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.

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 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.

How many muscles do we use take a single step forward?

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

The answer? We use 200 muscles to take a single step forward.

Is Juicing Beneficial For Your Health?

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Juicing or juice cleanses are growing in popularity as more people are using this practice as a way to lose weight or improve their health. Juice bars are becoming a common fixture in shopping malls as the demand for freshly-made and all-natural juices increase. There are a few advantages that can be achieved by juicing.

Some advantages of juicing include:

Juicing may be an easier way for some to obtain the daily fruits and vegetables that are essential in maintaining a healthy diet. Many people find it more convenient and less time consuming to drink fruits and vegetables instead of eating them.
Juicing can help in promoting weight loss- if it is done correctly and the body is not deprived of vital nutrients and fibers.

There also disadvantages associated with all-juice diets. The disadvantages that are associated with all-juice diets include:

An all-juice diet for a prolonged period of time is not recommended as studies have shown that LDL cholesterol levels may increase. Depriving the body of whole foods that are rich in nutrients could also weaken its ability to fight infections and function properly.
Juicing can prove dangerous for individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. High levels of fructose, which is the sugar found in fruits can elevate blood sugar levels. Excessive juicing can cause high levels of potassium and minerals to build up in the blood- this can become hazardous if one has kidney disease.
Juicing may not be the healthiest or most effective way to lose weight as your body may think it is starving and lower its metabolic rate. If your body is being deprived of the daily recommended caloric intake it could begin to burn muscle tissue instead of fat to provide energy, causing the loss of muscle mass.

If you choose to juice, consult your physician, especially if you have chronic health conditions and juice in moderation. Juicing can be beneficial if it is done properly and is supplemented with nutrient-rich whole foods. It is recommended that a glass of juice can be used to substitute one meal for example breakfast or lunch for the day. Most healthcare practitioners caution that juicing should not surpass the duration of a few days.

Prenatal Customs From Around The World

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Prenatal customs may vary from country to country but what is found to be universal is: mothers want what’s best for their babies. In order to ensure the health of developing babies some mothers may practice customs that may seem unusual or non-traditional. Here a few customs practiced by women from around the world that are believed to be beneficial during pregnancy:

Japan– It is believed by some that being surrounded by positive images, thinking and music promotes a healthy pregnancy. It is also customary for mother and baby to stay at the mother’s parents’ home for at least a month after leaving the hospital.

Bali-In Bali moms-to-be are at times discouraged from eating octopus; it is believed that doing so can cause difficulties during pregnancy.

Netherlands– Most expecting mothers in Holland are often referred to a midwife during pregnancy instead of an obstetrician. Family doctors will however refer women to an obstetrician if the pregnancy is high risk or if there are complications during delivery.

Bolivia-It is believed by a number of women that knitting while pregnant endangers the baby because knitting may cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby’s neck.

Guatemala– Some women in this country believe that remaining inside the home for the entire nine months of gestation will protect the infant from evil or illnesses.

China- Several women in China wear anti-radiation vests to protect developing babies from the exposure of cell phones, microwaves and computers. It is believed that exposure to these items can lead to birth defects and miscarriages.

Panama- Mothers are often encouraged to only eat natural foods and avoid processed foods. The consumption of only natural foods will prevent colic and help the mother in regaining her figure.

Mexico– Many believe if the mother does not eat the food that she is craving during pregnancy; the baby will be born with a birth mark in the shape of that food.

Kenya- The Akamaba people of Kenya may discourage sex during pregnancy; it is believed that sex may result in the birth of a disabled child.

Integrating practices in modern medicine and traditional customs often prove beneficial for fetal development. Women are highly encouraged to seek prenatal care from a medical professional as soon as possible. Early prenatal care can reduce the odds of having low birth weight, identify risks or complications and decrease the risk of pre-term birth.

Do You Need Less or More Sleep As You Get Older?

Posted on February 24, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Research indicates that as you get older, you will need less sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following hours for each age group:

• Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours

• Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours

• Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours

• Preschoolers (3-5): 10-13 hours

• School-age children (6-13): to 9-11 hours

• Teenagers (14-17): to 8-10 hours

• Younger adults (18-25): 7-9 hours

• Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours

• Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours

It was also found that adults tend to take longer to doze off, sleep more lightly and wake up more often during the night than children and adolescents.

Are you on Facebook or Twitter? Connect with us for more health and fitness tips, hospital events and highlights.

Facebook.com/JamaicaHospital or follow us on Twitter @JamaicaHospital

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Every 3 to 4 months as recommended by The American Dental Association.

Frayed toothbrush bristles will not clean teeth and gums properly. The ADA also recommends that toothbrushes should not be stored in closed containers as they are conducive to the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria. Store the brush in an upright position so that it can air-dry.

Best Exercises for Asthmatics

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Exercise -Induced Asthma (EIA) attacks can be triggered when participating in certain physical activities that are exertive or strenuous in nature. However, this should not discourage asthmatics from exercising. In fact exercise along with proper medical management is encouraged to help maintain a normal and healthy lifestyle. An added benefit of exercise is it can help in increasing lung capacity, which improves breathing.

If asthmatics choose to exercise, it is advised that they know their physical limitations and engage in activities that will not aggravate attacks. Activities that are lengthy, vigorous, conducted on freshly mowed fields and played in cold or dry air – such as ice hockey or skiing are usually not recommended.

Exercises that are asthma-friendly include: swimming, walking, lifting weights, golf, bicycling and yoga. These activities are often recommended because they allow control in breathing, they can be performed in an air-controlled environment or combine both short activities with long workouts.

There are several precautions asthmatics should follow or keep in mind before participating in any form of exercise. Some of which include:

Having an inhaler or prescribed medication on hand.
Warming up before exercising.
Doing breathing exercises before and after working out.
Taking into account pollen levels –if activity is performed outdoors.
Avoiding pools with too much chlorine. Pools that have a heavy chlorine smell tend to have excessive chlorine.
If you must exercise when it is cold outside use a scarf or wear a mask to cover up your nose and mouth.

Asthmatics can enjoy the benefits of exercise by following the recommendations of a physician, managing their medication and being aware of limitations. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing while participating in strenuous activities, you should consult a pulmonologist for a complete respiratory evaluation. Please call 718-206-6742 to schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital.

Six Natural Tips That Can Help Ease Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Do you tend to feel depressed each winter but feel much better during spring or summer? There is a possibility that you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder(SAD), also known as winter depression or seasonal depression.

Symptoms of SAD may include:

Craving foods rich in carbohydrates
Tiredness
Irritability
Oversleeping
Weight gain

Natural Tips that can help you combat these symptoms include:

Moderate your intake of carbohydrates- Excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates such as white rice or bread can raise your blood sugar, which can lead to mood swings and irritability.
Exercise- Fifteen to twenty minutes of exercise can improve your mood and increase endorphins; which is the hormone attributed to creating feelings of happiness.
Check your Vitamin D levels- Vitamin D levels may be low due to lack of sunlight during the winter months. Try to also get as much natural light as possible.
Include Omega 3 in your diet-It is suggested that incorporating foods rich in Omega-3 such as salmon can help improve your mood.
Socialize- Interacting with friends and family can help alleviate feelings of depression.
Brighten up your space-Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light. It also suggested that using bright colors and patterns in your space may improve your mood.

If symptoms of depression prolong it is recommended that you speak with a mental health professional.

How Does Being In Love Affect Your Body?

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Being in love evokes several emotions. Emotions that are associated with being in love include happiness, anxiety, attachment, desire and excitement. These emotions are linked to several chemicals and hormones produced by the body, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline.

When someone is in love, they may feel euphoric or addicted. This is a result of an increase in dopamine levels. Dopamine is a chemical that controls the brain’s pleasure and rewards centers. Hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine are also shown to increase. These hormones can make your palms sweat and cause restlessness or your heart to race.

A study using MRI indicated that when people are in love, blood flow increases to the brain’s pleasure center. An increase in cerebral blood flow can cause the experience of “feeling chills down the spine.”

People become attached when in love; this attachment can trigger the development of hormones such as vasopressin and oxytocin. These hormones create feelings of security and comfort.

Science has shown that the emotions of love are universally shared and can be broken down into three stages of lust, attachment and attraction. The combination of chemicals can also explain why being in love can often feel like an emotional roller coaster.