Be Healthy! Wednesdays: Bronx Photo Exhibit Spotlights Public Housing Health Hazards

Editor’s Note: Every Wednesday, Breaking Bronx features a health-related story, event or tidbit as part of an online expansion of our Be Healthy! column. Bronx Photo Exhibit Spotlights Public Housing Health Hazards When the ventilation fan in Maribel Baez’s bathroom stopped working, a black patch of mold began to grow on her ceiling. She called the New York City Housing Authority, which runs the Melrose Houses in the South Bronx, where she’s lived for four years, and tried to get the problem fixed. NYCHA told her it would be two years before they could send a repairperson out. The mold

Be Healthy! Wednesdays: Healthy Eating Tips from Bronx Dietician

Editor’s Note: Every Wednesday, Breaking Bronx features a health-related story, event or tidbit as part of an online expansion of our Be Healthy! column. March is National Nutrition Month, and with just a few days left until the end of the month, we thought we’d share some diet and nutrition tips from Katie Downes, a Registered Dietician here in the Bronx who works with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. “Many of the patients I care for in VNSNY’s Long Term Home Health Care Program find eating healthy meals a challenge—especially those who live alone,” Downes said. “I spend

On Monday night, parents of current and former PS 51 students met with state officials to ask questions and discuss their concerns about potential health effects caused by contamination at the school’s former site on Jerome Avenue. The building, which was home to the Bronx New School for nearly two decades, tested positive last year for high levels of trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxin linked to cancer. Representatives from the State Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation met with Community Board 7 members and PS 51 parents, who have been organizing with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition under the

Photo Exhibit Documents Bronx Housing Conditions

This Friday, the Bronx Documentary Center is hosting a week-long photo exhibit that chronicles poor living conditions in Bronx public housing complexes, photos that advocates say show a desperate need for the city to address the health threats posed by the city’s affordable housing stock. The work of photojournalist Ana Brigida Moreira, How The Other Half (Still) Lives,” depicts tenants living amidst leaks, mold and crumbling ceilings. The opening reception is this Friday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. Check the flier below for more information.

Be Healthy! Wednesdays: Proposed Medicaid Savings Could Mean Financial Hardships

For years, those caring for an ill, disabled or elderly spouse at home through the public insurance program have been able to protect their savings through a provision known as spousal refusal — which allows someone to separate their income and assets from their partner who needs care in order to meet the strict income limits required by Medicaid. But now it may be eliminated.

Bronx Notes: Fresh Food From Norwood Food Co-op

Consumers interested in fresh, organic vegetables and community-supported agriculture, can join the Norwood Food Co-op and receive wholesome, delicious food every week from June through November.

Raising Money for Healthy Smiles

Norwood Dentist Dr. Jay Fensterstock jumped into the holiday spirit early this past winter. By sponsoring a charity drive selling “Holiday Teeth,” Concerned Dental Care raised $1,800 in donations that were sent to Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children, a charity sponsored by The Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children aides low income families that cannot afford dental procedures.

Be Healthy! Wednesdays: Q&A With Sleep Expert Dr. Steven Park

Editor’s Note: Every Wednesday, Breaking Bronx features a health-related story, event or tidbit as part of an online expansion of our Be Healthy! column. Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep: Q&A with Sleep Expert Dr. Steven Park March 5 to 11 is National Sleep Awareness Week, an annual public education and awareness campaign sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation, to promote the importance of sleep on your health and well-being. To get some expert advice on the topic, Be Healthy! recently chatted with Dr. Steven Y. Park, an otorhinolaryngolist (an ear, nose and thoat specialist) and integrative sleep surgeon at

Be Healthy! Wednesdays

Editor’s Note: Every Wednesday, Breaking Bronx features a health-related story, event or tidbit as part of an online expansion of our Be Healthy! column. Montefiore Children’s Hospital Celebrates Heart Month For the 10th year, children who have had heart surgery at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore ran, jumped, danced and played on Feb. 15, showing that heart surgery had enabled them to have fun just like other kids. From infants to teenagers, dozens of boys and girls enjoyed the music, games and refreshments in this annual event, part of Montefiore’s celebration of American Heart Month. (Photos by Adi Talwar) Upcoming