Dedicated to the Health and Wellness of All Women

At the Katz Institute for Women's Health (KIWH), we understand that the needs of women are unique. That is why we are dedicated to improving the health and wellness of women across their lifespan.

We know that there are conditions that affect women only, conditions that are more common in women than men and conditions where the risk factors and presentation in women are different from men. For just these reasons, the Katz Institute was established to coordinate, integrate and promote the continuum of women’s health, through education, wellness and prevention strategies, screening and early detection, treatment, and support services.

The Katz Institute is a valuable resource for women and their families and serves as an entryway to coordinated, multi-disciplinary care provided by a network of highly-trained physicians and staff offering the latest diagnostic and treatment options in state-of-the-art facilities.

With a single focus on women’s health, the Katz Institute is founded on the four guiding principles:

  • Clinical Services – providing exceptional clinical care that is comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered
  • Community Partnership – engaging and connecting with groups and organizations in our community
  • Research – advancing medical knowledge through science and innovation
  • Education and Health Literacy – educating patients, providers and the public to create a partnership to optimize health.

For additional information, contact the Katz Institute for Women's Health Resource Center at (855) 850-KIWH (5494) or email womenshealth@nshs.edu.

Our Services

 

About The Katz Institute for Women's Health

Mission Statement

The mission of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health is to improve the health of women across their life span through:

  • exemplary clinical practice
  • advancement in research and education
  • community engagement
  • commitment to health care equality

The Katz Institute promotes the continuum of women’s health by defining the standards of excellence in patient centered women’s health care, and empowers women to make informed decisions about their health and wellness.

Vision Statement

The Katz Institute for Women's Health strives to be a leader in the delivery of comprehensive, integrated health care and wellness services for women and their families.

Our Leadership/Administration

Jennifer Mieres, MD

Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, FACC, FASNC, FAHA
Senior Vice President, Office of Community and Public Health
Medical Director, Center for Learning and Innovation
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
North Shore-LIJ Health System

Professor of Cardiology and Population Health
Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine

As the leader of North Shore-LIJ Health System’s Office of Community and Public Health, Dr. Jennifer Mieres has oversight of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and all of North Shore-LIJ’s health and wellness, community education and healthcare access programs, as well as corporate social responsibility. She is also the health system’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and Medical Director of the Center for Learning and Innovation, North Shore-LIJ’s corporate university. Dr. Mieres is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and nuclear cardiology and is a graduate of Bennington College and Boston University School of Medicine.

Dr. Mieres is one of the leading experts and patient advocates in the fields of cardiovascular disease in women and nuclear cardiology. She is actively involved in clinical cardiovascular research and is currently one of the lead investigators for a national study to determine the optimal non-invasive test for women with suspected heart disease. Dr. Mieres is also very involved in community service and is a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. She has appeared on local and national programs including 20/20, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The CBS Early Show. As a producer of the 2003 PBS documentary A Woman’s Heart (2003), she was nominated for an Emmy for Best Documentary in the Health Science category. Additionally, Dr. Mieres and her work have been featured in publications including Newsday, Black Enterprise, Shape, New York and Essence. Her first book, Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas: A Five-Week Program for Living a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle.

 

Stacey Rosen, MD

Stacey E. Rosen, MD, FACC, FACP, FASE
Vice President, Clinical Services
The Katz Institute for Women’s Health
North Shore-LIJ Health System

Associate Professor of Medicine
Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine

As Vice President for Clinical Services for the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, Dr. Stacey Rosen oversees the development and coordination of a comprehensive and integrated approach to women's clinical services at the North Shore-LIJ Health System. Dr. Rosen is a practicing cardiologist and echocardiographer and was the associate chairman and chief of the Department of Cardiology at LIJ prior to joining KIWH. She is Associate Professor of Medicine at the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine and currently serves as the co-director of the homeostatis course at the School of Medicine. Previously, she served as the director of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program at North Shore-LIJ. As a former president and current member of the board of directors of the Long Island region of the American Heart Association, Dr. Rosen devotes considerable time to raising community awareness about heart disease in women. Dr. Rosen is a graduate of the six-year medical program at Boston University School of Medicine and is board certified in internal medicine, cardiology and echocardiography.

 

Leslie E. Kang, MPH

Leslie E. Kang, MPH
Senior Director
The Katz Institute for Women’s Health
North Shore-LIJ Health System

Leslie Kang is Senior Director for the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and holds operational responsibilities for KIWH. She works closely with clinical and administrative leadership to develop strategic plans, new programs and initiatives. Leslie joined the health system in 2002 as an Administrative Fellow and has held various management and administrative positions within Physician and Ambulatory Network Services (PAANS). Most recently, she served as an administrative director at PAANS where she was involved in ambulatory operations as well as supported the North Shore-LIJ Medical Group governance structure. Leslie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health.
 

Phone: (718) 470-7575
Email: womenshealth@nshs.edu
 

Go Red for Women 

North Shore-LIJ supports the American Heart Association and its successful GO RED FOR WOMEN movement to improve women's heart health. We are proud to be the American Heart Associations Cities Go Red sponsor of the movement across all five boroughs as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties.

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How We Can Help

The physicians of our cardiovascular services team offer you the highest quality of care and can guide you in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.

What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer women in this country. In fact, heart disease kills more women every year than cancer, chronic lung disease, accidents and Alzheimer's disease combined.

Modifiable Risk Factors

Preventing or reducing the chances of heart disease is something you are never too young to think about. In fact, 75 to 80 percent of heart disease risk is modifiable. Some risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Obesity
  • Being physically inactive
  • Diabetes
  • High/elevated cholesterol
  • Pregnancy-related cardiovascular issues including high blood pressure or diabetes

The Katz Institute for Women's Health Resource Center

The Katz Institute for Women's Health (KIWH) Resource Center offers women seamless, coordinated access to all of North Shore-LIJ Health System's clinical programs and services across the continuum of care. Our Resource Center is staffed Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. During off-hours, please leave a voice message and your call will be returned within one business day.

To reach one of our women's health resource specialists, please call, email or submit the form below:

Phone: (855) 850-KIWH (5494)
Email: womenshealth@nshs.edu
 

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Research

Scientific exploration is at the cornerstone of discovering new and innovative approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Through basic science and applied clinical research, we are advancing our medical knowledge every day. Our physicians are at the forefront of research, addressing many different questions related to a variety of medical conditions — from unlocking how the formation of tumors is affected by specific cell behavior, to understanding how your family’s medical history plays a role in your susceptibility to many diseases; from mapping patterns of pathways in the brain, to unraveling how the body reacts to infection.

One of the goals of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health is to promote research in women’s health so we can understand the differences in health risks and outcomes between men and women. Through the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, the research branch of North Shore-LIJ Health System, we offer the opportunity for women to participate in clinical trials.

 

For more information, click here.
 

Health Information

Part of the mission of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health is to empower women to make informed healthcare decisions. We aim to make health information readily accessible so that women are able to actively participate in their health. The more information you have about specific medical conditions, including risk factors and preventive measures, the better prepared you are to have a conversation with your health care provider. This section provides an A-to-Z listing of common health topics and is a go-to resource for you.

For health information, click here.

Find A Physician

We know that choosing the right physician for your health care needs and those of your family and loved ones is an important decision. Through the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, you have access to the network of highly-trained physicians at North Shore-LIJ Health System. Use the Find-a-Physician Directory to find a physician to best meet your healthcare needs.

To find a physician, click here.

Events

Throughout the year, the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and North Shore-LIJ Health System offer a variety of classes and events, from health screenings and support groups to conferences featuring health experts. Classes are relevant to women at all stages of life and cover topics such as diabetes, pain management, parenting, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer and more.

To view the Events Calendar, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

Why am I still getting acne as an adult?

While acne is most common in teenagers and young adults, women in their 30s, 40s and beyond can still get it.  Your chances of developing the skin condition may increase with things such as hormone changes, certain medications, oil-based skin products and having a family history of it.

Acne forms when hair follicles under your skin clog up, usually due to oil and dead skin cells.  The most common types include blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.  To help control acne, keep your skin clean using mild soaps and oil-free or noncomedogenic skin products (those that don’t block pores). 

Over-the-counter acne medications are also available.  Look for ones that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.  Also, try not to pick at your pimples, as this can make them worse and cause scarring.  If your skin condition gets worse or you need further treatment, speak with your physician.
 

Question:

I just had a baby three months ago and feel like I’m losing all my hair.  Is this normal?

Hair loss after childbirth is not unusual and affects between 40 and 50 percent of women.  Typically, about 90 percent of your hair is growing while the other 10 percent is in a resting phase.  After this phase, these old hairs fall out and are replaced by new ones. The average woman sheds roughly 100 hairs a day. 

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and an increased estrogen level stimulate hair growth.  After birth, estrogen levels return to normal, and more hair follicles enter the resting phase.  Since there are more hairs in the resting phase, afterward you’ll experience a greater amount of hair falling out.  Fortunately, this shedding is only temporary, and your hair should be back to its regular thickness in about 6 to 12 months after giving birth.  If you feel that you are experiencing excessive hair loss, this may be due to a vitamin/mineral deficiency or other underlying health condition, and you should speak with your doctor.
 

Question:

How safe are artificial sweeteners?  I know that I should limit sugar intake, but I am worried about replacing a natural product with a chemical.

Non-nutritive sweeteners, or “artificial sweeteners,” are often thought of as sugar substitutes and usually have no calories, but they also have no nutritional benefit.  The popularity of these sweeteners is on the rise, as many people are trying to cut back on calories while still enjoying items such as soda, baked goods and ice cream.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following artificial sweeteners as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS):

  • Aspartame (NutraSweet®, Equal®)
  • Acesulfame-K (Sweet One®)
  • Neotame
  • Saccharin (Sweet’N Low®)
  • Sucralose (Splenda®)

All of these sweeteners can be useful to those looking to cut back on calories or manage diabetes or other metabolic issues. The latest sweetening products containing stevia (Truvia® and PureVia™), do not yet have GRAS designations.

In the 1970s, possible health concerns about saccharin, which once carried a warning label, were raised.  Today, numerous studies and organizations such as the National Cancer Institute confirm that artificial sweeteners are generally safe in limited amounts.  Based on these newer findings, the warning label from saccharin was removed.

It is still important to make healthy food choices each day – the calories saved by using a “sugar-free” product should not be added back.  And remember that simply because a label says sugar-free, it does not mean it is healthy.
 

Question:

Over the past few weeks, I have had trouble falling asleep, and I think I might have insomnia.  What is insomnia, and what can I do to get more sleep?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that is described as difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.  It can be caused by a variety of biological, psychological and social factors and affects people of all ages, including children. In general, women are affected more frequently than men.  Symptoms of insomnia include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up frequently during the night
  • Arising too early in the morning and being unable to go back to sleep
  • Feeling tired upon waking

There are two types of insomnia – primary and secondary.  Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that is not directly associated with any other health or environmental conditions, while secondary insomnia arises from a medical illness, medication, exposure to certain substances or other factors.

Acute insomnia (short-term) tends to last for only a few days or weeks and is often related to a change that occurs in life, such as stress due to job loss, illness and use of medications.  This type of insomnia can resolve on its own when the situational factors are removed.  Chronic insomnia (long-term) is when a person has difficulty sleeping at least three nights a week for one month or longer.

If you think you have insomnia, speak to your physician.  The first step is to identify any underlying conditions or health problems that may be causing it.  Evaluation and diagnosis may include a physical exam, medical history, blood work and a diary of your sleep patterns.  Treatment options may include over-the-counter products, prescription pills and/or behavioral therapy.  In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for special tests.
 

Question:

Am I able to take medication while breastfeeding?

Although many medicines pass into your breast milk in small amounts, most have no effect on the baby and can be used while breastfeeding (very few medi¬cines can’t be used). Be sure to discuss any current or new medicines with your doctor -- this includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements. For women with chronic health problems, speak with your physician about the medications you are taking and if any should be stopped.  If the medication is contraindicated, many times a safer medication can be prescribed.
 

Question:

I’ve heard people talk about “bad” and “good” cholesterol.  What are they referring to?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the cells of the body and comes from two sources: your body and food. Your liver and cells make about 75 percent of blood cholesterol; the other 25 percent comes from the foods you eat.  Although our body needs cholesterol to maintain healthy cells, high cholesterol may lead to fatty deposits in your blood vessels and increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.  There are two types of cholesterol:

  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the "bad" cholesterol because it can clog the arteries that carry blood to your heart.  For LDL, lower numbers are better.
     
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as "good" cholesterol because it takes the bad cholesterol out of your blood and keeps it from building up in your arteries. For HDL, higher numbers are better.

To help avoid problems associated with high cholesterol, you need to maintain the proper ratio between good and bad cholesterol.  A cholesterol screening measures these levels. 

According to national guidelines, a person’s total cholesterol should be under 200 mg/dL.  200–239 mg/dL is considered borderline high, and above 240 mg/dL is high.  Speak to your physician about your risk factors such as age, family history and other medical conditions and how your cholesterol levels affect your risk of heart disease.
 

Question:

What is the thyroid gland and how do I know if mine is functioning normally?

The thyroid gland is a small structure at the base of your neck which releases hormones that regulate your metabolism – how fast you burn calories.  Disorders of the thyroid may cause it to release too much or too little hormone or cause the gland to enlarge, become inflamed or develop cysts or growths.

An over-active thyroid (called hyperthyroidism) will often present with symptoms of weight loss, heat intolerance, palpitations or a feeling of a rapid heartbeat and trembling. 

An under-active thyroid (called hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms of weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation or fatigue.  These disorders can be evaluated by simple blood tests and can be treated successfully.

If you are experiencing any of these changes, bring them to the attention of your physician for evaluation, which may include blood tests and special X-rays to identify the cause in order to treat the condition properly.
 

Question:

I am concerned about osteoporosis and want to know about Vitamin D and calcium supplements.

Calcium is needed for healthy bones as well as for our heart, muscle and nerves to funtion normally. Low calcium intake will cause low bone mass and can lead to fractures. The National Institute of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Health National Resource Center suggests that women need 1000mg/day of calcium from ages 19-50 and 1200mg/day over the age of 50. Calcium-rich foods include oatmeal, sardines, milk and yogurt and soybeans.

The body needs Vitamin D in order to absorb calcium. We get Vitamin D in three ways:

  • by exposure to sun
  • through foods in our diet and with supplements
  • through Vitamin D rich foods include egg yolks, fortified milk, liver and saltwater fish like sole, shellfish and salmon

The ideal way to keep our bones healthy includes exercise and a well-balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D. The value of supplements has not been confirmed so be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning vitamin D or calcium pills.
 

Question:

I know that smoking is bad for me but I have not yet been successful in quitting. Are there new approaches to help me beat this terrible habit?

You have already passed the first hurdle – you want to quit! Most women smokers want to quit – the first step is realizing the many important reasons to quit.

You know that smoking contributes to many long-term health problems including heart disease and cancer but can also effect bone health, dental health and vision. Your health begins to improve as soon as you stop smoking and over time the smoking related risks are reduced. Smoking can also reduce your ability to become pregnant and smoking during pregnancy has significant risks to the fetus. Your smoking also affects your quality of life – the expense, the smell and the effect on hair, skin and nails will be eliminated when you quit. Also, when you quit, the impact on your friends and family is seen. No more second-hand smoke! And, if you have children, they will be less likely to become smokers!

North Shore-LIJ’s Center for Tobacco Control (CTC), established in 2004, has helped thousands of people quit smoking with success rates amongst the highest in the United States. The CTC specializes in the compassionate care of individuals who use tobacco products and provides tobacco prevention education, cessation services and clinical research in the area of nicotine dependence. For more information about the Center, click here.
 

Question:

As a woman, what screening tests should I be getting on a regular basis?

The following guidelines, categorized by age group, are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Keep in mind these are guidelines only. You should speak with your health care provider to personalize the timing of your screening tests to meet your unique health needs.

Screening Tests Age 18-39 Age 40-49 Age 50-64 Age 65+
Blood Pressure Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80). Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher. Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80). Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher. Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80). Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher. Get tested at least every 2 years if you have normal blood pressure (lower than 120/80). Get tested once a year if you have blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89. Discuss treatment with your doctor or nurse if you have blood pressure 140/90 or higher.
Bone Health     Discuss with your doctor or nurse if you are at risk of osteoporosis. Bone density test at least once at age 65 or older. Talk to your doctor or nurse about repeat testing.
Breast Health   Starting at age 40, get screened every 1 to 2 years. Repeat mammography every 1 to 2 years.  Discuss with your doctor. Get screened every 2 years through age 74. Age 75 and older, ask your doctor or nurse if you need to be screened
Cholesterol Check with your doctor. Regular checks after age 20, if at risk for heart disease. Check regularly after age 45 or earlier, if at risk for heart disease. Check regularly if at risk for heart disease. Check regularly if at risk for heart disease.
Colorectal     Regular screening using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy as recommended by your doctor based on individual history and risk factors. Regular screening using fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy as recommended by your doctor based on individual history and risk factors until age 75. Speak with your doctor for 75+.
Diabetes (blood sugar) Check with your doctor. Screening is suggested for those with high blood pressure, history of pregnancy-related diabetes, family history of diabetes and other risk factors. Initial testing and then every three years unless "pre-diabetes" or otherwise high-risk and then annually. Every three years unless "pre-diabetes" or otherwise high-risk and then annually. Every three years unless "pre-diabetes" or otherwise high-risk and then annually.
Gynecology Pap smear and pelvic exam every 1-3 years, if sexually active. Pap smear and pelvic exam every 1-3 years. Pap smear and pelvic exam every 1-3 years. Discuss with your doctor.
Eye and Ear Health Check with your doctor. Eye exam every 2-4 years; hearing test every 10 years. Eye exam every 2-4 years; hearing test every 10 years. Eye exam every 2-4 years; hearing test every 10 years.
Skin Health Regular self exam of moles. Self exam monthly, by a provider every year. Self exam monthly, by a provider every year. Self exam monthly, by a provider every year.
Oral Health Dental exam once or twice yearly. Dental exam once or twice yearly. Dental exam once or twice yearly. Dental exam once or twice yearly.
Immunizations Check with your doctor. Check with your doctor. Check with your doctor. Check with your doctor.

 

Question:

I am a healthy 39 year old woman. I exercise regularly and try to eat a well-balanced diet. However, I hear about healthy, young individuals suddenly having a heart attack. What are the symptoms I should look out for?

The most important fact about heart disease is that it is the number one cause of death in both men and women in the United States and that much of the risk we each have can be significantly modified. Identification and modification of risk factors for heart attack and stroke (“brain attack”) can have a life-long impact.

Begin by speaking with your doctor to identify important risk factors – family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, tobacco use and obesity. Early identification of these risk factors will allow treatment that has been shown to significantly lower your risk. Discuss all medication use with your physician and alert your doctor if you plan on changing your physical activity in any significant way.

The most common symptom of a heart attack is mild or strong pain, uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness in the center of your chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or go away and come back. Other symptoms include:

  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • Other symptoms: breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea/vomiting or feeling lightheaded
  • In women and men alike, the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain

If you are having any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
 

Question:

My husband and I are planning to start a family soon. When it comes to staying healthy, is there anything I should do to prepare?

Preconception health is a woman’s health before pregnancy. It is important to know about your health conditions, family history and risk factors, which may potentially affect you and your unborn baby if you become pregnant.

There are a number of things you can do for preconception health, including:

  • Taking 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day to lower your risk of some birth defects of the brain and spine
  • Not smoking or drinking alcohol
  • Understanding any medical conditions you may have and whether they can affect pregnancy or be affected by it
  • Speaking to your physician about any medications you are taking
  • Ensuring your vaccinations are up to date
  • Avoiding contact with toxic substances or materials at work and at home, including chemicals and cat or rodent feces

Schedule a checkup with your health care provider to review your medical history and to answer your questions related to pregnancy.