Real talk: If you or someone you love takes medication for high cholesterol, this one deserves your attention. A nationwide statin recall has just been issued for a generic version of Lipitor, Atorvastatin Calcium, one of the most commonly prescribed cholesterol medications in the country and it affects more than 140,000 bottles.
The medication in question is Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets, manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd. and distributed by Ascend Laboratories, LLC. To be clear; and take a deep breath here brand-name Lipitor is not part of this recall.
What Happened
Here’s the deal: the statin recall was triggered after certain batches failed dissolution testing.
Translation? The pills might not dissolve properly once swallowed, meaning your body may not absorb the medicine the way it’s supposed to.
If the drug isn’t absorbed correctly, it may not effectively lower your cholesterol, and that’s a big issue for anyone relying on it to keep their heart healthy.
How the Statin Recall Rolled Out
Here’s the quick breakdown:
• September 19, 2025: Ascend Laboratories voluntarily launched the recall after routine quality testing showed the problem. Pharmacies and wholesalers were notified, and the FDA added the notice to its Enforcement Report.
• October 10, 2025: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially classified this as a Class II recall — meaning it may cause temporary or reversible health effects, but the risk of serious harm is low.
• Mid–Late October: Once news outlets picked up the story, the recall reached the public, so patients could check their bottles and talk to their doctors.
If You Take Atorvastatin, Here’s What To Do
Don’t Panic and Don’t Stop Suddenly.
Even if you think your medication might be part of the recall, don’t stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first. Suddenly discontinuing a statin can increase your risk of heart problems.
Check Your Bottle.
Look for Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets on your prescription label. If you see Alkem Laboratories listed as the manufacturer and Ascend Laboratories as the distributor, you could be affected.
They can confirm if your prescription is impacted and guide you on the next steps, whether that’s a replacement, refund, or switching to a different medication.
If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Real talk, real people: Medication recalls can sound alarming, but knowledge is power. Take a few minutes to check your bottle, talk to your doctor, and make sure you’re protected. Your health and peace of mind are what matter most.
Aging and Cancer, One Mission: I traveled to New York City for the 28th annual Collaboration for a Cure, hosted by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation and The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Inside the stunning Apella at Riverpark, overlooking the East River, I witnessed something remarkable, the official launch of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging and Cancer merger, the first institute in the world dedicated to studying aging and cancer together.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Marion Waxman and Samuel Waxman attend SWCRF 28th Annual Gala at Apella on October 22, 2025 in New York. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Marion Waxman;Samuel Waxman
It wasn’t just another gala. It was intimate, inspiring, and deeply personal a night that blended science, compassion, and community; Aging and Cancer, one mission. And as I sat there surrounded by brilliant scientists, generous philanthropists, and powerful stories, I thought about how moments like this deserve to be shared not just in New York City, but across the Hamptons and beyond.
When Aging and Cancer, Collide
Let’s have a real talk moment. According to the National Cancer Institute, advancing age is the most important risk factor for cancer overall and for many individual cancer types.Read more at cancer.gov
That means as we live longer, which is a blessing our bodies naturally change. Our cells slow down in repairing themselves, our immune systems weaken, and our defenses against disease fade.(Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Christine Schoenfeld, Ryan Schoenfeld, Samuel Waxman, Amaia Lujambio and Maddie Fichter attend SWCRF 28th Annual Gala at Apella on October 22, 2025 in New York. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Christine Schoenfeld;Ryan Schoenfeld;Samuel Waxman;Amaia Lujambio;Maddie Fichter
Dr. Samuel Waxman said it best:“You shouldn’t have to pay the penalty of getting cancer just because you’re living longer.”
That line hit me hard. We all want to live long, healthy lives; but longevity shouldn’t come with the fear of illness. That’s exactly why this new institute matters. It’s about finding ways to live longer and better. This is why Research Is Vital for the World
OCTOBER 23: Robert Wiener, Samuel Waxman, Jean Shafiroff and Jeffrey Settleman attend 2025/10/swcrf-28th-annual-gala/tizuYKeJ7b on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Robert Wiener;Samuel Waxman;Jean Shafiroff;Jeffrey Settleman
Here’s Where It Gets Real.
The World Health Organization estimates that cancer cases are expected to double by 2030 not because people are unhealthier, but because they’re living longer. Read more at WHO
Develop treatments that target the root causes of disease.
Help people enjoy longer, stronger, healthier lives.
This isn’t just about adding years to life it’s about adding life to years. One of the most moving moments of the evening came from Jean Shafiroff, honored as Philanthropist of the Year.
OCTOBER 23: Samuel Waxman and Jean Shafiroff attend 2025/10/swcrf-28th-annual-gala/tizuYKeJ7b on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Samuel Waxman;Jean Shafiroff
Jean shared her personal connection with Dr. Waxman, recalling how he cared for her father during his cancer journey. She spoke about the love, compassion, and customized plan he created for her dad a doctor who treated his patients like family. You could feel the emotion ripple through the room.
Then Robert Wiener, Chairman Emeritus of Maxx Properties and fellow Philanthropist of the Year, shared his story. He spoke about his wife’s battle with cancer and how Dr. Waxman’s care brought both healing and hope to his family. It was a raw reminder that behind every research grant and lab breakthrough are real people, loved ones, memories, and lives changed forever.
OCTOBER 23: Robert Wiener and Samuel Waxman attend 2025/10/swcrf-28th-annual-gala/tizuYKeJ7b on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Robert Wiener;Samuel Waxman
Collaboration Over Competition
One Mission: For nearly three decades, Collaboration for a Cure has been the Waxman Foundation’s rallying cry. And this year, that spirit took on new meaning; Aging and cancer, one mission. By joining forces with The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, Dr. Waxman and his team have built something extraordinary; a collaboration that bridges disciplines, institutions, and continents. But here’s the truth: federal funding for cancer research has been steadily declining. That’s where philanthropy steps in where people like Jean, Robert, and countless others make innovation possible.
At this year’s event, every dollar donated was matched dollar-for-dollar by The Mark Foundation, doubling the impact. That’s not just generosity, that’s strategy for change. $1.6 Million was raised for Cancer Research at Waxman Foundation Gala.
The Science with Soul
Here’s what scientists are discovering about the link between aging and cancer and why it matters:
Cellular Senescence: Aging cells stop dividing but refuse to die, sending inflammatory signals that can promote tumors.
DNA Damage: Over time, our repair systems weaken, allowing mutations to linger.
Immune Decline: The immune system slows, letting abnormal cells slip by undetected.
Metabolic Shifts: Older cells process energy differently sometimes feeding cancer instead of fighting it.
The goal isn’t just to treat cancer, but to teach the body to resist it. That’s the future not just reacting, but preventing.
A Night of Purpose and Flavor
Now, let’s talk about something I rarely say after attending dozens of events this year, the food was delicious; out of all the galas I’ve attended in 2025, this was hands down one of the best meals I’ve had. I chose the Branzino Livornese, perfectly seasoned and paired with couscous, kale, and a touch of sweet from raisins and almonds. It was light yet flavorful, the kind of dish that reminds you why details matter. From start to finish, every plate was beautifully crafted, reflecting the same care and excellence that defined the evening itself; because let’s be honest when science meets soul and good food, that’s a full-circle experience.
From the Hamptons to the World
As someone rooted in the Hamptons, I always look for the connection between local hearts and global impact. The Hamptons is a place full of passionate people, individuals who care deeply about community, health, and giving back. Many of the same faces supporting our local housing initiatives, schools, and wellness programs are also standing behind organizations like the Waxman Foundation.
This night reminded me that generosity isn’t bound by geography. What happens in a ballroom in New York City can ripple through Sag Harbor, East Hampton, and all the way across the globe.
Real Talk, Real People.
What I witnessed on this night wasn’t just science, it was love in motion. It was proof that when compassion meets innovation, and when people put their hearts where their hope is, anything is possible. Aging and Cancer, One Mission was more than a theme, it was the heartbeat of the evening. Philanthropist and TV personality Jean Shafiroff, Robert Wiener, Chairman Emeritus of Maxx Properties, and Jeff Settleman, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Director of Oncology Research and Development at Pfizer, each brought a powerful connection to the cause, personal, philanthropic, and scientific. Together, they demonstrated what happens when leadership and lived experience join forces with groundbreaking research. The Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging and Cancer represents a new chapter in the fight for healthier, longer lives; one powered by collaboration, care, and community.
From the city skyline to the shores of the Hamptons and beyond, this is what it looks like when science serves humanity; because aging is inevitable, but cancer doesn’t have to be.
Real talk, Breast cancer in young women; breast cancer doesn’t care how old you are, how fit you are, or how “healthy” your lifestyle seems. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while most people picture older women when they hear the words “breast cancer,” the truth is, young women can and do get breast cancer and it’s happening more often than you think.
According to the CDC, more than 250,000 women under the age of 40 in the U.S. are living with breast cancer right now. That’s a quarter of a million young women, daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends living with a disease many thought wouldn’t touch them until much later in life. “Breast cancer in young women“
It’s Happening More Often and It’s More Aggressive
Here’s something that might surprise you and honestly, it should. Research shows that cases of advanced or metastatic breast cancer among women ages 25 to 39 have sharply increased since the late 1970s, nearly doubling in incidence from 1.53 to 2.90 per 100,000 between 1976 and 2009, according to a landmark JAMA study. These are young women just starting careers, building families, and living their lives suddenly faced with a diagnosis that changes everything.
And the story doesn’t stop there. New research continues to show an alarming upward trend. A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Openfound that breast cancer in young women ages 20 to 49 are still rising, with an average 0.79% yearly increase in invasive breast cancer cases from 2000 to 2019. Both early-stage (stage I) and late-stage (stage IV) diagnoses are going up meaning more young women are being diagnosed, and some are facing aggressive disease right out of the gate.
The CDC reports that in 2022, more than 27,000 women under 45 were diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., and cases among younger women are climbing at about 0.7% per year. Researchers also note that these cancers are often more aggressive, particularly among non-Hispanic white and African American women, and that estrogen receptor–positive cancers which require specific, long-term treatments are becoming more common in this age group.
So the big question is, should we be talking about screening before 40? Honestly, yes. Because early detection can change everything and for some women, it can mean the difference between treatment and survival.
Let’s Talk About Mammograms
TheU.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms starting at age 40 for women at average risk. But breast cancer doesn’t always follow the rules, and your body doesn’t read medical guidelines.
If something feels off if you notice changes, pain, or something that just doesn’t seem right speak up. Ask your doctor about getting checked sooner. Some clinics will perform ultrasounds or mammograms on younger women if there’s a reason for concern or if you have dense breast tissue.
If you want more information on early detection, visit the American Cancer Society for screening guidelines and what to expect.
Know Your Family History (or Go Find It)
Family history matters but a lot of people don’t know theirs. Maybe your family didn’t talk about health, or you’ve lost touch with older relatives. That doesn’t mean you can’t find out.
You can research your family medical background using websites like GenealogyBank.com or FamilySearch.org to see if breast cancer appears in your family line. Sometimes death certificates or archives can tell you things your relatives couldn’t. Knowing your history could literally save your life.
Listen to Your Body
Your body will always tell you when something’s wrong, you just have to listen. Even if you have no family history, be aware of signs like:
A lump or thickening in your breast
Changes in shape or size
Unexplained pain
Skin dimpling or nipple discharge
If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked. You know your body better than anyone else. Need a quick guide? Visit BreastCancer.orgto learn what to look for and when to call your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Young women are not immune to breast cancer. Awareness, self-advocacy, and early action save lives. If you’re nearing 40, book that mammogram. If you’re younger but something feels off, don’t second-guess yourself. And if you don’t know your family history, go find it.
Because the best time to care for your health isn’t when something’s wrong, it’s right now.
Hamptons Wellness: 3 Foods That Keep You Feeling Good Inside and Out
Let’s talk about food that actually does your body good. Not the trendy stuff on Instagram, but the real deal that fuels your energy, your mood, and your long-term wellness. These three healthy foods aren’t complicated. They’re simple staples that pack a serious punch for your immune system, heart, skin, and gut.
1. Salmon: The Heart Helper and Mood Booster
If there’s one food you should put on your plate twice a week, it’s salmon. It’s nature’s multivitamin in fish form, loaded with iron, zinc, niacin, vitamin B6, and B12. But the real magic is in its omega-3 fatty acids, those good fats that protect your heart and brain, ease inflammation, and even help with mood.
It’s also rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant that keeps your thyroid healthy and supports your immune system. Think of selenium as your body’s “anti-rust” mineral. It helps prevent damage from free radicals and keeps things running smoothly.
That grilled salmon with lemon and dill? More than delicious. It’s self-care on a plate.
Let’s get real. Gut health is everything. When your gut’s happy, you’re happy. That’s where yogurt comes in. It’s packed with protein, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, plus the all-important probiotics – the friendly bacteria that keep your digestive system balanced.
Go for Greek, organic, or plain yogurt whenever possible. Skip the sugary, flavored versions that turn breakfast into dessert.
A daily serving of yogurt can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and may even support mental health. The gut-brain connection is real, and taking care of your digestive system helps your entire body work better.
There’s a reason oranges have been a go-to for generations. They’re not just about vitamin C, though that’s a big one. Oranges are packed with antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and flavonoids that help your body fight inflammation, lower cholesterol, and keep your heart strong.
They’ve also been linked to lowering the risk of certain cancers, including breast, lung, and colon cancer, while helping your skin glow and your blood pressure stay steady.
The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate blood pressure, while beta-carotene supports eye health and slows signs of aging.
That morning orange is doing more than waking you up. It’s protecting you from the inside out.
You don’t need to reinvent your diet or chase the latest wellness craze. Start with simple, real foods like salmon, yogurt, and oranges that quietly do their job to keep you healthy, glowing, and energized.
Wellness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent. Eat good. Feel good. Live well, Hamptons style.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month a time when pink ribbons fill the streets, and we’re reminded to pause, reflect, and take care of ourselves. But this month isn’t just symbolic it’s a wake-up call.
Because breast cancer doesn’t just happen to “someone else.” It affects women, men, and young women. It affects families. It changes lives.
🩷 Real Talk: Awareness Is Power
Thirty-two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember that time vividly when the fear, the uncertainty, and the courage she showed every day. She underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, back when people didn’t talk about breast cancer openly.
She survived and lived cancer-free for many years. Her strength was extraordinary.
But what many didn’t know then is that older radiation treatments sometimes caused heart complications years later. My mom developed heart issues and passed away in 2017 from congestive heart failure.
Her journey reminds me that breast cancer awareness isn’t just about surviving, it’s about long-term care, early detection, and paying attention to every part of your health.
📊 The Facts You Should Know
According to Breastcancer.org, approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives.
Look in the mirror for dimpling, redness, or swelling.
Raise your arms and check for changes in shape or size.
Feel while standing or lying down – use small circular motions.
If something feels off – call your doctor.
Prevention Matters
Your lifestyle choices can lower your risk:
Eat real food – more plants, less processed.
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
Exercise daily – even a walk counts.
Get enough rest and manage stress.
Stay consistent with screenings.
💕 Local Hamptons Resources
We’re fortunate to have incredible organizations right here in our community:
Ellen Hermanson Breast Center – Screenings, diagnostics & survivor support (ellenhermanson.org)
Coalition for Women’s Cancers (CWC) – Education, outreach & peer support (cwcshh.org)
Fighting Chance (Sag Harbor) – Free counseling for cancer patients & caregivers (fightingchance.org)
These organizations are helping our East End neighbors every day – bringing compassion, resources, and hope.
🩷 Real Talk, Real People Breast cancer awareness isn’t just a month – it’s a mindset. It’s about knowing your body, checking yourself, and living fully.
So take a moment today: feel, look, schedule that mammogram, remind a friend, and remember that awareness saves lives, maybe even your own.
