10 Tips for Dining Out For Those With High Blood Pressure

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Dining out is a treat we look forward to because we get to try new foods or indulge in our favorite cuisines. However, it is recommended that if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure to be mindful of the foods you pick from the menu. It is suggested that you stick to a diet that is low in saturated fats, does not contain MSG and has very little sodium or no added salt.

Nutritionists also advise that practicing the following tips when dining out will help in controlling blood pressure levels.

Choose appetizers with fruits or vegetables, instead of salty treats.
Ask for your food to be prepared without added salt or MSG.
Stay away from the saltshaker.
Select foods that are prepared using healthy cooking techniques such as grilling or steaming.
Avoid foods that are pickled, smoked or cured.
Cut away excess and visible fat from meats.
Avoid using butter or foods prepared with butter.
Limit sodium intake from condiments by using them sparingly or by asking that they be served on the side.
Steer clear of items that include cheese.
Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

If you have high blood pressure you can still enjoy restaurant meals and make healthy food choices by sticking to the preceding tips. In addition to eating healthy it is also important to remember to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and take medications as prescribed to help control your blood pressure.

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.

Doctors Say You Need to Relax

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Relax178982704 (1) For many, dealing with excessive stress has become a way of life. We often hear the words “just relax,” but sometimes we find it difficult to take that advice and de-stress due to every day hassles.

When you are stressed the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline- which causes the fight or flight reaction. This can speed up the normal function of several organs, including the heart. The fight or flight reaction is appropriate when we face immediate threats but can be damaging if prolonged; as our bodies are only designed to deal with the effects of stress for short intervals.

Extended periods of stress can take its toll on our health in many ways. Long-term stress is known to negatively affect several systems of the body, including:

The nervous system- High levels of cortisol and adrenaline can impair the nervous system, which regulates heart rates, the excretion of waste, breathing rates and the dilation and constriction of blood vessels.
The immune system- Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, which increases the risk of infections, infectious diseases, skin problems such as eczema and can slow down wound healing rates.
The digestive system- Excessive levels of stress can stimulate the muscles of the intestines and cause diarrhea or constipation. It can also lead to indigestion or nausea and increase the risk of ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome.
The endocrine system- Stress hormones can cause the liver to increase blood sugar levels. This is particularly dangerous for diabetics.

It is important to reduce excessive and prolonged periods of stress, because it can wreak havoc on our health. We can decrease or manage stress by learning to take a moment to relax, exercising and eating healthy.

Can Your Lifestyle Affect Fertility?

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. The movement began in 1989 with the goal of raising awareness about the condition of infertility and the importance of reproductive health.

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.

What Is the True Meaning and Origin of The Symbol Rx?

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Rx is commonly known to most as the symbol for a medical prescription. However, the symbol is derived from the Latin word recipe or “recipere,”which means to take. The word was later abbreviated and became Rx as we know it today.

What is the longest word in the English dictionary?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

The longest word in the English dictionary is ‘pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis’ .It is quite a tongue twister .It is defined as a lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust.

What You Need to Know About Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

A person stands in front of the mirror and glances at their reflection; they perceive their image to be severely unattractive or obese. They become obsessed with a particular body part and deem it to be an extreme defect that alters their appearance. While this is their perception, in reality no one else sees these physical characteristics.

There is a possibility that this person may be suffering from a chronic body-image disorder known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is a compulsive obsession with an imagined or exaggerated physical trait that often no one else can see.

BDD is known to occur in both men and women and usually begins during teenage years or early adulthood. Factors that may contribute to the development of BDD are

Low self-esteem
Traumatic events
Genetics
The influence of others who are critical of the person’s physical appearance

Characteristics of the disorder may include an obsession with skin imperfections such as scars or wrinkles, facial features (it is very common for those afflicted with BDD to be obsessed with size of the nose), body weight and hair. There are several behaviors that are identifiable with BDD, they are:

Constantly looking in the mirror and trying to cover up the perceived defect
Asking for reassurance that the defect is not obvious
Isolation from people due to the belief that imperfections will be noticed
Becoming increasingly self-conscious
Avoiding mirrors
Excessive grooming in an effort to cover up a flaw
Frequently consulting plastic surgeons or undergoing cosmetic procedures
Developing other psychological disorders such as eating and anxiety disorders

If someone you know is exhibiting these behaviors, it is recommended that they seek help immediately as this disorder can lead to self-harm. Once diagnosed with BDD, treatment will usually include a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, group or family therapy and medication. For more information about body dysmorphic disorders or treatment please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry at 718 206 5575.

7 Tips That Can Help You Survive Teething

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

teething496311441 Around the age of four to seven months babies will begin teething. This process can be painful and frustrating for both baby and parents. Teething often results in crying or crankiness for infants and lack of sleep or irritability for parents. There are several ways in which parents can help soothe their baby’s gums, survive teething and possibly get some sleep.

Ways parents can help during teething include:

Lightly massaging the gums with a clean finger, wet washcloth or gauze relieves discomfort.
Chilling teething toys, spoons or pacifiers is soothing for sore gums. It is recommended that you do not place these items in the freezer as objects that are too cold may damage the baby’s gums.
Applying topical medications such as numbing gels can help in relieving pain.
Giving the infant a cold washcloth dipped in water, breast milk or chamomile tea to chew on, can be very comforting.
Adding chilled fruits such as bananas or strawberries to a mesh feeder can be delicious and provide relief.
Rubbing clove oil on gums can help ease pain.
Breastfeeding can provide comfort and pain relief.

While there is no definitive time when teething may end, the process is typically completed during the toddler years. Trying these methods could make this period in your baby’s development less painful and stressful. It is recommended that parents consult a pediatrician before applying these methods.

6 Home Remedies for Constipation

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

We have all experienced constipation at some point in our lives. The experience can be painful and uncomfortable. Constipation is a condition of the digestive system that occurs when bowel movements are less frequent than normal (two or fewer in a week) and is difficult to pass. There are several causes for constipation some of which are: not enough fiber in the diet, eating large amounts of dairy products, medication and the most common culprit-insufficient fluid intake.

There are several home remedies that you can try to get relief from constipation, they include:

Drinking Epsom salts with water- This mixture is excellent for constipation because the salt softens the stool and the magnesium helps in contracting the muscles in the bowels.
Taking a tablespoon of olive oil- Olive oil is known to stimulate the digestive system and can help in moving waste through the colon.
Eating fiber- Adding natural fibers from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet can help in softening stool and making it bulkier.
Drinking Aloe Vera juice- Aloe Vera juice can be used to soothe the discomfort that can be caused by constipation.
Consuming prunes or prune juice- Prunes work as a natural laxative and is a common cure. This fruit is rich in fiber and contains sorbitol, which soften stools.
Drinking lots of water or fluids- consuming fluids help in softening the stool, making it easier to pass.

Following these simple home remedies can help relieve constipation and decrease irregularity. If your constipation persists for three weeks or more or you have spotted blood in your stool, please see your doctor immediately. Constipation that is left untreated for too long can lead to health complications such a hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse.

Medical Items You Should Bring On Vacation

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

With spring recess only days away many people are planning vacations and getaways. Here are a few suggested medical or protective items you should bring along to help keep your family and loved ones safe :

Medical thermometers.
Band Aids and bandages.
Antihistamines; such as Benadryl.
Antiseptic pain relieving sprays.
Painkillers
Tweezers
Eye wash solutions.
Alcohol pads.
Antibiotic ointments.
Digestive aids such as antacids or diarrhea medication.
Prescriptions in their original and labeled bottles.
If you have a chronic health condition it is recommended that you bring a letter from you doctor describing your condition and treatment.
Antifungal creams.
Cough and fever medicine.

Why Do People Eat Dirt, Chalk or Other Non -food Items?

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Why are some people addicted to eating substances that are not food? The answer is that they may have an eating disorder known as pica. A common characteristic of the disorder is the consistent consumption of non-nutritive substances for at least one month.

There are several reasons why a person may be demonstrating behaviors associated with pica- it could be a chemical imbalance, a nutritional deficiency such as an iron deficiency or an obsessive compulsive disorder.

Pica-related behaviors should be addressed immediately because of the risk of complications that can occur. Individuals could expose themselves to serious infections and medical conditions such as parasitic infestations, ulcers, intestinal obstructions and tooth abrasions.

Symptoms and complications that are commonly linked with pica can include:

Eating sand or soil, this potentially leads to gastric pain and bleeding.
Consuming clay, which may cause constipation.
Ingesting paint, could put a person at risk for contracting lead poisoning
Eating metal objects, this could lead to bowel perforation.

Some people are more likely than others to be subject to this eating disorder. These individuals may include:

Pregnant women (Pica is most common in women with their first pregnancy; they may crave items such as ice or chalk).
10 to 32 percent of children between the ages of one to six.
Adults with OCD or schizophrenia.
People who are malnourished.
Individuals who are mentally or developmentally disabled.

There are several approaches that can be exercised in the treatment of pica. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A physician may run blood tests to determine if the reason for the disorder may be a result of a nutritional deficiency. If this is the case, nutrients that are lacking are supplemented. Another approach may be therapy to address mental health or environmental health issues. It is recommended that a resolution be sought immediately because if left untreated pica can persist for years and may cause irreversible damage.