November 2014 - Health Beat

Tap V. Bottled Water: Which is Better?

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Remember sipping water from a fountain in the park or turning on the kitchen sink for a glass of H2O? Many people today do not have those same experiences because fewer and fewer are drinking tap water. In a recent study, it was revealed that one out of every five U.S. households uses bottled water as their primary or only source of water. Many Americans believe it is a healthier option, but is it really better for you?

Tap water and bottled water are regulated by two different agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees tap water and the Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water. Despite the different governing agencies, the standards of ensuring safety are very similar. Both have strict quality control measures in place to protect the water we drink from harmful bacteria and other contaminates.

Another similarity between tap and bottled water is often the source. There are over 500 bottled water plants in the United States and while some of the bottled water originates from sparkling springs, many others come from a municipal water supply. The water is treated, purified and sold to the public at an inflated cost. In fact, bottled water is estimated to cost up to 1,000 times more than tap water.

Distinguishing which is healthier is hard to do. The levels of certain important minerals in your water, such as calcium and magnesium, depend on what type of bottled water you purchase or the source of your tap water. Areas that use water sources that contain lower levels of these minerals have a higher rate of heart disease than areas with higher levels.
What about taste? Some people prefer the taste of bottled water, citing a funny taste in tap water. The taste that they are referring to is the trace amounts of chlorine used as a disinfectant to guard against the regrowth of microorganisms. Bottled water often utilizes ozone disinfection, which is tasteless and odorless.

The last factor to consider when choosing between tap and bottled water is the effect bottled water consumption has on the environment. It is estimated that Americans consume nearly ten billion gallons of bottled water every year. It is also estimated that less than 20% of water bottles are recycled.

What do you prefer to drink and why? Jamaica Hospital wants to know.

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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.

Delicious and Healthy Herbed Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Full Herbed Cornbread Healthy Recipe courtesy of www.eatingwell.com

CORNBREAD

1 1/2 cups cornmeal

1 cup white-whole wheat flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

1/2 cup low-fat milk

2 large eggs

1 large egg white

3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

3 tablespoons canola oil

STUFFING

8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), divided

1 1/4 cups chopped celery

1 1/4 cups chopped shallots

2 sweet-tart apples, such as Jonagold, peeled and chopped

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage

1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme

1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock

3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1/4 teaspoon salt

Ground pepper to taste

PREPARATION

To prepare cornbread: Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk buttermilk, milk, eggs, egg whites, melted butter and oil in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until blended.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. If time allows, let stand, uncovered at room temperature, before preparing the stuffing.

To prepare stuffing: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery, shallots and apples; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, crumble cornbread into medium pieces in a large bowl.

Add sage and thyme to the pan; cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Scrape the mixture into the bowl and toss to combine with the cornbread.

Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Add to the stuffing mixture along broth, parsley, Old Bay, salt and pepper. Scrape into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake the stuffing for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until lightly brown, 20 to 25 minutes more.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and a good time to find out if you are at risk. With 30 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes and an additional 86 million at risk, there is a possibility that you either have it, are at risk for it, or know someone who has been diagnosed.

Risk factors for diabetes include having a family history of the disease, obesity, living a sedentary life style and having heart disease. Africn Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Native Americans are also at higher risk. Signs and symptoms include blurry vision, sudden change in weight, frequent urination, feeling thirsty all the time and fatigue. People who are at risk should start having annual assessments starting at age 45.

Diabetes is a disease that leads to elevated blood sugar. Either the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone, insulin, that helps the cells absorb glucose (type I diabetes) or the body produces insulin and the cells don’t recognize it (type II diabetes).Type I diabetes affects children most frequently and can’t be prevented so it must be treated with medication. Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset, is not always preventable but it can sometimes be delayed or controlled by diet and exercise.

The key to successfully managing diabetes and preventing secondary complications is to control blood sugar levels. Type I diabetes is treated by taking insulin injections on a daily basis. Type II diabetes can be treated by taking medication. These medications can either be administered in tablet form or in more severe cases by taking tablets and insulin injections.

People at risk should speak to their physician about being tested for diabetes. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

What Happens During A Diabetic Coma

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

A diabetic coma results from either very high or very low blood glucose levels. This is a life-threatening complication which causes the patient to fall into a state of unconsciousness. The coma is reversible if treated immediately, but if left untreated they may receive permanent brain damage or potentially die. There are three main types of diabetic comas: severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic hyperosmolar. Each type of coma can be brought on by excessive food intake, failure to take the proper doses of medication, trauma, illegal drug use, alcohol consumption or infection.

Hypoglycemia occurs when the body has insufficient glucose. If the brain does not have enough glucose, it cannot function properly which later causes you to pass out. Diabetic Ketoacidosis is common amongst people with type 1 diabetes and is triggered by the build-up of ketones. Ketones build up when sugar levels are too low and the body begins to burn fat for energy. Diabetic hyperosmolar occurs when your blood sugar is dangerously high, causing your blood to get thick and syrupy. Your body will try to get rid of the excess sugar by passing it in urine. This will cause frequent urination that can lead to dehydration.

There are several symptoms that will alert you if your sugar levels are dangerously high or low:

Fatigue
Sudden and extreme hunger
Frequent urination
Fruity-smelling breath
Shaking or nervousness
Irregular heartbeat
Confusion

If you are experiencing these symptoms check your blood glucose levels right away and seek immediate medical attention. The best way to avoid diabetic comas is through prevention and managing your diabetes. You can manage your diabetes by checking your blood sugar regularly, exercising, sticking to your recommended diet, staying hydrated and taking the proper doses of medication. For more information on diabetes management and early prevention Jamaica Hospital offers a free diabetes prevention program, to sign up please call 718-206-7088.

Is Smoking Compromising your Auto-immune Health?

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Zuleika Benitez

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Surgeon General Report, there are more than 16 million people in America who already have at least one disease from smoking. As research continues to examine the negative side effects of smoking, which can include cancers and respiratory diseases, there is another aspect of your health it may be affecting- your autoimmune system.

Cigarette smoke contains several toxic ingredients including: tars, nicotine, carbon monoxide and other unnatural chemicals. These toxic ingredients are difficult to break down and eliminate both in the body, when inhaled, and in the environment, when exhaled. In addition, these same toxins weaken the immune system. With 1 out of 5 adults and teenagers smoking, researchers are noticing increased cases of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which can be triggered by smoking.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting mostly women, but does not discriminate; men can also fall prey to this disease. The reason one is diagnosed with lupus is still unknown. However, doctors believe it may be a combination of genetics or the environment. With lupus, the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the body which can make one more susceptible to infections. Since respiratory infections are among the most common, smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and chronic bronchitis in people diagnosed with lupus.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) disease has no cure, only treated with medications and symptoms can vary from person to person, with the most common symptoms being long periods of joint pain and fatigue. Some people may have a genetic predisposition for RA, and smoking can increase the severity of its symptoms. Smoking can also interfere with the effectiveness of RA medication. Even if you are not genetically disposed to RA, chances are smoking can make you vulnerable to it- a good reason to quit smoking.

Don’t be among the 16 million. Choosing to make a lifestyle change can be difficult; Jamaica Hospital can help. If you are interested in creating a plan or participating in a smoking cessation group, please contact 718-206-8494.

Do You Have a Carbon Monoxide Alarm in Your Home?

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen at any time of the year, but the danger is greatest during the winter months when furnaces and other heating units are used more frequently.

It is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United Sates and is called the invisible killer, because you cannot see or smell it. This poisonous gas can come from a variety of sources and quickly incapacitate and kill its victims.

Since CO is colorless, tasteless and odorless (unlike smoke from a fire), detection and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning in a home environment is impossible without a warning device, such as a carbon monoxide detector. While about 95 percent of U.S. homes report having at least one working smoke alarm, only 42 percent report having a working CO alarm. CO alarms can alert you and your family to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide inside your home before it is too late.

Proper placement of a CO detector is important. If you are installing only one in your home, it is recommended that you place it near the bedrooms, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Like smoke detectors, the batteries in CO detectors should be checked annually and they should be tested every month.

If your detector goes off, immediately leave your home and get fresh air. Call 911 before re-entering your home.

Is Your Child Being Bullied?

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Bullying occurs when an individual or group possesses an imbalance of power, either from a physical or social status perspective, over another person or group. While bullying is prevalent among all age groups, it has become a serious cause for concern among children.

The National Bullying Prevention Center defines bullying as behavior that hurts or harms another person physically or emotionally. Those being bullied often have difficulty stopping the behavior directed at them and struggle to defend themselves.

Statistics have shown that at least 28 percent of students, ages 12-18, reported being bullied at school during the year. Additionally, 7.2 % of students admit to not going to school due to personal safety concerns. Many fear the physical and verbal aggression of their peers, and many more attend school in a state of anxiety and depression.

Many children will not tell parents they are being bullied until the situation escalates, but there a few changes in their behavior that can alert you. Signs that your child may be a victim of bullying include refusing to speak about their day at school,not wanting to go to school, unexplained marks and bruises, asking for more lunch money, complaining of frequent headaches and stomach aches,sudden loss of friends and frequent nightmares.

“Bullying has profound effects on children. For some, it affects them for life. Psychological responses can range from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder to severe reactive rage leading to the victim being the perpetrator of cruelty to others. In some instances, children have responded to bullying and cyber-bullying by committing suicide,” states Dr. Seeth Vivek, Chairman of Psychiatry at Jamaica Hospital.

If you find that your child is being bullied, you will need to document the dates, times and places of the action. If the bullying is taking place on school grounds, call the school and schedule a face to face meeting with a teacher or principal. If not on school grounds, notify the police.

Most schools have adopted an anti-bullying policy. Obtain a copy to determine if the bully violated school law. Bullying is best handled when you work together, with the proper authorities.

After notification, be sure to follow up with your child, and the school, to make sure that the bullying has stopped.

Focus on Dental Care: Gum Disease- Sign & Symptoms

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Zuleika Benitez

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately half of the American population has gum disease or symptoms of it. Affecting women and men alike, no one is excluded from this possible diagnosis- even children are susceptible.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the gum tissues and bone that supports the teeth. Many factors can increase the chances of developing gum disease, such as tobacco use, stress, poor diet, or even genetics. The hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus, that builds up by the gum line can bring about gingivitis and spread into the underlying bone. It can start slowly without any pain and may go unnoticed until there is pain.

Some of the symptoms of gum disease can include:

Red, swollen or tender gums/ Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
Receding gums
Tooth sensitivity for no reason
Metallic taste
Chronic bad breath
Deep pockets (the space between gums and the teeth)

While practicing good dental hygiene, such as regular flossing and brushing after meals, can help slow the progression of such a disease, it is important to schedule regular dental check-ups to prevent gum disease or its progression.

Unfortunately, many people go to the dentist only when they experience some sort of pain or symptom. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep on top of your oral health and make an appointment with your dentist every 6 months for a dental check- up and deep cleaning. Contact Jamaica Hospital’s Dental Clinic to schedule your appointment at 718-206-6980.

The Life You Save…

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Joann Ariola

According to the American College of Surgeons half of all deaths in the United States involve alcohol. Traumas, caused by alcohol related incidents, are the most tragic because they can be avoided.

Almost 30 people in the United States die every day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one death every 51 minutes.

These statistics make it imperative to have a safety plan in place before the consumption of alcohol begins. Some recommended precautions are:

Know your limit and plan ahead

Eat food before and while you drink
Beware of unfamiliar drinks
Appoint a designated driver
Respect the rights of individuals who do not want to drink
Space your drinks
Avoid drinking games
Avoid combining alcohol with other drugs
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

With the holiday season quickly approaching and statistics showing that 90% of all drunk driving happens after drinking with family, friends and co-workers, making use of these tips will help you be able to incorporate safety into your plans.

What is an Echocardiogram?

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Zuleika Benitez

Has your doctor recommended an echocardiogram for you? No need to be alarmed. It’s not surgery, and it doesn’t hurt. An echocardiogram, or an ‘echo’, is an ultrasound for the heart that uses high-pitched sound waves sent through a device called a transducer. The device picks up echoes of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. These echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a video screen. It’s a simple procedure conducted by a trained sonographer which may take place in your doctor’s office, a hospital clinic or even in the emergency room.

There are different types of echo-cardiograms which are able to display the shape of your heart, how well it is functioning, whether you have a clot, or if there are any problems with your heart’s valves. Depending on what your doctor is looking for, your doctor may prescribe one of the following tests:

• Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This is the most common type. Views of the heart are obtained by moving the transducer to different locations on your chest or abdominal wall. Echo_521202511

• Stress echocardiogram. For this test, an echocardiogram is done both before and after your heart is stressed either by having you exercise or by injecting a medicine that makes your heart beat harder and faster to test your heart’s blood flow.

• Doppler echocardiogram. This test is used to look at how blood flows through the heart chambers, heart valves, and blood vessels. The ultrasound computer measures the direction and speed of the blood flowing through your heart and blood vessels.

• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). For this test, the probe is passed down the esophagus instead of being moved over the outside of the chest wall. TEE portray clearer pictures of your heart, because the probe is located closer to the heart, lungs, and bones of the chest wall, so it does not block the sound waves produced by the probe. A sedative and an anesthetic applied to the throat are used to make you comfortable during this test.

If you need to schedule an echo, or have any questions, please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Cardiology at 718-206-7110.