest Hills was recently named a Baby
Friendly hospital – a global designation
through UNICEF and the World
Health Organization – for their dedication
to improving breast feeding rates
while encouraging mother-infant bonding.
Th ere are only 22 hospitals in New
York State that have earned the Baby
Friendly distinction.
“Mason is doing great,” said Gabrielle,
who was all smiles during the August 4
graduation ceremony. “Most babies lose
weight in the beginning but he has gained
weight and I think that’s because of the
breast milk.”
Main Street Radiology Celebrates 12 Years
in the Downtown Flushing Community
Main Street Radiology welcomes
Congresswoman Grace Meng to tour
the Downtown Flushing Facility and
observe the new state of the art Women’s
Imaging Center and plans for further
expansion.
Located at 136-25 37th ave in Flushing,
Main Street Radiology occupies four
fl oors to accommodate the 500 plus
patients seen on a daily basis. Th is month
offi ce manager Angela Siu, along with
over 50 employees will celebrate 12 years
of dedication and commitment to one of
the largest and fastest growing Chinese
communities in Queens.
Main Street Radiology is an incredible
asset to the community providing
the highest quality care with the
best equipment including the Genius
3D Tomosynthesis Mammography and
Biopsy machine. With this enhanced
technology they capture and detect early
stage breast cancer by more than 40%,
ultimately increasing the patients survival
rate.
Th e American College of Radiology
recognizes Main Street Radiology as an
Accredited Facility awarding them with
the Gold Seal in nine separate
areas including MRI, CT,
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy,
PET Scan and Ultrasounds.
Main Street Radiology has
been delivering world-class
diagnostic imaging service to
the residents of Queens and
the surrounding communities
since 1966. With a team of 40
board-certfi fi ed radiologists
all with sub-specialty training
that includes Neuroradiology,
Musculoskeletal, Breast,
Nuclear/PET CT, and
Abdominal Imaging Main
Street works to ensure the
highest standard of care available
in a comfortable stress
free environment.
In addition to the Flushing
facility, Main Street Radiology
has offi ces in Bayside and
Jackson Heights equipped
with valet parking for patient
convenience.
For more information visit:
mainstreetradiology.com