Nail Salon Safety

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Michael Hinck

The safety of New York’s nail salon workers has recently been a topic of conversion, but what about the safety of those who frequent these salons?

The products found in salons, such as nail polish and nail polish remover may contain many toxic chemicals, including DBP, Tolune, and Formaldehyde. These chemicals can be dangerous not only to employees in these establishments, but also to the customers. Potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to these products include lung disease, miscarriage, and cancer. When choosing a nail salon, ask if they use safe, non-toxic products.

While exposure to these chemicals are making headlines, other risks, including developing toe nail fungus, plantar’s warts, or even a bacterial infection are all a cause for concern.

Follow these nail salon safety tips before your next trip to the salon:

• Bring Your Own Tools – By purchasing your own instruments, you can ensure that no one else has used them. All metal tools should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide between uses. All non-metal tool, such as files can’t be sterilized and should be discarded after each use because they can harbor bacteria.

• Ensure Proper Sterilization – If you opt to use the salon’s tools, make sure all pieces of equipment that touches your skin was sterilized in an autoclave (steam sterilizer) between each use. Some salons may use a UV sterilizer, but this process does not kill bacteria.

• Proper Hygiene is a Must – Salon employees should wash their hands between each customer. While waterless sanitizers are acceptable, washing hands using soap and warm running water is preferable. Employees can also use gloves as an extra layer of protection.

• Don’t Get Your Cuticles Cut – The purpose of cuticles is to protect the nail bed from bacteria. If that’s their job, why would we want to cut them? Using cutters, razors, or other tools can allow bacteria to enter your body and cause an infection. Instead, use a cotton-tipped stick to gently push the cuticles back.

• Footbath Safety – Make sure your salon’s footbaths are cleaned in hot, soapy water and sprayed with a disinfectant between each use. Also, tub liners should be used. To be extra careful, bring your own tub liner or garbage bag.

• Check for General Cleanliness – Inspect the overall condition of your salon’s floors and bathrooms. Odds are if they are not clean, the shop does not make sterility a priority.

Before you get that manicure or pedicure this summer, make sure your salon is safe. The cost of beautiful nails should not be your health.

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.

Are We Taller in the Morning?

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Michael Hinck

It is said that we are just a little bit taller in the morning than we are later in the day – but why?

This phenomenon may be due to gravity compressing cartilage in our spine and in other parts of our bodies, such as our knees when we stand up or sit down throughout the day. While we are lying down in a resting position, the spine is said to “spread out” or decompress, so when we wake in the morning we are taller after lying in bed all night.

In fact, astronauts coming back from outer space are a few inches taller than their normal height on earth because of the lack of gravitational forces on their spines away from the earth’s atmosphere. When they are on earth again, gravity will gradually return them to their normal height.

The increase in our morning height is only about 1cm, but that maybe just enough for some to boast a different height to their family and friends.

Smoking and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Smoking is a bad habit for anyone, but for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is a habit that is especially dangerous.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints. It occurs when your immune system, the system that protects your body from outside harm, mistakenly starts attacking healthy tissue. If not managed properly, over time, RA can cause joint damage—and can even result in permanent joint destruction.

Unlike the more common osteoarthritis, RA is not associated with factors such as aging, obesity, or injury, but lifestyle choices, such as smoking, not only increase your odds of developing the disease but also make the condition worse for those who already have it. In addition, smoking combined with RA can lead to even greater problems, such as heart disease.

Recent studies indicate that tobacco is highly associated with and the probable cause of RA in many instances and is a leading factor when the condition worsens. According to one study, Smokers with a specific gene makeup are 50% more likely to develop RA than those who do not smoke, and those who get it, usually develop a more serious form of the disease.

Smoking also affects how well those who develop RA respond to treatments. In general, smokers are less likely to achieve remission and have worse outcomes because tobacco reduces the effectiveness of medications used to treat swelling and reduce pain for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Having rheumatoid arthritis, in and of itself, it’s a risk factor for developing heart disease. In fact, over the last ten years, the leading cause of death for people with RA is cardiovascular disease. Smoking, combined with RA raises your risk of developing heart disease to a much higher level.

Quitting smoking can go a long way toward rheumatoid arthritis prevention. If you’re at risk for developing RA or if you already have it, you don’t want to light up, and if you’re already smoking, you want to quit.

May is arthritis awareness month. If you or a loved one either has or is at risk of developing arthritis, please speak to your doctor immediately about treatment options. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospitals’ Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Interesting Facts About Tickling

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Michael Hinck

We have all done it to someone or had it done to us. Some of us are more sensitive to it than others. What are we talking about? – tickling.

What exactly happens when you’re tickled? In simple terms, nerve endings in your skin send messages to the cerebellum, the area of your brain that monitors movement and reacts to sensation. When someone tickles you, the cerebellum reacts to this unexpected touch.

Our brain is aware of our body’s movement however and can predict a response to any sensation and suppress a response. This failure to surprise our brain is why we cannot tickle ourselves.

A reaction to being tickled does have benefits. Many believe it to be a defense mechanism. Being tickled often draws attention to external stimuli. Like an itch, it can alert us to predators, such as insects crawling on our skin. In addition, some of the most ticklish parts of our body, such as under our arms and our ribs, are also some of our most vulnerable, reinforcing the theory that tickling is a way of warning our body to protect these areas.

Another potential benefit is that being tickled can be slimming. Tickling makes you laugh, which burns calories. A study in the International Journal of Obesity found that 10 to 15 minutes of laughing burns 10 to 40 extra calories a day — which could add up to one to four pounds in a year.

There are still many things we do not know about tickling, including why some people are more ticklish than others, but at least you now know that you cannot tickle yourself.

What Are Keloid Scars?

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Keloid scars occur when the body responds aggressively to an injury to the skin. Damage to the skin can be the result of a cut, scrape, burn, piercing, or surgery.

Keloids are usually pink or red and are raised above the normal skin surface. They are different from other scars in that they have the ability to stretch beyond the original boundary of the wound. They develop most often on the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes and can become painful, itchy, and in extreme cases, even affect muscle function.

Doctors do not know why certain individuals develop keloid scars and some do not, but research suggests that some people’s skin is unable to identify and correctly respond to the damage at the site of the wound. Keloid scars can be developed by anyone but they are much more common in those with darker colored skin. The tendency to form keloids sometimes seems to run in families.

Treatment options include surgery to remove the scar, steroid injections, or silicone sheets to flatten the scar. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen).

The best keloid cure is to prevent one before it starts. People who are prone to keloid scars should not undergo cosmetic surgery or get piercings because chances are another keloid will develop. There’s no guarantee that a keloid will not develop after an injury, but there are steps that can be taken to aid in the prevention.

At the initial period of injury firm pressure should immediately be placed on the wound. This will help to stop the bleeding so that your body can begin the healing process. The wound should be cleaned with cool running water and mild soap to rid the wound from any dirt or debris. Keep the wound covered with a bandage to keep out bacteria and other toxins. Silicone gels are very effective for this because they form a barrier on the skin locking in moisture while keeping out germs.

Is Your Child at Risk of Developing Hypertension?

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Hypertension is a health concern traditionally associated with adults, but more and more children are being diagnosed with this condition, leaving parents with questions about how to manage their children’s high blood pressure.

There is no target number for hypertension in children. What is considered a normal blood pressure for a child changes as he or she grows. Factors such as age, gender, and height determine what a child’s ideal blood pressure should be. If a child’s blood pressure is at or above 95% of children with the same characteristics.

High blood pressure in children is usually caused by another medical condition such as heart defects, kidney disease, genetic conditions or hormonal disorders. For some children however, hypertension can be caused by lifestyle issues including poor diet and lack of exercise.

As is the case in adults, hypertension in children does cause any symptoms. Unless your child has an underlying health problem, a special visit to your pediatrician to check your child’s blood pressure is not necessary. Your child’s blood pressure should be checked at their annual check-up, beginning at age three. If your child has certain risk factors, such as being overweight or obese, speak with your child’s doctor to determine if closer monitoring is necessary.

The best way to treat your child’s hypertension is to make lifestyle changes. You can start by providing your child a healthy diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and reduce the amount of salt in their diet by eliminating salty snacks and paying close attention to the amount of salt you use when cooking. You should also encourage physical activity by limiting time spent in front of the television and on other electronic devices. Make an effort to get the entire family involved in the lifestyle changes because children often learn and imitate the behaviors of their parents.

If these changes in your child’s lifestyle do not reduce their blood pressure, your pediatrician can recommend certain medications, such as diuretics or beta blockers, to address the situation.

If left untreated, your child’s high blood pressure can carry over into adulthood and increase their risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease.
Speak to your pediatrician if you think your child is at risk of hypertension. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001.

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep.

Being overweight, over 40, or having a history of sleep apnea in your family are all factors that can increase your risk of developing this condition. Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea than women. Other health factors that can lead to sleep apnea include: reflux, GERD, sinus issues, allergies, or a nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum.
If left untreated, sleep apnea can result in a growing number of health problems, including:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and heart attack
• Diabetes

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, restless sleep, frequently waking up while you are sleeping (sometimes with a choking sensation), and waking up with a sore throat. Those who suffer from sleep apnea also feel tired and lack energy while they are awake, experience mood changes, have lapses in concentration, and are forgetful. These waking symptoms can result in decreased productivity at work or school and can lead to potentially dangerous situations, especially while driving.

If sleep apnea is suspected, your doctor may recommend a sleep apnea study called a polysomnogram, which is a test administered by a qualified sleep specialist in a designated sleep center. While at the sleep center, you are assigned a private room where special equipment is used to monitor you. This equipment transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep. Special technicians determine if you have sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, you may be asked to do further sleep testing in order to determine the best treatment option.

The most common form of treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This is a treatment in which a mask is worn over the nose and/or mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air into the nose. This air flow helps keep the airways open so that breathing is regular. Another treatment option is the utilization of dental devices designed to help keep the airway open. Some might benefit from surgery if their sleep apnea is caused by a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or a small lower jaw with an overbite.

There are things that people with sleep apnea can do to improve their condition including losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills, and quit smoking. Other things that can potentially help are changing sleep positions to improve breathing and avoid sleeping on your back.

If you think you have sleep apnea, speak with your doctor about a sleep apnea test. Jamaica Hospital recently opened a state-of-the-art sleep center for those in need. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.

Helping Your Children Cope With Loss

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult for most adults, so imagine how hard the process must be for children. How do we explain death and help them get through it?

How much a child understands about death and how they grieve depends on a number of factors including their age, stage of development, life experiences, temperament and personality. While recognizing that an individualized approach to helping children with the grieving process, here is some general information about how children of different ages process death.

• Young children, ages 5-6 years old have a hard time comprehending death. They only understand the world in literal terms. Try to keep explanations very simple and avoid euphemisms, such as the deceased loved one “went away” or “is sleeping” as it might confuse or scare them.

• After age six and up until approximately age ten, kids begin to grasp the finality of death, even if they don’t realize it’s natural for every living thing to die at some point. They also might not understand why death occurs and may think that they have some control over it. At this age, it is best to provide children with accurate and honest explanations.

• As children become teenagers, they begin to understand that all life ultimately comes to an end and there is no avoiding it. At this point they begin to have questions about their own mortality and vulnerability. The best thing to do as a parent is to encourage them to grieve and express their feelings.

Regardless of how old they are, there are a few suggestions that all parents should follow when trying to help a child deal with loss. Experts urge parents to be honest and encourage questions, even if they don’t have all the answers. Create an atmosphere of comfort and openness and send a message that there is no right or wrong way to feel. If you have spiritual beliefs, it is okay to share them with your child as well.

The choice of whether or not to have your child attend a funeral or memorial service is a personal one. If you do allow them to attend, explain beforehand what they will encounter. Share information on religious customs that might be practiced at a service as well. Many parents worry about exposing their children to their own emotional grief, but permitting them to see you in pain shows them that crying is a natural reaction to pain and loss.

While most children do not grieve in the same manner as adults, it is important for parents to watch for signs that a child needs help coping with loss. If your child’s behavior changes radically, seek help. Doctors, guidance counselors, and mental health professionals can all provide assistance. You can also research books and websites for additional tips to help your child manage their grief.

Jamaica Hospital offers a comprehensive Palliative Care Service that assists patients and their families, including children, by providing psychological support and bereavement counseling. For more information, please call 718-206-6919.

How Many Hairs Do We Lose Each Day?

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Your hair is everywhere – on your brush, in the shower drain, on your clothes and furniture – it’s a wonder we have any hair left on our head at all, leaving some to ask, how much hair does the average person lose each day?

While it might seem like we lose thousands of hairs every hair every day, the reality is the average person only loses an average of only 40-120 hairs per day.

There are many factors that can contribute to fluctuations in hair loss however. People with fine hair tend to have more of it and therefore lose more of it. Age and diet also both play a role in how much hair we lose per day as do certain health factors. Women who are pregnant as well as those with certain illnesses, experience excessive weight loss, or those who are stressed can all experience additional hair lose.

Not to worry though, most people have approximately 150,000 strands of hair on their heads and losing a few each day is a natural part of the hair regrowth cycle.

The Impact of Too Much Texting in Front of Your Children

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Most are aware of the dangers of texting while driving, but what about the impact of texting while with your children? Is there such a thing as being a distracted parent?

Smart phones and tablets have become a part of our daily existence. We check emails, text, and play games on our devices with greater frequency than ever before. We continue these activities even when we are with our kids. According to experts the effects these behaviors have on them is greater than we realize.

In a recent study by researchers at the Boston Medical Center, 55 parents were secretly observed while out to eat with their children. The observers found that 40 of those caregivers used their phones or other digital devices during the meal and appeared to be more engaged in the device than with their children.

Most of the children of the distracted parents either entertained themselves or acted out in some way to compete for their parent’s attention. Instead of redirecting their attention to the child after they acted out, most of the distracted parents responded harshly to the child for their misbehavior.

Some predict that this type of action can lead to long term problems for both parents and children. Children are learning that their parents are absent even when they are in the same room as them and are beginning to feel as if they are less important than a device to their parents. This behavior can also set a bad example for children as it creates a false understanding of how to act in public. This can become problematic when they repeat the same actions in school or during other social settings.

To address this issue, experts suggest setting boundaries and designating certain “off limit” time for parents to use digital devices, such as during meals and at story or bedtime. Also, avoid multi-tasking. If you absolutely need to answer an email, tell your child you need to take a break – it’s better than dividing your attention. Lastly, try to realistically determine how important it is to immediately respond to a text or email – you will probably find that most can wait.

Remember, your children aren’t young forever. Make the best use of your time with them and avoid spending unnecessary time on your phone. By not sending that next text message, you will be sending an even stronger message to your children.