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.

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.

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

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Joann Ariola

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.

INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO EXERCISE AT HOME

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Joann Ariola

When you’re starting a home workout program it can be hard to figure out what exercises you should perform, particularly if you don’t have the budget for pricey equipment or personal training.
Most experts will tell you that a home training program for fitness should target all your major muscle groups are targeted at least once each week. It is recommended that your program includes 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise no more than three to five times a week.”
Most importantly, stretching should be a part of the workout regime. Stretching helps with both strength and flexibility.
Some proven home exercises that won’t break your piggy bank are:
• Squats. Standing upright, feet wider than shoulders apart. With your arms extended forward or your hands on your hips for balance, squat down. Push your knees outward as you descend until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Continue pushing your knees outward as you stand.
• Partial-body push-ups (with knees on the floor).
• Modified jumping jacks. Instead of moving your arms over your head, do these while you press the palms of your hands together at chest level, holding your elbows out to make a straight line.
• Chair crunches. Sit on a chair with your hands under your behind, arms straight, and fingers facing inward toward one another. Contract your pelvis and lower abs, and, keeping your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, lift your feet off the floor and tuck your knees in toward your chest while bending your upper body slightly toward your knees. Do as many as you can until you reach fatigue.
• Chair dips. Place your hands on the side of the chair and wrap your fingers around the edge. Scoot forward until your bottom is on the edge of the chair and your arms are fully extended. Keep your feet about 3 inches apart with your legs extended, so your knees are at approximately a 150 degree angle with your heels grounded. With your elbows pointed back and tucked in tight alongside your body, do 15 to 20 dips, 3 seconds down and 1 second up. Keep your chest up and your shoulders back.
It is important to speak with your Physician before beginning any exercise program, even if it is an at home program.

Asthma and Exercise

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for both physical and mental health. With proper diagnosis and effective treatment, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of an exercise program without experiencing asthma symptoms.
When searching for an exercise program, you should research activities that involve short, intermittent periods of exertion, such as volleyball, gymnastics, baseball, and wrestling, are generally well tolerated by people with asthma.
Swimming, which is a strong endurance sport, is also well tolerated by many people with asthma because it is usually performed while breathing warm, moist air. It is also an excellent activity for maintaining physical fitness.
Before starting an exercise program, it is important that you talk to your doctor. Your medical professional can assist you in creating an asthma action plan, which will tell you what type of exercise is best suited for you and what to do if you have symptoms during exercise.

Breastfeeding and Going Back To Work

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Joann Ariola

If you’re breastfeeding your newborn and returning to work, you may be wondering how you are going to do both. With a little discipline and some planning, breastfeeding after you return to work is a challenge you can overcome.

Josie Kirton, Clinical Nurse Manager and Lactation Consultant at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has offered some suggestions that are designed to make nursing your child and transitioning back to work easier.
1. Before going back to work, speak with your supervisor about your plans to breastfeed. Discuss different types of schedules, such as starting back part-time at first or taking split shifts.
2. Many Lactation Consultants recommend that breastfeeding moms join a breastfeeding support group to talk with other mothers about breastfeeding after your baby is born and how they transitioned back into the workplace.
3. Jamaica Hospital provides a lactation support program for employees. If your company does not, ask about private areas where you can comfortably and safely express milk. The Affordable Care Act (Health care reform) supports work-based efforts to assist nursing mothers.
4. Ask the lactation program director, your supervisor, wellness program director, employee human resources office, or other co-workers if they know of other women at your company who have breastfed after returning to work.
If you have any questions regarding breastfeeding your baby, you can call Jamaica Hospital’s Lactation Consultant at 718-670 4200 for answers to FAQ’s.

Could Hypertention be Triggering your Migraine?

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Joann Ariola

The exact causes of migraines are unknown, people with migraines may inherit the tendency to be affected by certain migraine triggers, such as fatigue, bright lights, weather changes, and Hypertension.

One condition that is commonly associated as being a “trigger” for a migraine is Hypertension.

In patients with migraine and established hypertension, good control of blood pressure may be beneficial in controlling their headache.

So, be sure to consult your doctor before taking any migraine medications since many of the drugs used to treat hypertension may cause headaches.

If you are experiencing painful migrain headaches, the Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has convenient hours and days of operation. To schedule an apointment, call 718-206-7001.

Ear Infections and Your Child

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Ear infections are among the most common health conditions in young children and babies. However, some children are too young to tell you that they have ear pain. How can you tell if your child has an ear infection?

Look for the following symptoms, which are all signs of ear infections:

ear drainage
fever
trouble hearing
tugging on the ear, fussiness, or excessive crying
difficulty sleeping
difficulty eating or chewing

While ear infections are not always preventable, you can help minimize your child’s risk of developing them by keeping him or her away from second hand smoke and people with colds whenever possible. Frequent hand washing also helps. If your child has frequent ear infections it is advisable to see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for a complete evaluation.

Originating from germs found in the nose or throat, ear infections are easily treated. Over-the-counter pain medications can be given as needed for temporary relief. Ear infections may resolve by themselves, however depending on the severity, antibiotics may be needed. It is best to speak to your physician to determine the proper treatment.

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician.

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook: