A stroke can happen in an instant, changing a person's life forever. Strokes — 80 percent of which are caused by a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain — are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. The earlier a stroke is recognized and treated, the greater the chance of recovery. Remembering the acronym FAST is an easy way to learn how to recognize a stroke and what to do to minimize its long-term damaging effects.

In this article, the second in a series focusing on the health and safety of children, Shari L. Platt, MD, Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at the Phyllis and David Komansky Center for Children's Health, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, describes some of the more common injuries and illnesses that can befall toddlers and young children, what parents should do in an emergency situation, as well as tips to prevent them.

The Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at the NewYork-Presbyterian/Phyllis and David Komansky Center for Children's Health has further enhanced its program and services with the addition of two new pediatric endocrinologists: Zoltan Antal, MD, who specializes in the care and treatment of children with diabetes, and Saroj Nimkarn, MD, who brings particular expertise in adrenal disorders.

Dr. Michael Nochomovitz has been appointed senior vice president and chief clinical integration and network development officer for the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System. In this newly established role, Dr. Nochomovitz is responsible for the development of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System physician enterprise, its integration within NewYork-Presbyterian and collaboration with Columbia Doctors and Weill Cornell Physicians

NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center is finding new ways to use individualized, internal radiation delivered in the operating room immediately after a cancer tumor is removed. Intraoperative radiotherapy, or IORT, represents an effort to reduce the chance of a recurrence, shorten the duration of conventional postoperative external radiation, and reduce the risk to healthy tissue associated with external radiation.

Going from the lazy days of summer back to the hectic schedules of the fall can be difficult. Running from school to soccer practice and from the office to dance recitals can be tiring for everyone. Getting proper rest is important for every member of the family from young children to adults.

William Levine, MD, has been named chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and orthopedic surgeon-in-chief of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, effective July 1. Dr. Levine is a clinician, scholar, and teacher who has served in numerous leadership roles since joining NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia in 1998. Most recently, he has been the department's vice chair for education, director of its residency and fellowship programs, chief of the shoulder service, and co-director of the Center for Shoulder, Elbow & Sports Medicine.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center celebrated the opening of the Barbara Walters Acute Care Treatment Center on October 1. Supported by a $10 million gift from broadcast journalist and television personality Barbara Walters, the Barbara Walters Acute Care Center will provide access to specialized treatment for critically ill patients in Washington Heights-Inwood and across the New York metro region. The center is a cornerstone of the new Morgan Stanley Adult Emergency Department, located at 168th Street and Broadway in Manhattan.