In delayed opening of NCBH ward, pol seeks assurances

by David Cruz As North Central Bronx Hospital’s maternity ward still awaits an opening, elected officials have pressed the hospital to provide regular updates. Officials at an evening meeting on March 18th agreed. The suggestion was put forth by Councilman Ritchie Torres, whose 15th Council District lands within the hospital, urged NCBH attending officials to consider the move during the gathering. He had already secured a commitment with NCBH officials during a health committee hearing, agreeing to monthly meetings. But while he did get assurances that NCBH would continue holding public forums, hospital brass said the gatherings may happen once

By the NORWOOD NEWS Vital Stats: 4 million – Number of Americans enrolled in healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. (Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is slated to take effect April 1, offering folks cheaper healthcare for everyone, including those with pre-existing conditions. In the Bronx, an estimated 250,000 are uninsured for various reasons, inspiring healthcare firms to launch efforts in enrolling them in insurance. The end result, according to President Obama, will save families from going bankrupt and further a healthier America.

Preventing Colon Cancer

BY JUSTIN MCCALLUM State Senator Gustavo Rivera, representing the 33rd Senate District, joined Montefiore Medical Center doctors and officials to help spread word on colon health in possibly the most fun way on Friday – entering a mega-size, mock-up colon. “Although it does lend itself to a lot of humor, it’s actually a very serious issue,” Rivera told the Norwood News. “Colon cancer is a cancer that strikes people of color almost disproportionately, and most importantly it can be prevented.” Rivera hoped that the event would help educate community members about colorectal issues and remove any stigma associated with getting

Be Healthy: Keeping Your Ticker In Shape

By the Norwood News Vital Stats: About 600,000 Americans die of heart disease each year – that’s one in every four deaths. (Source: Montefiore Medical Center) February is National Heart Month, and Montefiore Medical Center has been spreading awareness through several events, on the dangers of neglecting the heart. The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care is now leading an effort to reduce heart disease, the leading cause of death in the country. The hospital’s goal is aimed at educating patients, the community and Montefiore associates about heart disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Be Healthy – Spreading Word on Affordable Care Act

by David Cruz Vital Stats: $16,000 The average yearly cost for a family’s health insurance (Source: Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust) For those in the clergy, civic and business communities, the new federal healthcare law remains somewhat of a mystery. The Affordable Care Act, having gone into effect Jan. 1, is intended to help provide coverage for those who couldn’t previously afford it. Since Oct. 1, thousands of Bronxites have signed up, though 250,000 more remain without healthcare. So in its long-term quest to encourage every resident to sign up for healthcare, Montefiore Medical Center

Local residents are teaming with unions and healthcare advocates in putting pressure on North Central Bronx Hospital to re-open its popular labor and delivery department.

Hunger Advocates Say SNAP Bill On the Clock

Last month, House Republicans voted to enact a harsh SNAP bill that, according to USA Today, will result in 3 million people losing their benefits entirely and 850,000 people experiencing a reduction in benefits. Then in early October, we were all witness to the first government shutdown since 1995-1996, because Congress could not agree on a set budget for federal funding. There are roughly 48 million people, 1.8 million in New York, who rely on SNAP (previously known as food stamps), which is scheduled to be reduced — regardless of the government shutdown — on Nov. 1. Republicans are proposing

Now cracked and crumbling, the limestone slab above the old entrance to the Westchester Square Medical Center still reads “Westchester Square.” But now, a new Montefiore sign juts out onto the sidewalk. Aside from two delivery trucks, there are few other signs of life. Inside the air conditioned lobby, a snack station advertizes Starbucks coffee. A man with a bandaged head leans on the counter in the waiting room as a TV glares in the background. In March 2013, Montefiore Medical Center acquired the assets to the former Westchester Square Medical Center (WSMC) which has been bankrupt since 2006, in a $15.3 million bid.

Local Dems, Hospitals Hype ‘Obamacare’ Benefits

As House Republicans attempted to demonize the Affordable Care Act in Washington, DC, local Democratic lawmakers in the Bronx began promoting the healthcare reform package, often referred to as “Obamacare,” as a significant improvement in how Americans pay for and receive health care.