Tap V. Bottled Water: Which is Better?

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Remember sipping water from a fountain in the park or turning on the kitchen sink for a glass of H2O? Many people today do not have those same experiences because fewer and fewer are drinking tap water. In a recent study, it was revealed that one out of every five U.S. households uses bottled water as their primary or only source of water. Many Americans believe it is a healthier option, but is it really better for you?

Tap water and bottled water are regulated by two different agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees tap water and the Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water. Despite the different governing agencies, the standards of ensuring safety are very similar. Both have strict quality control measures in place to protect the water we drink from harmful bacteria and other contaminates.

Another similarity between tap and bottled water is often the source. There are over 500 bottled water plants in the United States and while some of the bottled water originates from sparkling springs, many others come from a municipal water supply. The water is treated, purified and sold to the public at an inflated cost. In fact, bottled water is estimated to cost up to 1,000 times more than tap water.

Distinguishing which is healthier is hard to do. The levels of certain important minerals in your water, such as calcium and magnesium, depend on what type of bottled water you purchase or the source of your tap water. Areas that use water sources that contain lower levels of these minerals have a higher rate of heart disease than areas with higher levels.
What about taste? Some people prefer the taste of bottled water, citing a funny taste in tap water. The taste that they are referring to is the trace amounts of chlorine used as a disinfectant to guard against the regrowth of microorganisms. Bottled water often utilizes ozone disinfection, which is tasteless and odorless.

The last factor to consider when choosing between tap and bottled water is the effect bottled water consumption has on the environment. It is estimated that Americans consume nearly ten billion gallons of bottled water every year. It is also estimated that less than 20% of water bottles are recycled.

What do you prefer to drink and why? Jamaica Hospital wants to know.

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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.

Do You Have a Carbon Monoxide Alarm in Your Home?

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen at any time of the year, but the danger is greatest during the winter months when furnaces and other heating units are used more frequently.

It is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United Sates and is called the invisible killer, because you cannot see or smell it. This poisonous gas can come from a variety of sources and quickly incapacitate and kill its victims.

Since CO is colorless, tasteless and odorless (unlike smoke from a fire), detection and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning in a home environment is impossible without a warning device, such as a carbon monoxide detector. While about 95 percent of U.S. homes report having at least one working smoke alarm, only 42 percent report having a working CO alarm. CO alarms can alert you and your family to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide inside your home before it is too late.

Proper placement of a CO detector is important. If you are installing only one in your home, it is recommended that you place it near the bedrooms, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Like smoke detectors, the batteries in CO detectors should be checked annually and they should be tested every month.

If your detector goes off, immediately leave your home and get fresh air. Call 911 before re-entering your home.

What Are Advance Directives?

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to spell out your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time. They give you a way to tell your wishes to family, friends, and health care professionals and to avoid confusion later on.

A living will tells which treatments you want if you are dying or permanently unconscious. You can accept or refuse medical care. You might want to include instructions on:

• The use of dialysis and breathing machines

• If you want to be resuscitated if your breathing or heartbeat stops

• Tube feeding

• Organ or tissue donation

A durable power of attorney for health care is a document that names your health care proxy. Your proxy is someone you trust to make health decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

The Office of Legal Affairs and Risk Management is responsible for all patient-related questions and concerns regarding advance directives. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To contact the Office of Legal Affairs, call (718) 206-6858.

A New Care Model For Patients With Hypertension at Jamaica Hospital

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Michael Hinck

To help individuals manage their high blood pressure, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has recently implemented group visits for hypertension at our MediSys Family Care Center in Jamaica, Queens.

The group model has become increasingly popular and provides many benefits for both patients and providers. Group visits offer participants a unique and supportive setting. Participants have the opportunity to learn from each other and gain the necessary self-management skills to improve their health. Group visits have shown to improve adherence to care, increase trust in their providers, lower hospitalization rates, and improved quality of life.

The hospital’s hypertension group visits consist of approximately four to six patients. The groups meet regularly for an extended visit that is led by a physician. Patients have the opportunity to learn about disease management from their physician and from each other.

Patients discuss a range of topics, including nutrition, exercise, and medications. Members are encouraged to engage in a free-flowing dialogue that is facilitated by the doctor. The doctor offers support, education, and counseling.

Although it is a group model, each patient receives individualized care. Each patient has their vital signs monitored, blood work reviewed and medications are altered as needed.

Group medical visits have been incorporated as one of our Patient Centered Medical Home PCMH initiatives. PCMH is a new model of care that focuses on delivering high-quality, well-coordinated primary care. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care in the management of chronic disease. Jamaica Hospital has achieved PCMH designation at several off-site care centers.

Jamaica Hospital is proud to be a pioneer in the evolution of healthcare and invites members of the community to experience the many benefits of group care. For more information on Jamaica Hospital’s hypertension group model, please call 718-206-7088.

Obesity and Arthritis: What is the Relationship?

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Michael Hinck

When asked what health problems are directly attributed to obesity, the most common answers are hypertension, heart health, and diabetes, but obesity has a large affect on another condition – arthritis.

One out of five Americans has been diagnosed with arthritis, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that number nearly doubles among those considered obese. Obesity not only raises the risk of getting a certain type of arthritis; but for those who already have arthritis, obesity makes the condition worse.
Here’s a look at what fat does to arthritis, as well as some tips to put you on the road to losing weight.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage – the flexible but tough connective tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints. Age, injury, heredity and lifestyle factors all affect the risk of OA.

OA has a logical link to obesity: The more weight that’s placed on a joint, the more stressed the joint becomes, and the more likely it will wear down and be damaged.
Every pound of excess weight exerts about 4 pounds of extra pressure on the knees. So a person who is 10 pounds overweight has 40 pounds of extra pressure on his knees. If a person is 100 pounds overweight, that is 400 pounds of extra pressure on the knees, causing those who are overweight to be at greater risk of developing arthritis in the first place. Once a person has arthritis, the additional weight causes even more problems on already damaged joints.

Jamaica Hospital offers nutritional clinics to help those looking to lose weight and avoid developing osteoarthritis. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 718-206-7001.

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How Obesity Can Affect Your Teen’s Self Esteem

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Many parents and doctors focus on the physical effects of teen obesity, but what about the psychological and emotional ramifications? Obesity can lead to heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. However, the mental and emotional effects of child obesity on self esteem can be even more immense. For this reason, depression, anxiety, and poor body image resulting from obesity should be the greater concern for most.

Studies have shown that obese teens have considerably lower self esteem than their non-obese peers. The disparity in self-confidence is most prevalent around age 14, which also happens to be a critical time for teens because it is when they develop their sense of self worth. Young teenagers around this age are also more often subjected to teasing, taunting, and poor treatment. This can result in depression or anger issues.

Teens with low self-esteem often feel lonely, nervous, or are generally sad. They are also more inclined to experiment with cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Withdrawal from social activities and family, in addition to loss of interest in favorite hobbies, is a clear indication that something is awry.

There are a variety of factors that have contributed to a rise in obesity among teens. While genetics play a role for some, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are often the cause for most. Teens today consume too much junk food and sugary drinks and don’t exercise as much as in previous generations. Temptations from television, video games, and computers are often cited as the reasons for a decrease in physical activity.

Professionals suggest that the parents of children who are dealing with teen obesity engage their children in an open dialogue about the issue. Together, parents and teens can work on a plan that is attainable. Efforts to fix the problem should focus on lifestyle issues rather than a calorie count because attempting to impose a strict diet could contribute to the teen’s poor self esteem. Incorporate the assistance of a medical professional, but allow the teen to take charge during visits in an effort to build confidence. Parents should encourage and participate in improving diet and increasing activity as well.

Jamaica Hospital has a variety of services to help those facing the issue of teen obesity, including nutritional counseling and adolescent mental health services. Speak to your child’s pediatrician or make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to find the best treatment options for your teen.

Home Remedies Separating Fact from Myth

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Age-old home remedies have been passed on for generations. Even in a modern, technologically advanced and scientific world, these timeless, home-made cures have remained and become common practice in the way minor ailments are treated.
Over the years, medical studies have been conducted to determine the validity in some of these home remedies.

Here are a few remedies in which myths have been dispelled and facts confirmed:
• Chicken Soup is good for a cold
Fact- Research published in the medical journal Chest in 2000, shows that chicken soup does have anti- inflammatory effects that clear stuffy noses and soothe sore throats. Hot fluids also aid in the movement of nasal mucus.
• Krazy Glue can be used to seal small wounds
Myth-It Is not advised to use Krazy Glue to seal small wounds. The United States Food and Drug Administration does not recommend the use of it for medicinal purposes. One may run the risk of infection or an allergic reaction.
• Honey helps in healing wounds
Fact-studies support the use of medical-grade honey as a healing agent in minor wound care. Honey possesses antibacterial properties. It has an obstructive effect on over 60 types of bacteria.
• Feed a cold, starve a fever
Myth-This is an old wives’ tale. In actuality when experiencing cold or flu symptoms the body needs all the nutrients of a proper diet. Eating foods that are high in anti-oxidants such as vitamin C, Beta- Carotene and vitamin E; helps build up the immune system. It is also very important to stay hydrated.
• Steam helps in the relief of sinus headaches
Fact-Inhaling steam relieves sinus pressure by opening up and flushing out nasal passages. Adding oils such as, eucalyptus, peppermint and chamomile can also help in soothing the mucus lining.
• Eating fish makes you smart
Fact-This is true for children up to age three or four. Fish such as salmon, Atlantic mackerel, sardines and Albacore tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is beneficial for brain development in infants for the first two years of life. If your child is allergic to seafood, alternatives to fish include walnuts and avocado.

While some home remedies are natural, they may cause adverse reactions if you are taking certain medications or have allergies. It is always best to consult a physician before using them. You can make an appointment to see a Family Medicine practitioner at Jamaica Hospital by calling 718 206 6942.

Centering Care: Share Your Prenatal Experience With Other Expectant Moms

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Frustrated by short prenatal visits that leave you with more questions than answers? You might be interested in learning about a new, very popular and effective form of prenatal care.

Centering Pregnancy incorporates a group care model that provides a dynamic and lively atmosphere for learning and sharing that is difficult to create during a typical prenatal care visit. During a centering modeled pre-natal care visit, a group of women with similar gestational ages meet together, to participate in a provider facilitated discussion. Through this unique model of care, women have an opportunity to share similar experiences, receive support, and empower one another to choose healthy behaviors during their pregnancies.

Centering Pregnancy maintains all the same patient-centered elements of traditional prenatal care, but incorporates them into an interactive experience for expectant mothers and their families. At the beginning of each session, patients have a brief individual assessment by the care provider before joining the group to discuss key health topics and the exchange of information and education on shared health experiences. Each group visit lasts under two hours with your healthcare provider guiding the session.

Each group meets for a total of 10 sessions throughout pregnancy. Sessions begin during the first trimester and meet at regular prenatal intervals until delivery. After delivery, the group meets for a reunion session during the postpartum period.

The satisfaction expressed by both the women and their providers support the effectiveness of this model of care. Women who have participated in centering-based prenatal care have expressed a high level of fulfillment and motivation. Professionals report that the group setting provides them with renewed satisfaction in delivering quality care. Some of the many benefits of centering care include reduction in preterm birth, higher birth weight and increased breastfeeding rates.

Jamaica Hospital now offers Centering Prenatal care at its Women’s Health Care Center. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s Centering Program, please call 718-291-3276.

Jamaica Hospital Offers Free Diabetes Prevention Program

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center now offers a free, innovative approach to treat patients at risk of developing diabetes. The hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is aimed at managing the health of individuals with prediabetes, or borderline diabetes.

There are over 79 million for people with prediabetes in the United States, a condition where a person has glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to indicate diabetes. When individuals with prediabetes do not manage their condition, they are at a high risk of developing type II diabetes, a condition that is largely preventable.

By adopting this nationally recognized prevention program, Jamaica Hospital plans to reduce the diabetic population in South East Queens. The goal the DPP is to help individuals reduce their weight through a healthy, low-calorie, low-fat diet and engage in at least 150 minutes of moderately physical activity every week.

Participants meet in a group setting on a weekly basis for 16 weeks. The weekly meetings are facilitated “Lifestyle Coaches”, specially trained and certified Jamaica Hospital Patient Navigators with strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills. The Lifestyle Coaches review and provide feedback to each participant on a weekly basis. Each member of the group is expected to maintain weekly diet and exercise logs and get weighed in at each session. The sessions are completely customizable to the individual needs of the group and are run in English and Spanish.

After the 16 week program is completed, participants continue to be monitored by a monthly maintenance program to provide on-going support and motivation to continue a healthy lifestyle.

The results of the Diabetes Prevention Program have been overwhelming positive. Half of the over 3,000 participants in the national CDC program have seen a 7% weight loss through lifestyle intervention and 58% of the participants reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 71%. One of the reasons that the program is so successful is the group dynamic of the program. Through engaging and sharing experiences with others with the same condition, participants in the DPP learn to support each other and provide the necessary encouragement for success.

The DPP is open to all who meet the basic medical criteria. For more information about eligibility or to sign up for the Diabetes Prevention Program, please call 718-206-7088.

Can Your Hypertension Medication Affect Your Dental Health?

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Managing your high blood pressure with the appropriate medications is very important for your overall health, but sometimes those medications can negatively affect your dental health.

Often, medications that are used to treat hypertension can have side effects in the oral environment. Some of these medications can reduce the amount of saliva you produce, causing xerostomia, or dry mouth. Without the proper amount of saliva, the mouth can become irritated and inflamed. Dry mouth can also increase the risk of developing infection, gum disease, and the development of plaque, and therefore cavities.

Gum swelling or gingival overgrowth is another possible side-effect of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Gingival overgrowth occurs when gum tissue becomes so swollen that it begins to grow over the teeth. Swollen gum tissue creates a favorable environment for bacteria because plaque can easily get trapped underneath the gums, making it hard to brush and maintain good oral hygiene.

It is import to inform your dentist about any health conditions you have, and the medications you are taking. Good oral hygiene and more frequent visits to the dentist can help lower your chances of developing complications.

Jamaica Hospital operates an outpatient dental center that treats a wide variety of conditions. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-6980.