While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shares that older adults over the age of 65 and children are most at risk for heat related illnesses, Jamil Rizqalla, DO, FACEP, FAWM, director of the Emergency Department at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, says the heat can impact anyone.

It’s important that we check on our family, friends, and neighbors who are at high risk during heat waves and just hot weather in general,” Dr. Rizqalla says. “You never know how the heat will affect them.

Fireworks Safety
There’s no question that summer fireworks spark excitement. But before you pull up your lawn chair to enjoy the show, consider the risk: According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2024, 14,700 people were treated in the emergency room for firework related injuries, of which 37% of these injuries were burns.

Swim Safety
Nothing beats the heat like a dip in the pool; but before you dive in, make sure your water safety plan is in place.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1–4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for kids aged 5–14. While these statistics are alarming, there are preventive measures families can take to make sure everyone is safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises the following:

Understanding hand injuries
Is discomfort in your hand or wrist limiting your daily routine? While it’s a challenge to get a grip on what’s causing the pain, relief is within reach. Orthopedic Hand surgeon Ugochukwu Udogwu, MD, of Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Center, shares how to put a finger on the problem—and choose the best treatment option.

Trauma Alert: A traumatic injury can happen to anyone, at any time. But who is most at risk—and how can these injuries be prevented? In recognition of May as Trauma Awareness Month, Liliana Delgado, MSN, RN, Trauma Program Director at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, shared key insights to help you better understand the risks and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Hepatitis is more than just inflammation of the liver. It’s a disease that is responsible for about 1.3 million deaths per year globally. Most cases are caused by viral infection; hepatitis is also triggered by toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases, and has five main viral types: A, B, C, D, and E. While these trends have unique sets of characteristics when it comes to transmission and treatment, one thing they have in common is this: they’re preventable.

Flowers aren’t the only sign of spring in bloom. For many, rising pollen levels from trees and grass mean itchy eyes, congestion, and runny noses—unwelcome reminders that the season has arrived. But does your sinus health have to suffer year after year?

According to Samuel N. Helman, M.D., an Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and sinus specialist at Montefiore Nyack Hospital, the first step in managing seasonal allergies is going to an allergist to find out what exactly the patient is allergic to.

If you have ever felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel first thing in the morning, you may be among the three million people in the United States affected by plantar fasciitis each year. This common yet often misunderstood condition affects the thick band of tissue that stretches across the bottom of your foot.

Andrew Max Somberg, MD, a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Orthopedics and Spine Center in West Nyack, NY, explains that relief is possible and highly likely with the right care.

When it comes to taking care of your gastrointestinal health, the best advice is simple: go with your gut. If you’ve noticed a change in your bowel habits—or recent reports about rising colon cancer diagnoses have you concerned—now is the time to talk with your doctor. The good news is that advances in screening, prevention, and treatment are saving lives. Ziad Kronfol, MD, FACS, FASCRS, Director of the Department of Surgery and Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, explains where colon cancer diagnosis and treatment stand today.

It feels like we all know someone who “tore their ACL.” And that feeling is right on point: Over 200,000 people per year sustain an injury to their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). These frequently occur during sports participation and often are noncontact injuries.