Breakfast is Important

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Let’s start with a question on this #WellnessWednesday. What did your child have for breakfast this morning?

If the answer is “nothing” you may want to read on.

Nutritional experts have concluded that children who leave the house without eating a balanced breakfast are more apt to be tired, irritable and fidgety. Conversely, nutritional experts have found that when your child eats breakfast, regularly, there is a marked improvement in their energy, attitude, general health and test score performance.

Some tips to help you to incorporate breakfast into your child’s morning routine are:

Prepare clothing, books, and school supplies the night before to leave more time in the morning for breakfast

Set the alarm for 15 minutes earlier

Choose foods that require little preparation such as fresh fruits, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, whole grain cereals or hot oatmeal

For children with slight appetites, offer a fruit smoothie or breakfast bar

Probably the best way to get your children to eat breakfast is to be a good role model. As adults, we can be very busy and may sacrifice our own breakfast in the morning. Sit down and join your child for a good first meal of the day. By doing so, you will show them the value of eating breakfast.

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.

ECZEMA

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Eczema is a condition that causes patches of skin to become red, inflamed, rough and itchy. Eczema is not a specific health condition; it is a reaction pattern that the skin produces as a result of a number of different diseases.

The specific causes of eczema currently remain unknown, but it is believed to develop due to a combination of hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors.

Environmental symptoms of eczema include:

Irritants – soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats, or vegetables
Allergens – dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, dandruff
Microbes – bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, certain fungi
Hot and cold temperatures – hot weather, high and low humidity, perspiration from exercise
Foods – dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, wheat
Stress – it is not a cause of eczema but can make symptoms worse
Hormones – women can experience worsening of eczema symptoms at times when their hormone levels are changing, for example during pregnancy and at certain points in their menstrual cycle

Since there is no cure for eczema, treatment for the condition is aimed toward healing the affected skin in an effort to prevent a flare up of symptoms. For some people, eczema goes away over time, and for others, it remains a lifelong condition.

There are a number of things that people with eczema can do to support skin health and alleviate symptoms, such as:

Taking regular warm baths
Applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to “lock in” moisture
Moisturizing every day
Wearing cotton and soft fabrics, avoiding rough, scratchy fibers, and tight-fitting clothing
Using mild soap or a non-soap cleanser when washing
Air drying or gently patting skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing skin dry after bathing
Avoiding rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat (where possible)
Learning individual eczema triggers and avoiding them
Using a humidifier in dry or cold weather
Keeping fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking skin

Medication can also be helpful in treating or preventing symptoms. These treatments are prescribed by a physician. If you are experiencing symptoms of eczema and would like to speak with a physician, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001, to schedule an appointment.

Electric Hand Dryers vs. Paper Towels

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Joann Ariola

TRUTH OR MYTH – ARE ELECTRIC HAND DRYERS MORE SANITARY THAN PAPER TOWELS?

MYTH!!! After washing your hands in a public restroom, you are likely to find 2 options for drying: a paper towel dispenser or an automatic air or jet hand dryer.Jet dryers are also advertised as a more sanitary alternative to paper towels. In truth is, jet hand dryers can spew germs 6 feet for more!! An old-fashioned paper towel (used sparingly!) may be the better health option despite environmental concerns.

Stress Baking

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Joann Ariola

During the holiday season people are merrier, cheerier and a lot more stressed! Holiday shopping, expenses and the enhanced workload that comes along with the season could easily cause a person to become burnt out.

There are many “how to’s” available on relieving stress during the holiday season and traditional occupational therapies have been suggested for years to relieve many symptoms of holiday stress and anxiety, but have you ever heard about the stress relieving method of “stress baking?”

It is a proven fact that physical activities can help improve your health, which in turn can combat the holiday blues. Experts have suggested that baking can helped lift seasonal depression, as it is a way of channeling all the negative energy into creating something positive.

The cold winter weather prohibits several outdoor, stress relieving activities, making baking a great option to immerse yourself into a new hobby.

According to both mental health and culinary experts, baking could very well be helpful in relieving symptoms of anxiety. For instance, kneading a batch of dough for 10 or 15 minutes may take away a great deal of the frustration and negativity you may be feeling.

There are so many recipe sites online and in books to help you get started. So try your hand at baking , it is a great way to relieve stress and let’s not forget, you get to taste the yummy home baked goods!

The Importance of an Annual Exam

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Joann Ariola

A. Yearly

B. Bi-Yearly

C. When I don’t feel good

D. I don’t do doctors

An annual exam is a good way of tracking your health progress. Some of the benefits are:

Primary prevention
To identify risk factors for common chronic diseases
To detect disease that has no apparent symptoms (secondary prevention)
A way for the doctor to counsel people to promote healthy behavior
To update clinical data since your last check-up
To enhance the relationship betweenyou and your doctor

If you are interested in scheduling an exam, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. Call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Kitchen Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Joann Ariola

As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen can become especially busy for many. During this time of year, we tend to host more family dinners, and holiday parties. With all this increased kitchen activity, safety can sometimes be overlooked.

While cooking-related injuries can take place any time of year, these incidents tend to increase in frequency around the holidays. Some of the injuries that take place in the kitchen include cuts, sprains and eye-related injuries, but the most common type of cooking-related injury are burns to the skin from hot liquids such as water, grease, or other substances.

Caution is the best practice for avoiding burns especially, while frying or boiling your favorite holiday foods. It is best to keep the flame at a reasonable level to avoid splatter burns when frying food. Also, be careful with your eyes while working in the kitchen as oil or hot water can cause irritation, injury or infection.

In addition to burns, hospitals also treat many people who suffered lacerations from knives while chopping or carving foods. Most injuries occur on the hand, knuckles or tips of the fingers. In some cases these injuries can result in stiches or even the loss of a digit. When using knives it is very important to use the right tool for the job. Don’t use a bread knife to carve a piece of meat or try to chop vegetables with a paring knife. It might sound odd, but always keep your knives sharpened. More kitchen injuries come from people using cutlery with dull blades than sharp ones.

Here are a few additional cooking safety tips:
• When chopping vegetables, slice downward and away from your body while keeping your fingers away from the blade.

• Never fry a turkey indoors or in a garage or other structure attached to a building. Be careful to follow specific thawing, preparation, and cooking temperature and timing instructions to avoid potential serious injury.

• Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, and know how to use it.

• Never leave your food unattended while frying or grilling.

• Use a timer and routinely check whatever you’re cooking.

• Keep your cutting area well-lit and dry. Good lighting will help prevent an accidental cut of the finger and making sure your cutting surface is dry will prevent ingredients from slipping while chopping.

• Make sure to wear a mitten when you are grabbing food from the oven.

Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Division recognizes that many of these injuries, accidents, and fatalities are preventable. Our Trauma Division is fully dedicated to reducing and preventing these injuries through community outreach, education and advocacy.

Can Lifestyle Choices Affect Infertility

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that infertility affects 10-15% of couples in the United States. Although it is commonly assumed that this condition occurs only in women; it affects both genders.

Infertility is usually diagnosed after a couple has tried to conceive for over one year without success. In women this problem can be the result of several problems such as ovulation disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, blocked Fallopian tubes or uterine fibroids. Factors that can cause infertility in men may include oligospermia (very few sperm cells are produced) or azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced).

There are also lifestyle practices that can increase the risk of infertility. Smoking, consuming too much alcohol, mental stress and poor diet are all known to affect fertility.

Excess stress can affect the function of the hypothalamus gland; which regulates the hormones that tells the ovaries to release eggs. Recent studies have also indicated that women experiencing greater amounts of stress were more likely to produce high levels of alpha-amylase and had a more difficult time getting pregnant.

The toxins inhaled from cigarette smoke can affect fertility by causing damage to reproductive organs, eggs and sperm. Heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption can also cause imbalances in the hormones of the reproductive systems of women and can also damage sperm in men.

Adopting a healthy diet that includes foods known to improve reproductive health and boost fertility can increase the chances of healthy ovulation. Dietitians often recommend eating organic foods and cold water fish such as salmon, increasing the intake of whole grains and drinking freshly squeezed fruit juices to couples who are trying to conceive.

If you have been trying to conceive for at least one year without success, it is possible that your lifestyle could be a contributing factor. It is recommended that you consult an Ob/Gyn to explore the possible causes of your infertility.

To learn more about infertility and treatments please call the Women’s Health Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-291-3276.

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Soul

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Joann Ariola

With all the running around we do and the stress we deal with each and every day, try to take a moment to center your mind and bring wellness to your entire being. Try reciting these and other positive affirmations to help start your day in a positive way.

Halloween Safety Tips

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Halloween is known as a kid-favorite holiday full of spooky fun and lots of candy. However, it can also present many opportunities for injury, as children take to the streets in pursuit of trick-or-treat goodies.

Statistics show that roughly four times as many children aged 5-14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared with other evenings of the year. Also, injuries such as falls are a leading cause of injuries among children on Halloween.

Parents can help minimize the risk of children getting injured at Halloween by following these safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Safety Council.

On Halloween children should:

Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches than entering houses.
Travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.
Use costume plastic knives and swords that are flexible, not rigid or sharp.
When walking through neighborhoods trick or treating, use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
Cross at the corner, use crosswalks and do not cross between parked cars.
Be sure to stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
Wear clothing or costumes that are bright, reflective and flame retardant.
Consider using face paint instead of masks which can obstruct a child’s vision.
Avoid wearing hats that will slide over children’s eyes.
Avoid wearing long, baggy or loose costumes or oversized shoes to prevent tripping.
Be reminded to look left, right and left again before crossing a street.

On Halloween parents and adults should:

Supervise the trick or treat outing for children under age 12.
Avoid giving choking hazards such a gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys as treats to young children.
Parents and adults should ensure the safety of pedestrian trick or treaters.
Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
Drive slowly.
Watch for children in the street and on medians.
Exit driveways and alleyways slowly and carefully.
Have children get out of cars on the curbs side, not on the traffic side.

By following these simple tips, you and your children can have a safe and fun Halloween!

Garlic Chicken

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Joann Ariola

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates said “Let food by thy medicine and medicine by thy food.” Hippocrates was known to prescribe garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Modern science has recently confirmed the beneficial health effects of garlic. Below is link for a tasty garlic chicken recipe that will help you add garlic to your nutritional regiment –

For this and more garlic based recipe’s visit allrecipes.com