February is Heart Health Month, when individuals are reminded that heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women. However, there are ways to prevent heart disease and improve cardiovascular functions.

Lisa Kachnic, MD, one of the nation’s leading radiation oncologists who is pioneering new approaches to optimize the effectiveness of radiation therapy, has been named chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and chief of the radiation oncology service at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is projected to add more jobs than any other industry between 2012 and 2022, when current high school students will be entering the workforce. To help educate students about career options, NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital will host its 4th annual Careers in Medicine event on Thursday, November 15, from 6 to 8pm at Archbishop Stepinac High School Gymnasium, 950 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY.

On Sunday, March 10 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 feeling groggy for several days.

Every spring, trees and plants release pollen into the air and this pollen can trigger an immune response. This process is commonly referred to as “having allergies” and Dr. Cooke from NewYork-Presbyterian Queens shares the following tips to help individuals who may suffer from allergies.

To help the public reduce the risk of contracting the flu this season, NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital and the Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe are offering free flu vaccines to adults 19 and older. NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital nurses will administer the flu vaccinations and no appointment is necessary. For more information, call the Flu Vaccination Hotline at 914-787-6060.

Purvi Shah, MD, MSC, has been named Chief Medical Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. In her new role, Dr. Shah will be responsible for medical staff affairs, oversight of clinical departmental activities, hospital clinical program development, clinical program integration with the NewYork-Presbyterian enterprise, and oversight of graduate medical education.