local resources : december '07

RING IN THE NEW YEAR FIT AND FABULOUS

‘Tis the season to think about making positive lifestyle changes. Whether that means resolving to improve a chronic health problem, adapting a physical fitness plan or exploring new ways to lose weight­this special section is filled with resources to help you achieve your goals.

Frederic J. Vagnini M.D., FACS
Dr. Fred Vagnini is a nationally recognized leader in the field of cardio-endocrinology. (He coined the term.) A trained cardiovascular surgeon, his practice in the management of cardio risk led him to the discovery of the
underlying causes of cardio-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes and morbid obesity — all of which are epidemics in the United States today. The root cause of these ailments is the
metabolic abnormality of insulin resistance. Dr. Vagnini is in the forefront of diagnosing the heart-insulin-glucose connection and he has had outstanding success in treating patients based on these findings in his practice at
the Heart Diabetes & Weight Loss Centers of New York, on Park Avenue in Manhattan and in Westbury Long Island.

1600 Stewart Ave., Westbury, 516-222-2288
944 Park Ave., NYC, 212-517-2500
fvagnini@vagnini.com


Vert Peak Fitness Center of Jericho
For the most efficient, effective and safest workout possible, your choice should be VERT Peak Fitness Center of Jericho. You’ll be amazed as you achieve twice your usual workout in half the time. Velocity Enhanced Resistance Training (VERT) is a revolutionary fitness training system successfully used by beginner exercisers
as well as top athletes, including Shaquille O’Neal and Olympic Gold Medal boxer Oscar de la Hoya. Everyone benefits from this complete body workout, which combines exclusive computerized fitness equipment with personalized training and guaranteed results. VERT’s exclusive computerized fitness equipment features
optimal resistance every time you exercise, with zero shock load to joints. You’ll also receive personalized training from a certified trainer. Train smarter and challenge yourself to be as fit as you can be!

99 Jericho Tpke., Jericho 516-777-VERT (8378)
www.vertfitness.com


Diet Center
By offering a nutritional weight loss program with one-on-one counseling, Diet Center™ has been a leader in weight management for over 34 years. In March 2007, Diet Center opened its downtown Sayville location. “Most of our clients love coming to the Diet Center for the support, congeniality, the comfortable atmosphere,
as well as the results,” says Tina DeFilippis owner of the Sayville Diet Center. Tina and associate, Diane McGrath are Certified Diet Center Counselors who were originally clients themselves. Millions of dieters have achieved tremendous success on Diet Center’s weight loss and weight management plan with the company’s quality programs, services and products. Come in for a complimentary consultation at the Sayville, East Northport, North Babylon, Shirley, Dix Hills, Lindenhurst and Syosset locations, or email DietCenterThin@
optonline.net for further information. 186 West Main St., Suite 3, Sayville 631-302-3004 www.dietcenter.com

David G. Edelson, M.D., FACP Medical Director-HealthBridge Weight Management
Suffering from excess weight is not always about eating too much; it’s a disease just like diabetes and high blood pressure. At HealthBridge Weight Management, they understand this and work with you to understand your body’s unique physiological and chemical make up. “We give the best physical exam of your life. It’s an extremely in depth evaluation that determines where a person’s weak spots are,” says Dr. David
Edelson. Edelson will learn about your eating triggers, exercise capabilities, psychological profile and hormonal and genetic makeup. Traditional weight loss plans are ineffective because they trick the body into starvation mode. Instead, HealthBridge Weight Management helps you lose weight, gain muscle and give you behavior-changing solutions to lead a healthier, leaner life.

1165 Northern Blvd., Suite 300,
Manhasset • 516-627-4433
www.healthbridgeinfo.com


Queens Hospital Center
To address the problem of obesity at Queens Hospital Center, Director of the Employee Assistance Program, Stephanie Hopkins, under the direction of Gertie S. Brown, Director of Social Work Services launched the Biggest Loser I Weight Loss Program (based on the famous television show) at Queens Hospital Center. The
program was so successful that employees decided to do it again. Collectively, 45 employees lost 321 pounds during a sixweek period. The winner lost 41 pounds and continues losing en route to her goal. Biggest Loser II, which began in October, consists of 63 contestants, coaches and lectures on “Healthy Eating” from two certified nutritionists from the New You Weight Loss Group. The staff extends a “Haughty Thank You” to Executive Director, Antonio D. Martin for his support.

82-68 164th St., Jamaica 718-883-3000
www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/qhn/html/qhc.html


Rajeev Vohra, M.D, FACS South Nassau Communities Hospital
Dr. Rajeev Vohra has performed over 1,500 weight loss surgeries since his appointment as Chief of Minimally Invasive & Bariatric Surgery at South Nassau Communities Hospital. He performs only the “Gold
Standard” procedures: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass; the Adjustable Gastric Lap Band; and the Gastric Sleeve, with 99 percent of his surgical procedures performed laparoscopically. In 2005, Dr. Vohra and South Nassau
Communities Hospital were awarded the prestigious Center of Excellence designation from the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons. Dr. Vohra’s multidisciplinary approach to weight loss surgery focuses on treating the whole patient (before, during and after surgery). His highly trained team includes surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, exercise therapists and psychologists. Patients can arrange a consultation or attend a free seminar by calling 1-866-655-HOPE (4673).

1420 Broadway, Hewlett 516-374-8631
www.newyorkbariatrics.com


Sid Jacobson JCC
Sid Jacobson JCC is the ideal place to stay in shape this winter with an in-door track, Olympic-size pool, cardio and strengthtraining equipment, plus three dance studios for fitness, spin, yoga and Pilates classes. Best of all, use of these facilities is included in your membership. You can even relax in our whirlpool, sauna and steam
rooms. Massage and wellness programs are also offered in our Physical Therapy Center. Also, don’t let time constraints with family get in the way. We have pre-school and after-school classes plus babysitting. You can workout and relax while your kids are supervised and having fun. Don’t let the winter blues keep
you inside. Feel healthy and look good. Call for a FREE tour. Contact Margo Brous, ext. 203.

300 Forest Drive, East Hills
516-484-1545
www.sjjcc.org

Ultimate Performance + Fitness
Everyone is different, so shouldn’t your workout routines be tailored to your individual needs? The experts at Ultimate Performance + Fitness believe that every workout should be based on the needs of the individual. In keeping with this philosophy, workout programs are customized according to your individual needs and health concerns. Even if you have never utilized a personal trainer or even worked out before, you will find a unique way to achieve better health and fitness with Ultimate Performance + Fitness. Personal trainers understand the special needs of women, men and children. You won’t even need to show up at a gym as certified personal trainers are available to come to your home with all the equipment you need to attain your health and fitness goals.

516-880-4220
www.ultimateperformancefitness.com


New Life Chiropractic Office of Chiropractic Neurology
Stop trying to lose weight with fad diets and quick fix schemes. To really have a healthier life it’s important to adjust your lifestyle. At New Life Chiropractic the focus is on helping you become healthier through
education and support. Dr. Brent Reynolds understands that eating low glycemic foods is the only way
to truly reveal the leaner you. During each week of the class, you’ll learn valuable lessons about the right foods
to eat, how to eat at a party, tips for tasty recipes and more. Men, classes are starting for you this January, so be sure to sign up right away. A healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be about denying yourself of what you love.
Let New Life Chiropractic unlock a new way of living.

323 E. Main St., Smithtown
631-265-1223
www.newlifechiropractic.com

Dinner MyWay
Think you’re too busy to eat well? At Dinner MyWay you can, in a short time, prepare delicious, nutritious and
filling family-style meals that serve six. Dinner MyWay employees do the prep work; you assemble the meals the way your family likes them, with help standing by if you have questions. (They even clean up the mess). When you’re finished, you have entrees to take home and cook that are perfect for your busy lifestyle and actually cost less than fast food. Each month, choose from 16 new and different recipes. Asian Beef Skirt Steak, Healthy
Heart Artichoke Chicken and Crab Cakes are among recent delicious choices. Special diets are accommodated.
No time to assemble your own meals? Try Grab-N-Go Meals or the convenient pick-up service.

547 Bedford Ave., Bellmore
516-785-1290
www.dinnermyway.com

Get Healthy America
Diet goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle at Get Healthy America diet and health food store. You’ll experience friendly, personal service in a caring environment and find foods that support most diet plans at this small, independent, specialty store. The diet products are all available in convenient packaging for breakfast, lunch, dinner and scrumptious snacks. An extensive line of products features “point-friendly,” low calorie, sugar free and low fat foods. There’s also an exclusive line of gluten-free food products such as cookies, cakes and
breads. Store owner Debbie Cohen’s portion-controlled Get Healthy America kosher meals include starch-free blintzes, vegetable soufflés, chicken cacciatore, eggplant rollatini,turkey meatloaf, penne pasta with meat sauce, and, for dessert, low-calorie ice cream truffle pops. Open seven days a week.

148 Manetto Hill Rd., Plainview
516-931-1900
www.gethealthyamerica.com

Maharishi Invincibility Center of Long Island
The Maharishi Invincibility Center of Long Island offers programs such as the Transcendental Meditation technique to develop your inner genius, based on the ancient Vedic wisdom of India, as brought to light by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The programs are scientifically validated by the world’s most trusted research institutions and taught by experts with decades of personal experience. The “Total Health Series” on Thursdays introduces ancient, authentic principles of the Ayurvedic approach to health care as revived by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. (Check the Web site for dates and subjects.) The center provides the services of a Vedic Health
Spa and sells organic herbal products, organic cotton clothing, books and CDs. Learn about TM’s benefits in a one-hour introductory lecture Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Call 631-940-3552 to make a reservation.

2076 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park
631-940-3552
www.longislandglobalcountry.net

Mercy Medical Center
A bariatric surgery team at Mercy Medical Center is now performing a unique, noninvasive weight loss procedure that reduces the size of a patient’s stomach without the need for any incisions. Shawn Garber, M.D., Chief of Bariatric Surgery at Mercy, is one of the first five surgeons in the United States to use the StomaphyX™ procedure for patients who gain weight a few years after undergoing gastric bypass surgery. The technique
introduces the instrument that reduces the size of the stomach through the mouth, reducing the risk of infection, nearly eliminating pain, and requiring less recovery time than open or even minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.Potential patients can learn about the new technique and other options at Mercy Medical Center’s free monthly seminars on weight-loss surgery.

1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre
516-62MERCY
mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org

Sherry’s, The
Healthy Gourmet

Make healthy living a priority by visiting Sherry’s, The Healthy Gourmet, for your nutrition needs. Conveniently located just a mile away from Montauk Highway, Sherry’s is the top choice of Long Island’s health conscious. Whether you are shopping for weekly groceries or looking for information about herbal remedies, the knowledgeable staff at Sherry’s will help you meet your needs. Sherry’s provides top-of-the-line customer service and the staff members pride themselves on paying close attention to the dietary needs and special requests of each customer. Sherry’s is the perfect complement to your local supermarket because The
Healthy Gourmet carries natural food products that are difficult to buy elsewhere. Sherry’s offers hard-to-find wheat-andgluten-free items and many other products from reputable and delicious brands.

89 Deer Park Ave., Babylon Village
631-661-5552
www.sherryshealth.com

The Grace Within
The Grace Within Holistic Center is your gateway to a more spiritual connection with the world around you, uniting the Long Island community with a home and safe haven to explore the deep healing work required to grow as human beings. The Grace Within is made up of seven professionals in different yet intersecting fields, who are experts in reiki, moon astrology, shamanic journeys, crystals, karate, reflexology, traditional meditation,
yoga and confidence building. The gift shop features all the items you need to bring their philosophies into your
home. From candles, cards, recovery items, books, angels and music, they have it all. Local artists also display their works and wares so you’ll always be surprised with a visit to The Grace Within.

195 Blue Point Ave., Blue Point
631-772-6469

Your Kind of Nutrition
Looking to improve your eating habits, feel better about your body, control food cravings and increase overall happiness in your life? Your Kind of Nutrition offers “real life” solutions. Susanne Kind is a Certified Health Counselor and Nutrition Coach, who specializes in helping clients find the right combination of food and lifestyle choices that are easily achievable and sustainable. Whether you’re a stressed out professional, a mom at home, or have children who need support, personalized health counseling programs have helped clientsto successfully find balance. One client, Linda G. of Lindenhurst said, “My experience with Susanne far surpassed anything I could have imagined.” Call for your free 30-minute “get acquainted” phone call and take charge of your health today.

Lindenhurst
631-882-8398
www.yourkindofnutrition.com

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Healing Hands

Your health is in your own hands—to a point. But, when proper nutrition, exercise and the right amount of sleep fail to keep your body in optimum condition, it may be time to call in a professional. The following is a guide to the Long Island experts who are trained to help heal what ails you, and then some.

Long Island's Top Doctors

The doctors whose listings are included in Castle Cnnolly's Top Doctor listings were selected after peer nomination, extensive research and careful review and screening by a doctor-directed research team.