Health Story

Vincent Maltese was a typical teen, suddenly confronted with a life-challenging condition. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 13, Vinnie, now a university undergraduate, describes a nearly fatal slip and along with his counselor, endocrinologists, and mom addresses diabetes management, family dynamics, and the latest innovations to help the newly-diagnosed be confident about enjoying a healthy life.

Two-way connectivity permits immediate access to medical evaluation for patients and families any time, virtually anywhere. Doctors, emergency department nurses, and a patient describe their experiences with Telehealth today, and explain how incorporating new technologies preserves the traditions of their professions while inspiring future generations of caregivers.

Billy Brogdon-Simmons. employed to enhance Patient-Family Experience at LIJ Valley Stream Hospital, collapsed while entertaining neighborhood children during a Holiday celebration. Tests indicated Billy had a total of six brain aneurysms, including one bleeding aneurysm. Billy, hospital authorities, and his mom explain how Northwell patients and families may benefit from his personal, patient-family experience

The recipient of the first heart transplantation procedure on Long Island, Yvonne Flemming, and members of her medical team describe their shared experience at Northwell Health's Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital. Surgeons explain what their success at the heart hospital means for thousands of at-risk residents and their families throughout Metro-New York. Yvonne's Health Story may inspire you to explore organ/tissue donations during April, "Donate Life Month," and throughout the year.

Two veteran nurses, divorced, reunite prior to one partner's surgery to correct a life-threatening heart condition. Listen as Glen and Susan Riske renew their vows, and their dedication to nursing.

Jon Allen couldn't deny his addiction to opioids; he denied his ability to stop using drugs, and it nearly killed him. Jon shares thoughts about denial, stigma, and advice for parents. Anti-addiction specialists at Northwell describe a program to help recognize those with substance abuse disorders, and to encourage recovery by recognizing and respecting their humanity.

Northwell Health volunteers come to the aid of fellow-citizens in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. Hear firsthand how their experience, cultural awareness and the bonds of family informed their ability to provide modern medical care in a region of limited electricity, disrupted communications, and threatened supplies of safe drinking water.

Confronting a large and life-threatening brain tumor presents an opportunity for Judy Lukas to confirm her faith, and an opportunity for the nursing staff of a four-time, Magnet-Designated Northwell hospital to demonstrate why they've earned the respect and confidence of doctors, co-workers and their community.

At 29, Alexandra Adams suffered back-to-back strokes. Alex describes her remarkable recovery, --and the decision that saved her life. Also: Hear how the brain can create new pathways after a stroke, plus vital prevention and intervention tips.

As our national debate about health insurance rages; Northwell Senior V.P. and Community Health Officer Dr. Ram Raju offers a cool assessment of disparities in access to healthcare, and describes his strategy for building healthier communities by employing enlightened cooperation with local agencies.

Pure oxygen is a key component among the tools employed by a surgeon and therapists to save the limb of a Long Island woman. Northwell Health's Dr. John Hoina and Certified Hyperbaric Technician Michael Vidafar explain the principals of hyperbaric therapy and describe its role in helping to heal patient Lisa Longo.

In this episode, nurses, who are famous for listening, speak about love, life and the experiences that shape their outlooks, and careers. Some tales are harrowing, some are heart-breaking, all are heartwarming. Listeners of all ages may be inspired to enter the world of nursing, celebrated here, by Northwell Health nurses.

Dan Lasko is a former Marine who worked with Northwell Health’s 3D printing experts and two Long Island-based firms to solve a life-altering impediment for the wounded warrior. Mr. Lasko, 33, lost his left leg below the knee in 2004 as a result of an IED attack while serving in Afghanistan. An avid triathlete, Mr. Lasko struggled to transition to and from the water – until he met researcher Todd Goldstein, PhD, the director of Northwell Ventures’ 3D Printing Laboratory. Health Story explains the journey behind the resulting "Fin" prosthetic.