Weight Loss Surgery Information Sessions

Over the next several months, Montefiore Medical Center is hosting a series of informational sessions about bariatric weight-loss surgery. Seminars are offered in both English and Spanish.

2011 Year in Review: Top Health Stories of the Year

In our 2011 recap, we look back on some of the top stories that appeared this year our Be Healthy! column

State Looks for Inmates to Share Health Care Experiences

The Correctional Association of New York, a nonprofit that advocates for improved conditions in state correctional facilities, is looking for formerly or currently incarcerated people who have been treated for HIV or Hepatitis C while in prison or jail to share their stories. The group wants to hear your/your loved ones experiences in order to assess how well the state’s correctional facilities are caring for inmates with these illnesses. See the flier below for more info and who to contact.

Lawsuits Filed Over PS 51 Toxins

A former PS 51 teacher plans to file a lawsuit against the DOE, claiming the toxic Bedford Park building was the cause of a birth defect in her unborn baby.

Bronx Bodega Owner Honored for Healthier Fare

The owner of a West Tremont Avenue bodega was publicly honored last week for his efforts to increase the number of healthy food options offered at his store, swapping chips for fresh fruits and sodas for bottled water as part of a program run by students at nearby MS 331.

Pedro Espada Continues Fight to Keep Bronx Clinics Open

Pedro Espada, Jr., is facing another legal battle this morning. According to a press release sent last night by his Soundview Healthcare Network, a judge today will once again weigh whether or not to allow the former state senator’s health clinics to continue participating in the state’s Medicaid program. According to the statement, Espada and workers from his Soundview Health Care Network planned to rally outside the Bronx County Courthouse early this morning, before a hearing scheduled for 9:45 a.m. that would decide the clinics’ future. Soundview was banned from the state’s Medicaid program this summer, after the Department of

Bronx New School Parents Still Fighting for Meeting As Council Approves Toxins Bill

The City Council voted unanimously to pass two bills yesterday that advocates and supporters say will increase transparency from the Department of Education concerning chemicals found in school building. The legislation comes at a time when the DOE has faced biting criticism from Bronx parents over their handling of the discovery of harmful toxins in schools.

Borough President’s Survey Finds Bronxites Want Better Schools, More Jobs

This summer and fall, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.’s office asked residents to fill out an online “wellness” survey, asking questions to gauge how Bronxites feel about living in the Boogie Down, what areas they’re happy with and what things they think need fixing. Last week, Diaz’ office released the results of the survey, which 1,901 people filled out. The majority of respondents said they think Bronx schools are the area that needs the most improvement, with 57 percent listing education as their number one priority. Other areas ranking as less-than-stellar were crime/public safety and economic development/jobs. However, just

By Jeanmarie Evelly On a recent weekday morning, dozens of people sat on folding chairs in the recreation room of the Andrew Jackson Senior Center in Melrose, listening to Minerva Velazquez-Munoz, a registered nurse, give tips on getting a reluctant patient to take their medication. You can cut the pills in half, she said; you can mix some of them with orange juice. Next was a lesson in properly changing the dressings on a wound, and how to lift a patient from a bed without straining your back. Afterwards, those in attendance chatted over free coffee and bagels. This wasn’t