By: Clinical Neuropsychologist Thomas A. Crum, Ph.D., of Broward Health North’s Memory Disorder Center

September 21 2021 – Regular exercise is not only beneficial for strengthening muscles and bones. It can also boost your brain’s health. Did you know that a lack of physical inactivity may increase your risk of abnormal brain changes?

A review attributed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found evidence from clinical trials that behavior, physical and lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay Alzheimer’s or age-related cognitive decline.
Clinical Neuropsychologist Thomas A. Crum, Ph.D., of Broward Health North’s Memory Disorder Center says it’s important to get regular exercise not just to improve physical health, but brain health as well.

“Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise of moderate intensity is associated with an increase in the volume of selected brain regions that regulate your mood,” Dr. Crum said. “Exercise can also reduce your risk of heart disease and play an important part in maintaining your overall brain health.”
Researchers say one new case of dementia is detected every four seconds globally. They estimate that by the year 2050, more than 115 million people worldwide will have dementia. Although there is currently no proven treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, in general, leading a healthy lifestyle may help address risk factors that have been associated with these diseases.

Adding regular physical activity to your daily routine can sound like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. It is recommended that most adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Fortunately, there are practical ways to get started.

Make it Manageable: Try starting with 10 to 15 minutes a day to ease your way into a routine. Gradually increase the length of activity as you go along to work your way up.
While you wait: You can incorporate simple movements into your daily routine. As you wait for your cup of coffee to brew, you can do a few minutes of stretching to get your day going. You can also do physical activity while watching your favorite show on TV. If you sit for long periods of time, take breaks every hour to walk around or stretch.
Take a walk: Going for walks are another way to get active. Not only are you getting movement, but you are also getting fresh air. Your brain needs oxygen to perform its cognitive functions and others to keep your body healthy.

Switch things up: It doesn’t have to be boring. Plan a variety of activities such as inviting friends or co-workers to join you when you exercise or go on walks. Play sports with your kids. Organize a group of neighbors to take fitness classes at a local health club or work out together virtually on video.
The brain is like the body’s control center. Taking care of this control center may lead to a longer and healthier life. Staying active is one way to keep your brain healthy.
To register for a free memory screening or for additional information, please https://www.browardhealth.org/services/memory-loss or call the Broward Health North Memory Disorder Center at 954-786-7392.



September 21 2021 – José Milton Memorial Hospital at Jackson West Medical Center is celebrating a historic milestone: the first baby born in the new hospital’s Little Miracles Maternity Suites.  The bundle of joy is also the first baby born at a hospital in the City of Doral.

Francesca Barriga was delivered via C-Section at 9:38 a.m. on Monday, September 20, 2021.   Francesca came into this world weighing seven pounds and three ounces. 

 “I did a tour of the maternity suites at José Milton Memorial Hospital, and I immediately knew I wanted to deliver my baby here,” said Yenny Ferez, Francesca’s mother. “I was very impressed to see how beautiful and spacious the maternity suites are, and that everything is brand new.”

Jackson West Medical Center, which opened to the public on August 2, is the first state-of-the-art medical center in City of Doral. Jackson West combines consumer-centered inpatient and outpatient facilities with the latest surgical and medical programs. It’s maternity unit officially opened on September 20, with Ferez as its inaugural patient.

Ferez and her husband, Pedro Barriga, were excited to learn that by choosing to deliver their daughter at Jackson West, she would be making history.

 “I was so overjoyed when I found out that my baby would be the first one to be delivered at Jackson West,” she said. “It truly is a pleasant surprise.”

Both mom and dad are extremely excited to take their baby home so she can meet her big sister, eight-year-old Isabella Barriga.

The day was equally as exciting for Ferez’s obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Eduardo Martinez.

“It’s an honor to have delivered the first baby at Jackson West,” Dr. Martinez said. “The birth of baby Francesca is an incredible milestone for this community as well, and it deserves a celebration.”

To mark the occasion, the nursing and medical team presented the family with a gift basket that included diapers, wipes, baby toys, blanket, as well as a robe, slippers, eye mask and mug for mom.

“We greeted the parents in the hallway, and we clapped as she was wheeled into the operating room,” Sophia Brady, RN, associate director of labor and delivery at José Milton Memorial. “This is such a proud and historic moment for our entire team.  We are so happy for the family.”

The Little Miracles Maternity Suites at José Milton Memorial Hospital are designed to encourage family bonding and connecting with the baby by providing an environment where mom can labor, deliver, and recover all in the comfort of the same room with the same medical team.  All of our luxurious suites are private and provide comfort for mom, partner and baby.

In addition to the Little Miracles Maternity Suites, José Milton Memorial Hospital also includes an adult and pediatric emergency room, state-of-the-art surgical facilities, diagnostic and imaging services, and specialty physician clinics.

In 2015, Jackson purchased the property as part of the Jackson Miracle-Building Bond Program. In 2016, the Jackson Health Foundation received a $10 million donation from the José Milton Foundation in honor of Mr. José Milton, a well-known Miami businessman who became passionate about Jackson after experiencing firsthand its high-quality level of care, available to all.

To schedule a tour of our maternity suites, please call 305-466-4MOM or visit jacksonhealth.org.



September 21 – 2021 – On Monday, September 20 2021, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), joined by 24 medical organizations, submitted an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case challenging the Mississippi law imposing a ban on the provision of abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy for most individuals.

The amicus brief represents an unprecedented level of support from a diverse group of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals, which demonstrates the concrete medical consensus of opposition to abortion restriction legislation such as the law at the heart of Dobbs v. Jackson.

The brief asks the Court to recognize that Mississippi’s attempt to ban nearly all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy is fundamentally at odds with the provision of safe and essential health care, with scientific evidence, and with medical ethics. In part, the brief states, “The Ban dangerously limits the ability of women at or near 15 weeks’ gestation to obtain the health care they need: some will be forced to travel outside the State to obtain an abortion; others will attempt self-induced abortion; and others still will be forced to carry their pregnancy to term.  Each of these outcomes increases the likelihood of negative consequences to a woman’s physical and psychological health that could be avoided if care were available.”

This ban is not grounded on medical evidence and threatens the health and well-being of pregnant individuals, with a disproportionate impact on people from communities of color; those without ample financial resources; and those in rural areas without close proximity to safe, effective reproductive health care. By preventing clinicians from providing patients with necessary medical care, the ban represents gross interference in the patient-clinician relationship and impedes on a clinician’s medical ethics by forcing them to choose between what is right for their patients and adherence to an unscientific, harmful law.

“ACOG has a long history of working within the judiciary system to help protect constitutional rights and the patient-physician relationship. This law is an example of harmful legislative interference into the practice of medicine. The amicus brief represents the strong medical consensus in opposition to this constitutional challenge. ACOG is hopeful the justices of the Supreme Court will value the message in the amicus brief and uphold legal precedent,” said ACOG President J. Martin Tucker, MD, FACOG, speaking on behalf of ACOG.

“Mississippi’s attempt to restrict physicians’ ability to provide safe and effective clinical care in consultation with their patients about their choice of health care options is a direct attack on the patient-physician relationship,” said Gerald E. Harmon, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA), which signed the amicus brief. “The AMA will always stand up against unnecessary government intrusion into the medical examination room. Failure to strike down this unconstitutional law will not only severely compromise patient access to safe reproductive care, particularly for our most marginalized patients, but will jeopardize the overall health of the nation.”

Additional quotes from assorted signatories are below.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): “One of the most dangerous aspects of Mississippi’s law is that it denies patients access to evidence-based, comprehensive care, and prevents them from making decisions about their own health. All individuals of child-bearing age deserve access to the full range of reproductive health options, and they should be able to depend on their physician for guidance. This law disrupts the patient-physician relationship, and with dangerous consequences, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics joined our partners in medicine to support overturning it.” Lee Savio Beers, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics

American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP): “Patients must be able to depend on their physicians to help them make critical decisions about their personal health, including reproductive health. Laws that restrict these services endanger patients and put those of us who provide medical care — or even offer evidence-based information — at risk. This is a law that would interfere with the confidential relationship between patients and their physicians. We strongly urge the courts to strike down this law and similar legislation to protect physicians and their patients.” Ada D. Stewart, MD, FAAFP, president of AAFP

American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACSM): “Our role as midwives is to provide patient-centered, non-judgmental, and evidence-based care regardless of the patient’s pregnancy intention,” stated ACNM President Cathy Collins-Fulea, DNP, CNM, FACNM. “As sexual and reproductive health care providers throughout the lifespan, midwives’ scope of practice encompasses the full spectrum of abortion care services, regardless of their direct participation in abortion provision. We have a responsibility to the people we serve to ensure that the right to self-determination and access to safe and effective abortion services, including options counseling, ultrasound, comprehensive abortion care, and post-abortion care nationwide is not obstructed.”

American College of Physicians (ACP): “ACP strongly opposes any legislation that unnecessarily increases barriers to health care, including reproductive health care services. Our patients have the right to bodily autonomy and to make health care decisions about matters that affect their personal, individual health. The decision that the court makes in this case could have far-reaching implications, access to care needs to be protected for our patients.” George M. Abraham, MD, FACP, FIDSA, president of ACP

American Psychiatric Association (APA): “The American Psychiatric Association opposes laws that restrict the relationship between a patient and their physician,” said APA President Vivian B. Pender, MD. “Laws regulating abortion should be evidence-based and designed to improve women’s health, and that they should preserve the patient-doctor relationship.”

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): “We are pleased to add the voices of the nation’s infertility specialists to those opposing this dreadful law. Decisions about reproductive medical services need to be between patients and their doctors. We don’t need politicians coming between us and our patients.” Hugh Taylor, MD, president of ASRM

Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN): “The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) supports this amicus curiae, as our organization believes that any reproductive health care decision is best made by the informed woman and birthing person in consultation with their health care provider. These personal and private decisions are best made within a health care system whose providers respect the patient’s right to confidentiality and the values and ethics of each individual.  AWHONN opposes any legislation that limits a health care provider’s ability to counsel patients with safe, evidence-based, and essential reproductive care; limiting the ability to have these discussions threatens the health of pregnant patients.” Jonathan Webb, MPH, MBA; Chief Executive Officer, AWHONN

American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA): “AMWA views the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship as non-negotiable, as is the provision of medical care that does not perpetuate health disparities. Restricting access to or banning safe, legal abortions will not end efforts to terminate pregnancies; these restrictions only deter medical procedures that are likely to place a woman’s life at risk. This consequence fails to assure every woman has equal and just access to reproductive health care.

“At AMWA, as women physicians, we support and respect the right of every woman for self-determination regarding if and when she may become and remain pregnant. Just as we did in 2016, when AMWA championed the decision of the Supreme Court in deciding in a 5:3 decision to overturn the restrictions Texas placed on abortion clinics, and, again in 2019, AMWA issued a statement against a very restrictive abortion law passed in Alabama that made it a felony for physicians to care for women who sought to terminate a pregnancy.

“The American Medical Women’s Association urges the end of any and all legal means aimed at limiting the ability of a woman to seek medical care for her own mental and physical well-being. Medical decisions, including those related to reproductive care, should remain outside the realm of politics. Access to health care must be permitted without outside pressures imposed by individuals or groups who are not qualified to make medical decisions.” Jan Werbinski, MD, president of AMWA

Council of University Chairs of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CUCOG): “CUCOG is honored to join ACOG in this amicus brief to oppose interference in the patient-physician relationship and to support comprehensive evidence-based reproductive healthcare.” Eve Espey, MD MPH, president of CUCOG

National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH): “NPWH believes everyone has a right to the full range of reproductive health services. The medical community has long been in agreement: that includes abortion care. NPWH supports providers from all backgrounds and personal convictions, dedicated to helping patients live their healthiest lives, in the context of their own personal experience and beliefs. Our members ensure every patient is empowered with the information to make their own decisions about their health, free from judgement or stigma.” Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE, CEO of NPWH

North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG): “NASPAG respects the trusted and sacred relationship between healthcare providers and their patients. We strongly believe that this relationship should not be subject to restrictions placed upon it by outside influences and that health care providers should have the ability to provide any and all healthcare they believe is in the best interests of their patient.”

Society of OB/GYN Hospitalists (SOGH): “Women are more than the vessel for the birth of their children. They are individuals with heartbeats, values and worth. We stand with those working to maintain women’s access to safe reproductive healthcare in their communities.” Kim Puterbaugh, MD, president of SOGH and the SOGH Board of Directors

The Society of Family Planning (SFP): “The Society of Family Planning believes in just and equitable abortion care grounded in science and simply put, this dangerous law is not based on medical evidence. We are proud to join with such a diverse group of physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to support the provision of safe and essential health care.” Tessa Madden, MD, MPH, president of SFP

About the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. www.acog.org

About the American Medical Association

The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises, and driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care. For more information, visit ama-assn.org.



September 21 2021 – The American Medical Association (AMA) issued a report today showing a 44.4 percent decrease in opioid prescribing nationwide in the past decade. At the same time, the country is facing a worsening drug-related overdose and death epidemic.

To address this continuing epidemic, the AMA is urging policymakers to join physicians to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes by removing barriers to evidence-based care. The report shows that overdose and deaths are spiking even as physicians have greatly increased the use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), which are electronic databases that track controlled substance prescriptions and help identify patients who may be receiving multiple prescriptions from multiple prescribers. The report shows that physicians and others used state PDMPs more than 910 million times in 2020. In 2019, physicians and others used state PDMPs about 750 million times.

Yet, the nation continues to see increases in overdose mainly due to illicit fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, methamphetamine and cocaine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In addition, state public health, media and other reports compiled by the AMA show that the drug-related overdose and death have worsened across the nation. Research and data from the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Indian Health Service underscore the continued challenges and inequities for Black, Latinx and American Indian/Native Alaskan populations.

Opioid prescriptions  have decreased by 44.4 percent between 2011-2020, including a 6.9 percent decrease from 2019-2020. Along with the sharp decreases in opioid prescriptions, new AMA data  also show that physicians and other health care professionals used the state PDMP more than 910 million times in 2020. The report also highlights that more than 104,000 physicians and other health care professionals have an “X-waiver” to allow them to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder. This is an increase of 70,000 providers since 2017, yet 80 to 90 percent of people with a substance use disorder receive no treatment.

“The nation’s drug overdose and death epidemic has never just been about prescription opioids,” said AMA President Gerald E. Harmon, M.D. “Physicians, have become more cautious about prescribing opioids, are trained to treat opioid use disorder and support evidence-based harm reduction strategies. We use PDMPs as a tool, but they are not a panacea. Patients need policymakers, health insurance plans, national pharmacy chains and other stakeholders to change their focus and help us remove barriers to evidence-based care.”

Actions that states can take

The AMA is urging policymakers to act now:

  • Stop prior authorization for medications to treat opioid use disorder. Prior authorization is a cost-control process that health insurance companies and other payers use that requires providers to obtain prior approval from the insurer or payer before performing a service or obtaining a prescription. It is used to deny and delay services – including life-saving ones – as physicians are required to fill out burdensome forms and patients are forced to wait for approval.
  • Ensure access to affordable, evidence-based care for patients with pain, including opioid therapy when indicated. While opioid prescriptions have decreased, the AMA is greatly concerned by widespread reports of patients with pain being denied care because of arbitrary restrictions on opioid therapy or a lack of access to affordable non-opioid pain care.
  • Take action to better support harm reduction services such as naloxone and needle and syringe exchange services. These proven harm reduction strategies save lives but are often stigmatized.  
  • Improve the data by collecting adequate, standardized data to identify and treat at-risk populations and better understand the issues facing communities. Effective public health interventions require robust data, and there are too many gaps to implement widespread interventions that work.

“With record-breaking numbers of overdose deaths across the country, these are actions policymakers and other stakeholders must take,” Dr. Harmon said. “The medical community will continue to play its part, and overall, the focus of our national efforts must shift. Until further action is taken, we are doing a great injustice to our patients with pain, those with a mental illness and those with a substance use disorder.”



Open letter from Nick E. Silverio, Founder Safe Haven for Newborns

September 21 2021 – Every fall in October we celebrate the lives of each newborn that has joined the Safe Haven family and recognize our supporters by holding our annual Wonderland in Safe Haven Gala. This is our primary fund-raising event, and the monies raised, after expenses, are used to pay for the services we offer pregnant girls and women in distress. As you may know, we do not charge for any of the services we provide. Last year, because of the COVID-19 lockdown, we could not hold the gala and this year with the uncertainty of the pandemic and with an abundance of caution for the health and wellbeing of all, we elected not to have it; in its place we will have a virtual telethon, the Champion for Newborns Virtual Telethon. So, my “ask” is — please join us on Saturday, October 23, at 7 PM EST from the comfort of your home and help us raise the monies that will go to fund the programs we offer.

All you will need is an internet connection to take part in the Champion for Newborns Telethon. It doesn’t matter where in the world you find yourself, we can all come together for the telethon. The one-hour event will be accessible on computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

During this time you will learn what A Safe Haven for Newborns is doing to combat infant abandonment and how you can help, take part in the silent auction, enjoy live entertainment, and of course, pledge a donation to the Foundation. To access the telethon, you will first need to register at NEWBORNS.givesmart.com or text NEWBORNS to 76278.

Your support will enable Safe Haven for Newborns to continue its mission to end infant abandonment. In the past nine months, nine precious newborns were given a chance to grow up in the loving arms of their forever families. To date, 341 newborns were given the gift of a family and the opportunity to follow their dreams — 335 in Florida, five in other states, and one in the country of Honduras.

Can we count on you, our corporate friends? We are appealing to the business community to find it in their hearts to help. There are different sponsorship levels for you to consider, please see the sponsorship opportunities in the Champion for Newborns Virtual Telethon guide.

Also, I ask that you help us spread the word and share this invitation with your family and friends and across all your social media channels. The more people that know about A Safe Haven for Newborns, the better the chances are that we can help the these young girls in crisis before giving birth.

It is because of kind-hearted people like you that 341 precious newborns now have a chance at life and are now living with their forever families. Thank you and as always, sending you my best wishes.

Nick E. Silverio
Founder