Protect Your Children. Get Them Vaccinated

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Do You Vaccinate Your Children?

More and more parents today are opting not to have their children immunized against serious medical diseases. Their decision is largely based on unsubstantiated reports in the media that link vaccines to certain conditions.

The fact is vaccines are safe and immunizing your children protects them from more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that were once responsible for thousands of childhood deaths each year have been completely eliminated and others are close to extinction. Unfortunately, because some parents have opted not to get their children vaccinated, there has been a resurgence of certain diseases, such as whopping cough and measles, which has led to an increase in hospitalizations and childhood death.

By vaccinating your child today, you are not only ensuring their protection against a wide variety of illness, but you are also helping to eradicate these diseases for future generations.

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.

Why Do Our Teeth Chatter?

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Did you ever wonder why your teeth chatter when you are cold?

Teeth chattering is a way of your body to maintain a proper temperature.
We come equipped with our own internal thermostat; it is a part of our brain called the hypothalamus and its job is to keep our body at a constant temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the temperature outside drops, so too can your internal body temperature. When that happens, the hypothalamus sends a message to your body that it needs to warm up.
One way the body can generate heat is to force your muscles to move in a rapid fashion. This is commonly known as shivering. Teeth chattering is just a form of shivering.

So next time you find yourself chilled and your teeth begin to chatter, don’t worry. Just thank your body for trying to heat you up.

Is the Winter making You SAD

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Seasonal affect disorder, (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during the same season every year. Most people experience seasonal affect disorder in the fall and winter months and it is therefore sometimes also called winter depression or seasonal depression. People usually start to experience symptoms in September or October and begin to feel better by April or May.

While the cause of seasonal affect disorder is unknown, most experts believe SAD is related to a lack of exposure to sunlight. Lack of exposure to daylight can upset an individual’s biological clock and cause a drop in serotonin levels, a chemical in the brain that affects mood. Another potential factor is that the change in season can disrupt the balance of the body’s level of melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates our sleep patterns.

If you have SAD, you may:
• Feel grumpy, moody, or anxious
• Lose interest in your usual activities
• Eat more and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta
• Gain weight
• Sleep more but still feel tired
• Have trouble concentrating

Anyone can be diagnosed with SAD, but it’s more common in:
• Women
• People between the ages of 15 and 55
• People who live far from the equator, where winter daylight hours are very short
• People who have a close relative with SAD

It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between SAD and other types of depression because many of the symptoms are the same. Your doctor can do an assessment to determine if you have SAD. You may need to have blood tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as hypothyroidism.

For mild symptoms, spending time outdoors during the day or allowing more light into homes and workplaces may be helpful. For those whose symptoms are more severe, phototherapy or light therapy has been shown to be effective. During a light therapy session, patients are exposed to a device that emits bright light for an extended amount of time each day. If phototherapy isn’t effective, an antidepressant drug can be prescribed to help reduce or eliminate SAD symptoms.

Protect Yourself From Getting Sick While Flying

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Thinking about escaping the germy, New York City winter season? This is a popular time of year to hop a flight to a tropical location, but did you know that air travelers are actually up to 100 times more likely to catch a cold or the flu while flying than during normal day-to-day activities.

The primary cause for an increased rate of infection is low cabin humidity on planes. Most airplanes fly in an elevation range of 30,000 to 35,000 feet, where humidity is much lower. At very low levels of humidity, our natural defense system of mucus in our noses and throats dries up, creating an ideal environment for germs to infect us.

The best way to maintain these natural defenses is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will not only counter the overall dehydrating effects of air travel, but it can actually strengthen the body’s natural immune system.

It is recommended to sip water regularly throughout the flight rather than drink a large amount at once to protect against long dry spells in your defense system. Hot beverages are a good way to keep your protective mucous membranes working because they assist in keeping you generally hydrated and also provide moisture in the form of steam. Conversely, it is recommended that you avoid caffeine or alcoholic beverages as they can dehydrate you.

Using nasal sprays or saline mists have also been proven to be an effective means of keeping mucous membranes in your nose and throat moist. They can increase your resistance to infection while on a dry aircraft. Yet another way to defend against viruses while flying is to use a germ-killing mouthwash, which adds another layer of protection while simultaneously helping to keep your throat moist. Other experts recommend taking vitamins before flights to help boost immunity levels.

By following these tips and practicing proper hand washing behavior, you will greatly increase your chances of arriving at your destination healthy.

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Why Do We Yawn?

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Michael Hinck

The next time you are with a group of friends, try this little experiment: Take a big yawn and watch and see how many people follow suit. There’s a good chance you’ll set off a chain reaction of deep breaths and wide-open mouths.

Yawning is an involuntary action that causes us to open our mouths wide and breathe in deeply. We know it’s involuntary because we do it even before we’re born. Yawns typically last about six seconds and often occur in clusters. Researchers are starting to unravel the mystery surrounding the yawn. Yawning, they have discovered, is much more complicated than previously thought and although all yawns look the same, they appear to have many different causes and serve a variety of functions.

There are several theories about why we yawn. Here are the four most common:
The physiological theory: Our bodies induce yawning to draw in more oxygen or remove a buildup of carbon dioxide. This theory helps explain why we yawn in groups
The evolution theory: Some think that yawning began with our ancestors, who used yawning to show their teeth and intimidate others.

The boredom theory: Although we do tend to yawn when bored or tired, this theory doesn’t explain why Olympic athletes yawn right before they compete in their event or why dogs tend to yawn just before they attack.

The brain-cooling theory: A more recent theory proposed by researchers is that people yawn more in situations where their brains are likely to be warmer. Cool brains can think more clearly; hence, yawning might have developed to keep us alert.

But why does seeing someone else yawn might make us yawn too?
Interestingly, while all vertebrates (including fish) yawn – only humans, chimps and possibly dogs find yawns contagious. Recent studies show contagious yawning may be linked to one’s capacity for empathy. That is why humans don’t find them contagious until they’re about 4 years old; about the age when we develop a sense of empathy.

What we do know for sure is if you yawn at work or at a gathering, you’ll probably notice a few other people will start yawning, too. Even thinking about yawning can get you yawning. How many times have you yawned while reading this article? We hope not many.

What is Binge Eating?

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Most of us have overeaten at some point in our lives and felt guilty immediately afterward. It usually happens at a holiday gathering or at one of your favorite restaurants, but what if it happens regularly? Consistently eating large amounts of food at once, and feeling upset after doing so can be considered a binge eating disorder (BED).

A binge is when you consume a large portion of food in a short amount of time – as much as 20,000 calories at once. BED is not the same as bulimia, another eating disorder that involves eating a great deal of food in a short period of time. People with bulimia are very concerned with their body image and attempt various methods to avoid gaining weight, including vomiting, taking diet pills or laxatives, or exercising too much. Those with BED, however, are not concerned with excess weight and therefore do not participate in these compensatory behaviors. For this reason, people with BED are often overweight or obese.

Characteristics of BED include: eating until uncomfortably full, eating when not physically hungry, eating alone, or waking up at night to eat. Binge eaters are usually excited while planning a binge and are frightened of being caught. After a binge, they feel a range of emotions including guilt, shame, disgust, self-loathing, or general numbness.

Binge eating may arise out of stress and an inability to deal with emotions, boredom, depression, or outbursts of hostility. It is very important to recognize binge eating disorder in its early stages and seek treatment before it leads to other health problems, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease. Therapy sessions can help the individual deal with these psychological aspects of binge eating disorder.

If you exhibit binge eating behavior, it’s important that you seek professional help. This kind of eating will lead to increased weight gain, low self-image and other related health issues. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Mental Health Clinic, please call 718-206-5575.

Motor Vehicle Accidents and the Holidays

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Michael Hinck

What time of the year are you most at risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident?

The odds of getting into an accident increase during periods when there are more cars on the road, such as rush hour, or when during periods of inclement weather. But when the number of alcohol impaired drivers increase, the odds skyrocket.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36 fatalities occur per day on average in the United States as a result of crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. At certain times of the year, such as holidays, those numbers rise dramatically. For example, during the Christmas season, an average of 45 fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver occurred each day, and soars to 54 per day over the New Year’s holiday.

New Year’s Eve is more than just the last day of every year; it is also the holiday with the most arrests made by law enforcement agencies across the United States for suspected drinking and driving.

Jamaica Hospital wants to remind everyone not to drink and drive and to exercise good judgment while on the road this holiday season.

Do The Holidays Stress You Out? Follow These Tips

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Michael Hinck

The holidays are supposed to be about joy and merriment, but for many they can become a very stressful time of year.

The average American spends 42 hours a year on holiday activities including, shopping, wrapping presents, decorating, attending holiday parties, and traveling from place to place. Often, these extra activities get squeezed into our already busy schedules.

Our schedules are not the only thing being squeezed during the holidays; so too are our wallets. The holidays promote gift giving, but to what extent? Buying something for everyone on your list can be a very stressful situation, especially when you are on a budget.

To help you enjoy avoid holiday stress and enjoy this very special time of year, try following these simple tips:

• Take Calm-Down Breaks. Soon after you awake, close your eyes, take several deep breaths and meditate or just relax. Quieting down your mind before you begin your day can help it get off to a great start and things will flow for you.

• Create the Holiday You Want – When the holidays come around, you may find yourself getting pulled in many different directions. Don’t give in to outside pressures. Decide how do you want to spend your time and resources. Consider what is most important to you and what memories you want to create.

• Stick to a Budget – Unfortunately, so many people cause their own stress by overspending during the holidays. Try to start saving for the upcoming holiday season early in the year. Sit down and look to see what you can really afford before you start shopping.

• Be Generous With Your Heart – One of the best ways to stay calm, content and cheerful this time of year is to act generously with your loved ones, co-workers and friends. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money though.

• Get Moving – One of the best ways to overcome stress during the holidays or any other time is to exercise regularly. Physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your mood.

• Eat Healthy- Inevitably, at this time of year, you’ll be constantly tempted with sweet, empty-calorie treats. But to be your most energetic, focused and happy self, it’s best to avoid the sugary snacks and eat healthier options.

Hopefully, by following these recommendations, your holidays can be calm, relaxing and fun.

Should You Breast Feed When You Are Sick?

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Mother breastfeeding and hugging newborn baby

There are many benefits to breast feeding, but is it harmful to your child’s health when you are sick with a cold or virus?

Even when you are sick, your baby will almost always benefit from breastfeeding. In most instances, viruses are most likely transmitted before symptoms even occur. Breast feeding can actually help protect your baby from the virus since your breast milk produces the necessary antibodies to stave off the illness. In fact, even if your baby gets sick, it is usually a much milder case than anyone else in the house.

It is not a good idea for you to stop breast feeding abruptly because your breasts can become engorged, which can lead to painful inflammation, known as mastitis. Instead, while you are sick, ask a family member to bring the baby to you to nurse and take him way when you’re done so you can rest. Also, drink plenty of fluids when you are sick so you don’t become dehydrated and your milk supply does not decrease.

Some moms may also be concerned about taking medications while breastfeeding, but with few exceptions, over the counter medications are just fine. Some suggestions include:
• Avoid using extra or maximum strength pain medication or fever reducers.

• Medications that contain ibuprofen are recommended over those that contain acetaminophen.

• Try to use single ingredient, short acting forms of cold, cough, and allergy medications.

• Avoid taking aspirin as there is a small risk of infants developing Reye’s syndrome.

It is important however to carefully read medication labels and check with your physician before taking any drug while you are nursing. If you do not have a doctor, contact Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276 to make an appointment.

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What is White Coat Hypertension?

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Does the thought of having a physician take your blood pressure make you nervous? Anxiety over going to the doctor’s office can lead to an elevation in your blood pressure; a condition known as “white coat hypertension.”

White coat hypertension is a real condition that occurs when blood pressure readings at your doctor’s office are higher than they are in other settings, such as your home. The term white coat refers to the traditional white lab coat health care professionals wear in clinical settings.

The underlying cause of white coat hypertension is believed to be tension and stress associated with being examined by a physician. Not much attention was given to this condition since the blood pressure of patients returned to normal levels when taken in the home environment, where they feel more relaxed. Recent studies however have proven that people with white coat hypertension are twice as likely to develop true hypertension within a decade, compared to people with normal blood pressure levels.

How do you know if you have white coat hypertension and what should you do if you have it? The first step is for your doctor to have you monitor your blood pressure at home to see if it returns to normal levels. If it does, together, you and your doctor can decide whether to treat it or not. On one hand, if your blood pressure is normal during the rest of the day, taking blood pressure medications can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure). On the other hand, people with white coat hypertension might have elevated blood pressure during other stressful parts of the day. Many factors, such as age, family history, and the existence of other conditions will help the doctor make the right decision for you.

There are things that you can do to reduce your anxiety and stress before having your blood pressure checked by a health care professional. First, avoid drinking excessive amounts of water before checking your blood pressure because water can increase your reading. Also, do not participate in any physical activity before having your blood pressure taken. Excessive physical exertion will raise blood pressure. Lastly, avoid stressful situations and remain calm leading up to and during your visit to the doctor’s office.

If you think you have hypertension, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. If you do not have a primary care physician, call Jamaica Hospital’s Family Care Center at 718-657-7093 to schedule an appointment.

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