May 2014 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Put a lid on it! – The Benefits of Wearing a Bike Helmet for Safety

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Joann Ariola

It’s no secret that the main advantage of wearing a helmet while riding your bicycle to increase safety. This is exactly why helmets were devised and it’s the reason that they’re required, by law, in the New York State.

Since you can never predict exactly when, where and how you’ll fall from your bike, it pays to heed the warning of the experts and statistics that prove the benefit of wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle a bit further.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that 70% of bicyclists involved in a fatal crash suffer from head injuries. The NHTSA further cites that helmets are 85 to 88 percent effective in preventing head and brain injuries and refers to helmets as “the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities from bicycle crashes.”

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute goes on to state that non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted riders. While there’s no guarantee that a helmet will save your life, it’s clear that wearing one is much safer than not wearing one.

If you are going to riding your bicycle, it would be a wise safety measure to purchase a helmet before taking that bike on the road.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Vitamin C – Does it cure the common cold ?

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

It has always been believed that taking vitamin C can cure the common cold. While this has never been scientifically proven, studies have shown that taking vitamin C can reduce the severity of a cold, but not by much.

Vitamin C is very important to the body’s immune system, and has been shown to act as an antihistamine. Most people often reach for vitamin C once they feel a cold developing or they begin to experience cold symptoms. To really benefit from the effects of vitamin C, it is recommended that a person eat foods rich in vitamin C on a daily basis or supplement their diet with a vitamin C tablet. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. Many people claim that by taking 500 mg a day of vitamin C helps them to prevent getting colds, but this has not been proven. As much as we would like to believe that certain foods or vitamins work miracles, there really is no known cure for the common cold.

Can Your Diet Affect Your Sleep?

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Do you suffer from a sleep disorder? Your diet may be the key to giving you a better night’s sleep. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50 to 70 million people in the United States suffer from a wide variety of sleep disorders.

Studies show that certain foods tend to produce a more restful night’s sleep. Foods that you can pick up at any local grocery store that are likely to give you a deeper sleep are:
• Milk
• Turkey
• Honey
• Nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, etc.)
• Kale
• Rice (or other forms of carbohydrates)

The secret to these foods are the vitamins they contain, as well as the hormones they help the brain produce. The old wives’ tale of drinking a warm glass of milk before bedtime is not all that inaccurate. Calcium is a natural sleep inducer, especially when consumed with magnesium, which can be found in bananas. Melatonin is a hormone the brain produces naturally that also greatly contributes to a good night’s sleep. Calcium and magnesium both naturally produce melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain that promotes sleepiness, so eating dairy products, wheat, and beans can all lead to a more restful sleep. Additionally, some proteins, such as lean meats, produce tryptophan, an amino acid that causes sleepiness. Carbohydrates, such as starches and fibers, can also cause fatigue because the body breaks them down into sugars that become glucose, which ultimately becomes blood sugar. Some healthy carbohydrates can be found in whole grain, cereal, and vegetables.

While some foods can help you get a better night’s sleep, other foods and eating habits can reduce your amount of sleep. Some of these include:
• Eating too much or too little
• Caffeine (after lunchtime)
• Fatty foods (fast food, junk food, etc.)
• Eating late at night
• Alcohol (in large doses)

Try to avoid these bad eating habits and replace them with healthy foods that are high in calcium, magnesium, healthy carbohydrates, and protein. If you think you are suffering from a sleep disorder that cannot be helped by your diet, speak with your physician about making an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

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Back Pain? You May Have a Herniated Disc

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, between 60% and 80% of people in the United States will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Herniated discs are considered the cause in a high percentage of all sufferers.

The spinal column is made up of 26 bones, called vertebrae. In between the vertebrae are soft discs that cushion them. A herniated disc occurs when one of these discs rupture and begin to irritate nearby nerves. This can cause a person to experience arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling, and/or muscle weakness.

“Herniated discs commonly occur in the lower back, and often in the neck as well. In both instances, a herniated disc can be very painful,” explained Dr. Nader Paksima, Chairman of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at Jamaica Hospital.

Dr. Paksima, adds: “With inflamed spinal nerves and intense pressure on these nerves, the pain experienced by someone with a herniated disc can be debilitating and lead to further problems.”

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of suffering from a herniated disc. In addition to gradual wear and tear, the following risk factors can also cause a herniated disc:

being male
improper lifting
being overweight
repetitive activities that strain your spine
frequent driving
sedentary lifestyle
smoking

Being aware of these risk factors is extremely important as people can have a herniated disc, in the neck or back, without knowing it. Sometimes, spinal images show a herniated disc although the person has no symptoms.

Physicians can diagnose a herniated disc with either a physical exam or imaging tests. Most people usually recover with rest, pain and anti-inflammatory medicines, and physical therapy. In some cases, herniated discs are treated with surgery.

If you’re experiencing neck or back pain that travels down your arm or leg, or is accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness, you should seek medical help. To schedule an appointment with one of Jamaica Hospital’s orthopedic surgeons, please call 718-206-6923.

Skin Complications When You Have Diabetes

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

Believe it or not, skin complications are sometimes the first sign that you may have diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes develop skin diseases much more easily than those without the condition, making them more susceptible to general skin conditions such as bacterial infections, fungal infections, and localized itching. More specifically, styes, boils, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.

“When you have too much sugar in the blood for a long time it can cause several complications, including those of the skin,” said Dr. Richard Pinsker, Endocrinologist at Jamaica Hospital. “Your body loses fluid which causes your skin to become dry. Additionally, nerve damage decreases the amount you sweat, which usually helps keep the skin moist. Dry skin can then crack and peel, allowing germs to enter the body to cause an infection.”

Dr. Pinsker added, “a reduced blood supply to the skin and a resistance to insulin can also lead to skin complications.”

There are several skin conditions that mostly affect or only affect people with diabetes, such as diabetic dermopathy and diabetic blisters. Some of these conditions are painful, while others are found to be embarrassing.

Fortunately, most of these conditions can be prevented or easily treated, if caught early. To reduce the risk of developing skin-related complications of diabetes, it is recommended that individuals keep their glucose levels in a safe range by eating healthy, exercising and taking their medication. It is also important that proper skin care is practiced. Individuals with diabetes should consider the following tips for good skin care:

Keep skin clean and moisturized.
Avoid very hot baths and showers, and use moisturizing soap and mild shampoos.
Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water.
During cold, dry months, keep your home more humid. Bathe less during this weather, if possible.

If not cared for properly, these conditions, in a person with diabetes, can turn into a serious problem with potentially severe consequences. If you have diabetes and have noticed changes to your skin, please call 718-206-6742 to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist or dermatologist.

The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is so important to both mom and her developing baby.

Eating well balanced meals should be every expectant mother’s goal, unfortunately it isn’t always possible. In order to make sure that mother and child are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary, doctors will often prescribe a prenatal vitamin.

One of the key ingredients in a prenatal vitamin is folic acid. This is important because it will help to prevent neural tube defects which lead to abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. It is also important to have the proper amount of vitamin D and calcium as they are important for bone development and growth.. If an expectant mom doesn’t have a diet with sufficient quantities of dairy products fortified with vitamin D or other calcium rich food, then she could consider a supplement containing them.

Prenatal vitamins should contain iron (30 mg), vitamin C (50 mg), zinc (15 mg), copper (2mg), and vitamin B-6 (2mg)

The best way to take prenatal vitamins is start them before you conceive so there is a proper level of these vitamins and minerals in the body from the very beginning of pregnancy. Continue to take them during the full term of the pregnancy and continue them if you are going to breast feed.

Prenatal vitamins are not meant to substitute for well balanced meals but they certainly serve a very important role in keeping mom and her baby healthy. Before you start taking prenatal vitamins you should consult with your physician.

IS STRESS A “TRIGGER” FOR AN ASTHMA ATTACK?

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Stress is a common trigger for asthma. An asthma trigger is anything that brings on asthma symptoms. When you have stress and asthma, you might feel shortness of breath, anxious, and even panicked. Stress may be a reason for your asthma symptoms to worsen and cause you to feel frightened.

When stress levels start to creep upward, asthma symptoms can progress into overdrive. As the wheezing and coughing gets worse, your health becomes one more reason to worry. Asthma, stress, and anxiety make for a vicious cycle, and one that can spiral downward quickly.

Learning how to manage your stress is important to managing your asthma. Since stress is a part of daily life, with or without asthma, it is important to find effective ways to manage your stress. Relaxation and breathing exercises are ways to relax before you feel stressed and can help with shortness of breath and can help avoid an asthma attack.

If the symptoms of asthma persist, you may want to schedule an appointment with your Doctor for further testing. If you do not have a private physician, the Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical has convenient hours of operation and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 718-206-7050.

Is Your Thyroid Causing Your High Blood Pressure?

Posted on May 16, 2014 by Michael Hinck

For most, high blood pressure, or hypertension is can be attributed to family history or lifestyle. For some, however, high blood pressure is the result of either an overactive or underactive thyroid.

An overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormone. When too much of this hormone is produced, the heart is forced to work harder than usual, which increases heart rate and raises blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism is the more common thyroid disorder that can cause hypertension.

Conversely, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism can weaken the heart muscle and heart rate, reducing the heart’s pumping capacity and increase the stiffening of blood-vessel walls. The combination of these changes can lead to hypertension.

If a thyroid disorder is the reason for high blood pressure, adjustments in diet and lifestyle won’t resolve the problem and medications may not be effective. If a patient’s blood pressure does not respond to conventional treatment, a doctor can perform tests to see if the thyroid is the cause.

In cases where hypertension due to a thyroid disorder is diagnosed, medications or supplemental hormones can be prescribed to control the thyroid gland and better control blood pressure.

If you suspect you have a thyroid condition that is affecting your blood pressure, you should speak with a doctor. Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Family Medicine can help. To make an appointment, please call 718-657-7093.

Investing in a Healthier You

Posted on May 14, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Small Steps, Big Changes
Many people feel they do not have the time or energy to live a healthy lifestyle, however, establishing a healthy diet and exercise routine can make a huge difference to your overall health.

What are you eating?
With larger portions being served, it’s no wonder America is experiencing an obesity epidemic. Many restaurants have implemented the ‘bigger is better’ idea, but portion control is a factor in maintaining your weight and creating a healthier lifestyle. When dining out, try choosing appetizers instead of a full meal. Instead of choosing a meal upgrade option, stick to a kids meal which can be more moderate in calories and fat content.

Another factor is the type of foods served in your meals. A good starting point toward healthy eating is to make sure your diet is rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and various lean proteins and to eliminate processed sugars. Your body breaks down food and produces the energy it needs. Having too much sugar in your diet doesn’t always provide you with more energy but can cause a list of several health issues including dental cavities, diabetes, energy slumps, hyperactive behavior in some, and weight gain.

Kelly McGuire, Registered Dietician of Jamaica Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department states, “The occasional slice of cake offered at a party is okay but sweets should be consumed in moderation.”

She adds: “Eating healthy foods doesn’t have to be boring. Find the foods you enjoy and create recipes in advance to help with your goal of healthy living.”

Become Active, Stay Active
Even minor changes in your activity can help. Many people believe they need to have a gym membership and get at least an hour of intense exercise to be healthy, but if your body isn’t used to, an extensive workout can do more harm than good. Begin by adding a simple walk, or extend your current walking routine. A good way to do this is by parking your car a bit further away than usual from your intended destination to get an extra 10-20 minutes of exercise per day. Another way of increasing you exercise routine is to choose the stairs over an elevator. Exercising every day is not necessary. Initially aim for three times a week for at least 20-30 minutes a day and notice your stamina increasing as weeks go by.

Invest in You
Small changes make the biggest impact. Begin your healthy diet exercise routine today and begin to feel the difference in your energy, appearance and overall health with time. Your annual health check-up can be the jumpstart to a new you. Invest in you and meet with your primary care physician prior to beginning any changes in diet and exercise.

Understanding Your BMI

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Natifia Mullings

When discussing weight, the term BMI is often used. Although we hear these letters quite frequently, do we really know what they mean?

BMI Defined
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It applies to both adult men and women and is broken up into the following four categories:

Underweight: < 18.5
Normal weight: 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight: 25 – 29.9
Obese: 30 or greater

Why is BMI Important?

BMI is an estimate of body fat and can be used to determine one’s risk for weight-associated diseases. Adults with a BMI of 25 or greater are typically at risk for developing conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.

It is recommended that adults who are obese or overweight lose weight, especially if they have a family history of heart disease, smoke cigarettes, are sedentary, or have high blood pressure. Simply losing between five and 10 percent of your current weight can help lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity.

If you are concerned about your weight and would like to know your BMI click or download a BMI calculator app for your phone. If you would like to consult with a physician to discuss your BMI and other risk factors for weight-related diseases, call Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at to schedule an appointment.