October 2015 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Living with diabetes can affect your entire body and your mouth no exception. The good news however is that by effectively managing your blood sugar and practicing good oral hygiene habits, you can avoid diabetes-related problems to your teeth and gums.
Diabetes can take a toll on your mouth in the following ways:

• Tooth decay (cavities) – When bacteria in the mouth interact with sugars and starches found in the food we eat, it creates plaque, which destroys the enamel on our teeth and creates cavities. There are more sugars and starches in the mouths of diabetics because they have higher blood glucose levels, and are therefore more susceptible to tooth erosion and damage.

• Gum disease (gingivitis) – Diabetes reduces our bodies ability to fight bacteria, such as plaque. When plaque hardens on the gum line, it creates tartar, which can irritate the gums and cause swelling and bleeding. Gum disease can advance to a condition known as periodontitis, which can result in your teeth falling out.

• Thrush -People with diabetes who take antibiotics to combat infections are more likely to develop this fungal infection of the mouth and tongue, causing a burning sensation. This fungus thrives on the high levels of blood sugar found in the saliva of diabetics.

You can do a lot to avoid these problems, including:

• Manage your diabetes by monitoring your blood sugar and keeping it within your target range

• Take good care of your mouth by brushing at least two times per day with a soft-bristled brush and floss once per day to help remove plaque.

• Schedule regular dental visits and make sure your dentist is aware that you have diabetes and provide him with your doctor’s contact information.

• Look out for early signs of gum disease such as redness, bleeding or swelling. Also alert your dentist of loose teeth or mouth pain.

• Quit smoking as it increases the risk of serious diabetic complications, including gum disease. Ask your doctor about ways to quit if you need help.

If you have diabetes and are experiencing problems with your teeth and gums, make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Jamaica Hospital operates a full-service dental facility on its main campus. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-6980.

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.

5 Reasons Why Oral Health Matters

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Jamaica Hospital wants you to think beyond your teeth and gums and learn how good oral care has some surprising benefits for your overall health.

Here are five surprising reasons why oral care matters for a healthy body.

Healthy gums for a healthier heart

One health concern may lead to another. Studies have linked oral inflammatory disease with elevated heart disease risk. Gum disease from extended bacterial exposure can lead to cardiovascular disease as it may increase the inflammation level throughout the body. Your dentist should ask about your heart health and family history of heart disease.

A healthy mouth could mean a healthier pregnancy

Regular checkups with a dentist and hygienist become even more important during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant should take extra care to keep their teeth at their best, not just for themselves, but for their babies too. Pregnant women with poor oral health may be at higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight babies than pregnant women with good oral health.

There’s a link between gum disease and diabetes

People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. However, new studies suggest that serious gum disease may actually contribute to diabetes as it affects blood glucose control. This two-way link is a wake-up call to take care of your teeth, especially since the incidence of diabetes is rising.

Early screening for Oral Cancer

As part of regular examinations, dentists should check all soft tissues to ensure they are healthy. All dentists are trained to do a cancer screening as part of ongoing dental checkups, by inspecting the gums, tongue, lips and cheeks for anything suspicious or any unusual changes. A precancerous lesion can begin as a small white or dark red patch that may not be causing you any noticeable symptoms. Keep in mind that only about one-half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years, so detecting early signs of the disease is crucial.

Trying to lose weight? Brush your teeth!

Brushing your teeth signals you have finished eating and may help with portion control. Use this trick to your advantage – have a healthy meal and then, before you are tempted to overeat or indulge in sweet desserts, go and brush your teeth. This will tell your brain that mealtime is over. While brushing cleans your teeth and freshens your breath.

World Psoriasis Day – October 29 2015

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

October 29th has been designated World Psoriasis Day by the International Federation of Psoriasis Association to raise awareness about this disease. It is estimated that worldwide there are 125 million people worldwide who have psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, reoccurring, immune related inflammatory disorder of the skin. It is believed to have a genetic component which means it can run in families. The disease usually starts to appear in the younger years and continues into adulthood, and it affects men and women equally. There is no known cause other than it is triggered by a malfunctioning of the immune system. Psoriasis is unsightly but is not contagious.

Psoriasis presents as reddish plaques on the skin with silvery scales. These lesions can be very painful and itchy. It can also affect the joints (psoriatic arthritis) which can cause physical and functional deformity. There is no cure for the disease, but treatments do exist that make the skin lesions less painful and less visible.
To make an appointment a dermatologist at Jamaica Hospital’s ambulatory care center please call 718-206-7001.

Rare But True-Disorders That Can Turn Your Skin Blue

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

The Blue Fugates of Troublesome Creek was an entire family from Eastern Kentucky made up of blue-skinned people. Those who knew the Fugates described them as, “blue all over” and “as blue as Lake Louise.”

The Blue Fugates were famously known for inheriting and passing on the rare gene that causes methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder that produces an abnormally high amount of methemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin). Individuals who have this disease are at risk of developing very dark, almost chocolate- colored blood or blue skin. This is because the hemoglobin that they produce is unable to carry sufficient amounts of oxygen throughout the body and oxygenate tissues.

Methemoglobinemia can be inherited or acquired. Acquired cases are more likely to occur and are usually the result of exposure to certain medications or chemicals such as nitrates, silver or benzocaine.

Symptoms of this rare disease can include:

Bluish colored skin
Seizures
Headaches
Shortness of breath
Fatigue

Another disorder that is known to cause the skin to turn to a bluish or silver hue is argyria. This condition results from extended amounts of contact with silver compounds or the ingestion of silver salts.

People who are potentially at risk of developing this condition are those:

Taking medications with silver salts as an ingredient
Taking colloidal silver as a dietary supplement
Have careers that expose them to silver such as silver mining or refining

Cases of this disorder are extremely rare. Paul Karason famously known as “Papa Smurf,” was one of these few people to develop argryia in recent years. He acquired the disorder by drinking a home-made brew that included colloidal silver and using a silver-based salve on his face. He helped raise awareness of this condition as well as the potentially harmful side effects of ingesting silver-based products.

Here is a video of the interview of “The man who turned blue”.

(Video via OWN network)

Pulmonary Rehab For COPD

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a general term that describes progressive respiratory diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by decreased airflow over time and increased inflammation of the lungs.

A decrease in airflow often results in shortness of breath, which at times makes performing minimal physical activities difficult. One of the most recommended forms of treatments used to improve this issue is pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD. A respiratory therapist can assess the severity of a patient’s condition before enrollment into a program by administering tests such as a pulmonary function test.

This form of treatment involves a series of exercises that teaches people breathing techniques that help them build physical fitness and lung strength.

Most pulmonary rehab programs include:

Exercise-This is one of the key components in pulmonary rehab. Patients are required to do a series of physical activities such as:

Exercises to strengthen and improve breathing muscles
Upper body exercises
Lower body exercises
Strength training

Smoking cessation- In order to improve quality of life and lung function, smoking cessation is often a goal or prerequisite in pulmonary rehab. Quitting is the most important thing a smoker can do to slow the progression of COPD.
Education-Programs offer education in either a group setting or on an individual basis. Education sessions are designed to teach people ways to manage their COPD or include lessons on understanding medication as well as using oxygen therapy.

Patients who participate in pulmonary rehab programs gain several benefits. Most see significant improvement in their breathing. It is suggested that participants continue the exercises even after completing a program by incorporating them into their daily life. Those who do not may experience a decline in its benefits.

Smoking and Emphysema

Posted on October 23, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Smoking can lead to many health conditions, many of which are reversible or treatable. One disease however that is not is emphysema.

When someone has emphysema, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the airways in their lungs are damaged. When these sacs are damaged or destroyed, their walls weaken and eventually rupture. Ultimately, this reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches their bloodstream. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema.

While emphysema is most likely to develop in cigarette smokers, cigar and pipe smokers also are susceptible. The risk for all types of smokers increases with the number of years and amount of tobacco smoked. Other factors include:

• Age
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Occupational exposure to fumes or dust
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution

The main symptoms of emphysema are shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Because these symptoms develop gradually, you can have emphysema for many years without knowing it.

See your doctor if you’ve had unexplained shortness of breath for several months, especially if it’s getting worse or it’s interfering with your daily activities. Don’t try to attribute it to deconditioning, age or weight. Seek immediate medical attention if:

• You’re so short of breath that you can’t perform basic activities such as climb stairs
• Your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray with exertion
• You’re not mentally alert

Tests to determine if you have emphysema include imaging and lab tests. Lung function tests to measure how well air flows in and out of your lungs may also be performed.

Unfortunately, emphysema is not currently curable, but there are medications and therapies that can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. In extreme cases your doctor may suggest one or more different types of surgery.

If you have emphysema, you can take a number of steps to halt its progression and to protect yourself from complications, including exercising regularly and avoiding irritants, but the most important measure you can take for your overall health and the only one that might halt the progression of emphysema is to STOP SMOKING.

History of Hearing Aids

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

For hundreds of years devices have been used to help the hearing impaired. As early as the 1600s devices were made from sea shells, animal horns and then, in later years, from brass and copper. These early hearing instruments that were wide at one end to gather the sound and narrow at the other end to direct sound into the ear canal. They were described as ear trumpets because of the way they looked.
In the 1700s it was discovered that sound could be sensed as vibrations on bony surfaces of the skull so devices were placed behind the ear to help transmit these sounds.
In the 1800s devices were created that resembled tubes into which a person spoke at one end and the other end was placed in the ear of the person who was listening.
In the early part of the 20th century devices were developed that began to use electricity. This helped tremendously with the development of hearing devices that could amplify sounds and direct them into people’s ears. Some of the technology used by Alexander Graham Bell for the telephone was also used for these hearing aids. Sounds were amplified by using a carbon microphone and powered by batteries.
Over the years, batteries became smaller and transistors were developed that helped to miniaturize the devices, which improved helped sound quality.
The digital era has improved hearing aids even further both in quality of the sound and the size of the device. Hearing aids are now being used that fit in the ear canal and aren’t easily visible, making people less hesitant to wear them. While years ago hearing aids were used mainly by people who were hard of hearing, now they can be used for people who just need a little help to hear more clearly.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty hearing, it is recommended that you speak with a physician who will make a referral to our audiology evaluation department. Please call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Teenage Depression and Anxiety

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Teen angst -488360124 The term “teen angst” is synonymous with the emotional changes that adolescents experience. It is commonly used to describe unpredictable mood swings and at times unexplained changes in behaviors displayed by adolescents.

Adolescent or teen angst is defined as an “acute feeling of anxiety or apprehension that is often accompanied by depression.”(www.Medscape.com). Occasional bad moods, irritability or periods of sadness are common and expected behaviors. However, if they persist for an extended period of time, it can be an indication that your child is experiencing more than the typical teen strife. They may be exhibiting symptoms of a serious mental health issue such as depression or anxiety.

It is estimated that one in eight teenagers suffer from depression or anxiety and in some cases both disorders. Many of these behaviors are dismissed or overlooked as moodiness. This is concerning because if left untreated depression or anxiety can lead to highly destructive actions such as, drug abuse, self-mutilation, or in extreme situations- suicide.

There are several signs that may present themselves that can help parents recognize if their child is suffering from a depression or anxiety disorder. Some of which are:

Frequent sadness or crying
Persistent boredom or the inability to enjoy activities
Increased hostility, anger or irritability
Frequent absences from school or extracurricular activities they once enjoyed
Extreme fear of rejection or failure
Chronic fatigue or tiredness
Frequent complaints about headaches and stomach aches, without real cause for illness
Poor concentration
Constantly speaking about death or suicide
Persistent social isolation or difficulty with relationships
Major changes in eating or sleeping patterns

If your child is displaying any of these signs, it is recommended that you have a non-judgmental conversation with them. Let them know that you have observed atypical behaviors and that you are concerned. Encourage them to open up. If they are uncomfortable speaking to you about what they are experiencing, offer support gand seek the help of a mental health professional.

For more information of adolescent depression or anxiety or to speak with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7135.

Fun Facts About Your Eyebrows

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Our eyebrows – they are two (for some, maybe one) tufts of hair that grow directly above our eyes. Throughout our evolution, we have lost most of the hair that once covered our bodies, yet the eyebrow remains. Why? Actually there are a few good reasons why they remain in the middle of our face.

Our eyebrows offer protection for our eyes. Like our eye lashes, eyebrows deflect dirt from entering the eyes. They also trap liquids like rain or sweat from running down our face and into our eyes. They even offer protection from glaring rays from the sun.

In addition, your eyebrows serve as markers for our face. Without them, identifying someone is much more difficult than you would think. In a recent study, researchers showed people images of famous celebrities without their eyebrows. Amazingly, the participants were only able to identify 46% of the faces.

Lastly, your eyebrows are a crucial tool in non-verbal communication. This collection of about 250 hairs is considered the most expressive parts of our faces. Think about it! You can tell exactly how someone is feeling based on the positioning of their eyebrows. If they have furrowed brows they’re probably angry. If one is raised it could mean they are feeling inquisitive or confused, and if they are feeling shocked, both eyebrows might be raised.

So, now you know, our eyebrows were not just placed on our heads to be plucked or waxed. They actually have some really interesting purposes.

Do you prefer real sugar or an artificial sweetner ?

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

While limiting the intake of sugar may be seen as a good trend, people seem to be consuming more of the artificially sweetened products which may not be beneficial in the long term. Over indulgence in products that are made with these artificial sweeteners can still cause weight gain.

As people in the United States have become more health conscious, the use of products made with artificial sweeteners has increased. More and more products are being produced each year that are labeled “Sugar Free”, “Diet”, “Low-Cal”, “Light”, or “Artificially Sweetened”.

There are six sugar substitutes that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in foods and beverages. These are aspartame, sucralose, stevia, neotame, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium. These products are very sweet and therefore only very small quantities need to be added to food and beverages to make them taste good. For as long as these products made with artificial sweeteners have been available there has been controversy over any harmful side effects that they may pose. So far the FDA has not been able to substantiate any claims of harmful effects from their use.

Whether a person choses to use sugar or a sugar substitute, moderation is the best way to
use these products.