Monthly Archives: July 2014

Did you know that following a Mediterranean diet has shown to effectively control and prevent heart diseases for many people ? This diet which originated in Greece and the surrounding areas of the Mediterranean basin has recently gained popularity. It is based on eating mainly vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grains, while limiting foods that contain unhealthy fats.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on:

• Consuming mainly plant based foods such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

• Eating very limited amounts of red meat, usually no more than once or twice a month

• Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week

• Substituting salt with herbs and spices

• Using olive oil instead of butter

• Red wine, on occasion, is considered to be acceptable

• Limiting consumption of sweets and eggs

Research has indicated that people who follow the Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.  This is attributed to more stable blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

People in the Mediterranean area have been eating this way for centuries and seem to be much healthier because of it.

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.

With summer in full swing and beach days becoming more frequent, how do you carry your beach necessities? While many people choose to wear a shoulder bag, this might not be the best option for your health.

 While shoulder bags, such as totes, are easy to grab and are usually spacious, carrying a heavy one for a long period of time can be detrimental to your natural gait. Your natural gait is the way your arms and legs swing as you walk and is imperative to your body’s overall balance. When you carry a shoulder bag, this puts extra weight on one of your shoulders, making the other arm work harder to compensate for the weight of the bag. This can throw off your balance and result in back and muscle pain.

If you tend to carry your tote on the same arm, this can cause the muscles to grow bigger while the other arm remains the same, causing further imbalance. Depending on the heaviness of your shoulder bag, carrying it predominantly on one shoulder can also cause the opposite side of your spine to spasm, causing tightness and pain in your lower back and sacrum.
Other results of carrying a heavy shoulder bag can include:
• Muscle tightness
• Backaches
• Decreased curve of the neck due to tightness, also known as “military neck”
• Neck pain that causes the turning of the head to be difficult
• Headaches

If you want to avoid any of these results, using a backpack instead of a shoulder bag can be the answer. Backpacks distribute the weight that you are carrying evenly across your back instead of focusing it on one side, maintaining your body’s natural gait and maintaining a balanced muscle tone.
While backpacks are generally better, they too can cause problems. Carrying too heavy of a load can force your spine to bend backward, causing you to pull forward to maintain balance. This action can make your spine compress unnaturally, which can create hip and back pain and a hunched posture.

Some helpful tips to avoid experiencing the symptoms of a heavy weight on your back and shoulders due to a shoulder bag or a backpack include:
• Choose a bag with wider straps that will further distribute the weight across your back and shoulders
• Periodically switch shoulders
• Choose bags with alternative strap options
• Avoid wearing heels while carrying your bag, this will cause further imbalance and pain

If you are having back and shoulder pain, please call Jamaica Hospital’s Orthopedics Department at 718-206-6923 with any questions.

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.

About 25 million Americans have experienced Asthma symptoms. Asthma is a condition that constricts your airways, causing them to become swollen and filled with mucous.  It has many triggers, such as, tobacco or dust but, what if your trigger is the air you breathe outdoors?

Air pollutants can trigger asthma.  The air around you can carry particulate matter, such as, dust, soot, smoke, diesel exhaust particles, and smog. These particulates can cause you to labor while breathing and feel a shortness of breathe.

 Recent studies have shown that air pollution is a major cause of asthma attacks.  More than 40% of the nation’s populations live in areas with poor quality air. 

If you have asthma, your doctor can help you design a plan to control and prevent an asthma attack.  Limiting your exposure to air pollution can be an important part of that plan.  The EPA keeps tabs on local air quality across the country through its daily Air Quality Index, which measures levels of major air pollutants.

 Completely avoiding air pollution is impossible, but you can take steps to reduce your family’s exposure to air pollution and reduce the health risks.

 For more information, or treatment, call The Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’sAmbulatoryCareCenterat, 718-206-7005.

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.

Women have been warned not to consume alcohol during pregnancy.  There is sufficient research that confirms drinking alcohol, while pregnant, poses several, avoidable risk to an unborn baby.  However, the risks of consuming alcohol while breastfeeding are not as well defined.  

Breastfeeding mothers often receive conflicting advice about whether their alcohol consumption can have an adverse effect on their baby.  This leaves mothers with more questions than answers. A good resource to start looking for answers is the La Leche League.  Their article, The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding says: The effects of alcohol on the breastfeeding baby are directly related to the amount the mother ingests.  When the breastfeeding mother drinks occasionally, or limits her consumption to one drink or less per day, the amount of alcohol her baby receives has not been proven to be harmful.

 The League further published:

 Alcohol passes freely into mother’s milk and has been found to peak about 30 to 60 minutes after consumption, 60 to 90 minutes when taken with food.  Alcohol also freely passes out of a mother’s milk and here system.  It takes a 120 pound woman about two to three hours to eliminate from her body the alcohol in one serving of beer or wine.  The more alcohol that is consumed, the longer it takes for it to be eliminated.  It takes up to 13 hours for a 120 pound woman to eliminate alcohol from one high-alcoholic drink. 

 Opposing research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that breast-fed babies, whose mothers drank, as few as, one drink a day may present with impaired motor or development and that alcohol can cause changes in sleep patterns.

 Also, to dispel any notion that encourages drinking alcohol to improve milk production. Facts show that the presence of alcohol in breast milk can cause the babies to drink about 20 % less

 Paula Utilla, Lactation Specialist atJamaicaHospital’s Women’sHealthCenternoted that although you can safely consume some alcohol during breastfeeding, there are some guidelines that can help you gauge when you’ve had enough.  “If you have consumed more than the legal amount of alcohol to drive a vehicle, you have consumed more than the recommended amount of alcohol to safely breastfeed.” Ms. Utilla further stated, “Mom should be mindful that the level of alcohol in her blood, matches the level of alcohol in her breast milk.”

 Research has shown that breast-feeding is an optimal way to feed your newborn and is recommended until a baby is at least age one.  If you have questions on what method to use to when deciding how you will feed your baby, please callJamaicaHospital’s Women’sHealthCenter, 718-291-3276 to speak with a Lactation Specialist.

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.

Summer gives us a break from the flu and many other viruses prevalent during the winter months, but there is one contagious virus that your child is at risk of contracting during the summer.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness in the summer months, predominantly found in infants and children under the age of 10, but one that can also affect teens and adults. It is caused by a family of viruses known as the Coxsackie virus. There are multiple types of Coxsackie virus, but the A16 strain causes HFMD.

HFMD can produce a wide variety of symptoms, including mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, head and muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, and poor appetite. The fever usually lasts anywhere from 24 hours to 2-3 days. One or two days after the fever begins, small red spots begin to appear in the mouth, throat, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. These spots develop into blisters and eventually into painful ulcers, which resolve within a few days without any scarring.

These blisters give the illness its name, but it should not be confused with the similarly named foot (or hoof) and mouth disease, which is found in cattle.

HFMD is spread between children either hand to hand or through tiny air droplets that are released when they sneeze, cough, or blow their nose.  The illness can also be spread when a person is exposed to an infected child’s stool or the fluid from their blisters.

HFMD is contagious and tends to spread most easily in settings where many young children are together, such as day care centers.  In tropical parts of the world, HFMD is present throughout the year, but in cooler climates, such as New York, outbreaks take place only in the summer or fall. Some people incorrectly believe that the illness is spread in swimming pools, but a properly chlorinated pool should kill the virus.

Proper hand washing is considered the best protection against the virus, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. The virus can live on contaminated surfaces for several days. Therefore, parents should clean shared toys and all surfaces potentially contaminated with disinfectant cleaners to protect against the spread of HFMD.

There are lab tests to confirm HFMD, but doctors usually can diagnose the virus based on a physical examination. There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Doctors often recommend over-the-counter pain and fever reducing medications to make your child feel more comfortable. Salt water rinses might also provide relief.

If you think your child has hand, foot and mouth disease, you should see a pediatrician or call Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to make an appointment.

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.

According to the Food Research Action Center, about 68.5% of people in the United States are obese. With this statistic rising each year, many people are desperate to shed pounds, but have a hard time losing a significant amount by diet and exercise alone. Due to this struggle, a majority of the population has resorted to taking weight-loss pills, but is this a healthy choice?

 Weight-loss pills can be appealing because of their convenience and their ability to dramatically affect weight loss in a short amount of time, but these results are not guaranteed and are surrounded by many negatives and damaging to one’s health. Over-the-counter diet pills can be dangerous because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate them as closely as other medications. This makes their ingredients, their effectiveness, and their risk a mystery to the user.
 Some of the most common side effects of over-the-counter weight-loss pills include:
• Upset stomach
• Raised blood pressure and heart rate
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Prescription weight-loss pills are regulated by the FDA, but are only administered to people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and higher and have other health problems, such as diabetes and high cholesterol. If these pills are not taken exactly as the doctor prescribes them, they can lead to increased heart rate and poor sleep, which can ultimately cause a heart attack or stroke.

There is no easy solution to obesity. Even if you are taking weight-loss pills, eating too much fat can decrease the product’s ability to produce the desired result and cause weight gain and other detrimental effects on your body. Instead of spending money on weight-loss pills, try some healthy alternatives, such as playing a sport or going on a regulated diet. An active lifestyle and healthy eating habits can help you lose weight and keep it off permanently.

Are you taking a weight-loss pill and aren’t sure of its effectiveness or its side effects? A physician at the Family Medicine Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital can help. Please call 718-206-6942.

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.

The most common form of asthma is caused by an allergic reaction. More than fifty percent of people who suffer from asthma have this type of disease. Asthma is an airway obstruction caused by inflammation and is a reaction that people have when they are exposed to substances that they are allergic to. Some of the offending substances are pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold and some foods. An asthma attack has three components: 

• The bands of muscles surrounding the airways in the lungs tighten. This is called broncospasm. 
• The lining of the airways become inflamed and swollen.
• There is an increase in mucous production in the lining of the airway.

 All of these factors make it harder for air to pass through the lungs, and breathing becomes difficult. 

Treatment for allergy induced asthma requires testing to see what a person is allergic to. Once these allergens have been identified the patient will be advised to avoid them. There is no cure for asthma but, there are several medications available that can help control it. Antihistamines are often administered, which help reduce the allergic reaction. A physician may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation of the airway and make breathing easier. Some medications are given for immediate relief of symptoms. Such as broncodilators which are inhaled as needed to help to relax the airways. Other medications are used for long term control of symptoms and are taken on a daily basis. Speak to your physician if you experience difficulty breathing after coming in contact with certain substances. There are different treatment options available and you want to learn about the one that will be best for you.  You can also schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist  atJamaicaHospitalby calling 718-206-6742.

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.

 The vaporizer pen, or the “vape,” is a modern e-cigarette that is shaped like a pen. This pen is only sold in select stores and online sites, yet it has grown wildly popular on the east and west coast. It is believed that the vaporizer pen has gained its popularity because of its sleek, portable design, its affordability, and its functionality that allows the user to use the pen in a variety of ways.

How it works:
Various substances, such as wax, flavored oils (known as e-juices), and dry herbs, are placed inside the compact chamber of the pen. When the user clicks the round button on the base of the pen, the chamber begins to heat up in order to produce the vapor from the chosen substance. The battery that heats the chamber and fuels the pen is usually rechargeable, depending on the model, and can be taken apart for easy cleaning.

While this pen can be used to help people quit smoking, it can also encourage people to start. Even though the legal age to purchase cigarettes or e-cigs is 21 in New York, the vaporizer pen is much easier to purchase for minors. It is as simple as clicking “yes” on a website for a minor to purchase the item without any official authorization. Additionally, in a poll by Center for Disease Control (CDC), the number of middle and high school students who have tried the vaporizer pen has doubled in the last year alone, with a large majority of these students had never smoked an actual cigarette. This suggests that instead of helping people quit smoking, this pen is encouraging young people to start an unhealthy habit, creating a new generation of potential smokers.

According to Vaporizer Pen Guide, it is safe to “vape” in public because it has “no harmful effects on the user,” and, therefore, it is not harmful to the general public. However, New York State has banned vaping in indoor public places and California has banned vaping in any place that smoking is prohibited. The vaporizer pen is not FDA approved, which makes the safety of this product and the substances it is filled with uncertain.

Are you trying to quit smoking? Here are some healthy alternatives to a vaporizer pen:
• Nicotine replacement therapy
• Chew gum
• Participate in physical activities
• Practice relaxation techniques

For more information on how to quit smoking or for a consultation, please call Jamaica Hospital’s Pulmonary Department at 718-206-5916.

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.

Is your child at risk of gaining weight this summer? 

We consider summer to be a time when kids run around, go swimming and generally remain active. With all this physical activity, it is a common belief that children keep weight off or maybe even lose a few pounds in the summer, but that is not the case. There are many reasons why parents are now noticing that their children are actually gaining weight during the summer.

The rate of childhood obesity has tripled in America in recent decades. Now, one out of three children in this country is considered overweight or obese. When are children gaining the most weight?  Recent studies have revealed that during the summer, the rate of weight gain in children is double that of the rest of the year. Why?

One of the biggest contributing factors is that children today live a more sedentary lifestyle. During the school year, children participate in fitness programs, both during recess and in physical education classes. Without a regimented exercise program, children opt to spend their free time playing video games or watching television.

Another factor in summer weight gain is the foods children have access to in their home. In an effort to fight obesity and promote healthy eating habits, many schools provide healthy alternatives for lunches and snacks during the year. During the summer, however, kids have access to whatever snacks are in the home. Kids will often choose unhealthy snacks, such as cookies, chips, and soda, if they are available to them.

In an effort to reverse this trend, Jamaica Hospital offers the following summer healthy living tips for your kids:

• Stock your home with healthy food options like yogurt, carrots, or summer fruits like peaches, berries, or melons.

• Make water the beverage of choice. Juices and sodas are high in calories and low in nutrients. To make water more flavorful, consider adding fruit slices or berries.

• Limit TV and video game usage. It will force kids to become more physically active and prevent them from enticing junk food commercials..

• Walk more. Everyone can do it. Incorporate regular family walks to the park or around the neighborhood.

• Be inventive. Not every child is interested in formal team sports, but every kid loves to run around. Encourage activities like hopscotch, jump rope or a simple game of “tag.”

• Be a role mode. Children often take cues from their parent’s eating habits so if you want your kids to eat healthier, you should eat healthier

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.