Zuleika Benitez, Author at Health Beat

Apple Picking Season is here! Try a healthier spin on Grandma’s Apple Pie

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

The fall brings cool crisp days, making it an ideal time to make use of all the delicious apples picked straight from the orchard. Pies are delicious but can be packed with sugar. Try this recipe from Eating Well for a healthier version of a deep dish apple pie. This recipe may require some extra time, but well worth the wait when making with a bit of TLC.

Enjoy the harvest!

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.

Stay focused while driving- Especially in School Zones

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

We often ourselves in a rush to get to work or to an event while fighting through traffic due to our fast paced lives. According to the National Safety Council, speeding is one of the top three reasons for fatalities on the road. Approximately 13,000 lives lost each year due to speeding and driving distractions. As the school year begins, Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma team urges you to slow down and abide by the speed limit, especially in designated school zones.

In a research conducted by Safekids.org, it was noted that it would take a distracted driver twice as long to reach a complete stop compared to an attentive driver under the same driving conditions. It could be a matter of life or death. Abiding by the school zone speed limit is crucial to any child’s safety. The purpose of a school speed zone is to reduce the speeds of traffic so that:

A driver has more time to recognize and react to a schoolchild within the travel way, allowing enough distance to slow, avoid and/or stop prior to an incident.
School children, especially young school children, can anticipate car movements to safely cross the street.
A vehicle-pedestrian crash will be much less severe at a reduced speed as evidenced by the following statistics according to the National Highway & Traffic Association (NHTA):

Vehicle Speed Chance of Fatality

40 MPH 80%

30 MPH 40%

25 MPH 20%

20 MPH 5%

Here are some additional ways to avoid a motor vehicle accident as back-to-school traffic approaches:

Be patient when a school bus comes to a full stop- this will require you as the driver to stop as well.
To avoid any anticipated driving stress, be sure to plan your route the day prior and leave with a sufficient amount of time to anticipate any traffic delays or road closures.
Avoid being distracted and place the cell phone away or ensure you receive calls with your hands-free technology.
Be sure to abide by your local speed limits

Being a cautious driver is being the best driver you can be and your community will thank you for it.

Satisfying the Picky Eater’s Appetite

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

As parents, we want to give our children the best opportunity to help them grow and thrive. As your toddler continues to develop, their newfound independence includes choosing their own foods and creating a palate of likes and dislikes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner time can all seem like a never ending struggle to feed your picky eater. Parents, be assured this is a common phase in your child’s growth and will not last forever.

Aside from patience, here are a few tips to help feed your picky eater and some super foods that could help fill the nutritional gaps you may be worried they are not receiving.

Keep snacking to a minimum. Spoiling your child’s appetite with non-nutritional snacks in between meals can hinder your goal of trying to have them eat your healthy meals. If snacking is inevitable, try healthier options such as vegetable crudites or items that are protein packed.
Introduce new foods slowly. It may take several tries to actually have your child take on a new food- be patient.
Small portions can lead to big results. Remember, your toddler’s stomach is as large as their fist, which is pretty small. Small portions can make a big difference in their diet.
Involve your child. Allowing your children to be a part of the prep and cooking process can help ease any anxieties they may have towards trying new foods.
Keep your child interested but don’t bribe and never use food as a reward or punishment.

Lastly, try sneaking in those super-foods into their meals which can offer nutritional benefits without the fighting:

Eggs
Yogurt
Tomatoes
Black Bean
Cabbage
Fruits
Spices: Cinnamon and Basil.

If you are really concerned about your toddler’s eating habits, keep a food and drink journal over the week. Ensure your child has had something from each of the four main food groups. These include starchy foods, protein, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. If you know your toddler has eaten foods from each group, you probably shouldn’t worry.

Speak with your pediatrician if you need advice or support. They can check your toddler’s weight and height, and are likely to reassure you that there is no problem. If there are any issues, they will give you tips and advice to help you get back on track.

Summer Time Worthy Recipe: Grilled Fruits for Dessert

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

As the summer season begins to wind down, you can still get in a few good dates to gather and grill with family and friends. Complete your grilling menu with a dessert of grilled fruit. Yes- grilled fruit! Step out of the ordinary and give your taste buds an extraordinary twist to conventional fruits.

Try this Grilled Banana recipe from the FoodNetwork.com:

INGREDIENTS

4 ripe bananas, halved and left in peel
Vegetable oil
1 cup creme fraiche or sour cream (For a healthier option, try low fat sour cream)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Fresh mint, for garnish
Fresh raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Preheat grill. Brush cut side of bananas with oil. Grill until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Turnover and continue grilling until just cooked through.

Whisk together creme fraiche and maple syrup then place a large dollop in the center of each banana half. Garnish with fresh mint and berries.

Need another idea for fruit grilling? Try Grilling Pineapples.

INGREDIENTS

1 large ripe golden pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 8 to 10 wedges.
Good olive oil.
1/4 cup honey.

DIRECTIONS
Prepare the grill. When the grill is ready, brush the pineapple wedges lightly with the oil and place them on the grill. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side until nicely charred and lightly colored. Remove to a serving plate and drizzle with honey.

Want to get creative? Try them skewer style. Gather a variety a fruits and cut into cubes. Think of cantaloupes, bananas, pineapples and plums. Soak skewers in water to avoid a charred skewer on the grill. Place fruits on the skewer, brush with oil lightly and place onto the grill for 6 minutes- turning every 2 minutes for each side, take off the grill onto a serving plate and drizzle some fresh honey or even chocolate syrup for your family to enjoy.

Have you grilled any fruits? If so, share which were your favorite choices- we’d love to hear from you!

The 10 Best Reasons to Breastfeed

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

You may have heard it before, but the message is clear- Breastfeeding is beneficial for both baby and mother. If you are still undecided, here are JHMC’s top 10 reasons for choosing breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for your newborn baby:

It provides nutrients and protection. The first milk, called colostrum, is the perfect first food for babies. Your breast milk’s antibodies help protect baby from the cold and flu and boost his ability to fight off more serious illnesses such as certain cancers like leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease.
It’s always ready & the right temperature. No need to decipher whether your milk is too hot or cold, simply place baby to breast for her feeding.
Creates a greater bond between mother and infant. The skin-to-skin contact you both receive from breastfeeding creates a greater bond since breastfeeding releases the “bonding hormone” oxytocin. The same hormone that’s released when you hug or kiss a loved one.
Provides protection for Mom as well. According to the National Cancer Institute, breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Financially beneficial on the family budget. According to La Leche League International, the cost of formula can range anywhere from $134 to $491 per month. That’s $1,608 to $5,892 in one year! Breastfeeding costs nothing because you are producing milk. If you choose to express your milk, many insurance plans will cover double electric breast pumps.
Breastfed babies are smarter. Various researchers have found a connection between breastfeeding and cognitive development. Studies concluded from IQ scores and other intelligence tests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding significantly improves cognitive development.
Helps Mom’s back to their pre-baby shape. With a healthy diet, mom receives the benefits of breastfeeding by burning an average of 500 calories a day, which can help shed those post baby pounds faster than just diet alone.
Lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends breastfeeding for as long as possible to reduce the risk of SIDS. AGerman study published in 2009 found that breastfeeding – either exclusively or partially – is associated with a lower risk of SIDS. The researchers concluded that exclusive breastfeeding at 1 month of age cut the risk of SIDS in half.
Helps with a natural method of birth control. According to the World Health Organization, exclusive breastfeeding is associated with a natural (though not fail-safe) method of birth control offering a 98% protection in the first six months after birth.
Creates confidence in mothers.
Nursing mothers have reported increased self-confidence and a closer connection to their babies.

Self- Tanning: A Practical Alternative to Sun Bathing

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

Summer is a time to have fun in the sun and work on the tan you have been dreaming of since the winter. However, sun tanning can cause skin cancer, premature aging, cataracts and painful burns. If you’re concerned about the safest way of tanning, a practical alternative to sun bathing can be self- tanning.

Self-tanning products are available as lotions, creams, sprays, and in towelette or wipe form. These products contain a chemical called dihydroxyac ThinkstockPhotos-179035045 etone (DHA), a color additive that darkens the skin. Concentrations of DHA used in sunless tanning preparations are considered non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. These products can typically contain between three and five percent of DHA. When used properly, DHA is considered safe. Most dermatologists agree that the spray-on tans or the tans in a bottle, which basically causes coloration of the outer layer of the epidermis, are safe and effective. As with anything, spray tanning can be used moderately and not habitually.

If you have considered self-tanning, follow the package directions and protect your eyes, mouth and nose when spray tanning to avoid inhaling the product. The browning effect occurs within a few hours and is temporary- your faux color fades in seven to ten days as the skin naturally sloughs off.

Whichever choice you decide, make sure to take precaution either way and enjoy all the summer time has to offer.

#MotivatedMondays

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

According to the American Heart Association, 2200 Americans die of heart disease every single day. Help your heart get a boost and prevent becoming a part of this growing statistic- Check out this quick 10 minute workout for a healthy heart.

Quick Summer Recipes for Your Family to Enjoy

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

Don’t spend too much time in a hot kitchen this summer. Enjoy your summer evenings with your family with these quick and healthy recipes which can be whipped up in about 30, 20 or even 10 minutes.

If you have 30 minutes, have a breakfast dish for dinner- try this Fri tt ata Florentine recipe with some sparkling flavored water. The eggs and vegetables in this dish offer plenty of benefits such omega-3’s and vitamins A, C, and K.

20 mi TurkeyWrap nutes? A delicious turkey wrap could be just the thing to serve as the sun is setting with cool lemonade. The whole wheat tortilla can help with your fiber intake and stabilize blood sugar levels and turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan, which produces serotonin and plays an important role in strengthening the immune system.

Really crunched on time? Try this 10 minute recipe for oven baked tostadas accompanied with some refreshing iced tea. The bean spread onto the tostada is a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, potassium, and is low in fat.

So stay cool and enjoy the better weather in the best of health!

Feeling Parched?

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

Anyone can experience xerostomia, also known as dry mouth. It affects the function of the salivary glands and can happen to anyone occasionally due to stress or being nervous. It is also experienced by many for other reasons such as hormonal changes or as a side effect to certain medications.

Some of the symptoms of dry mouth include a parched feeling in the mouth, thick or stringy saliva, a rough tongue, excessive thirst, mouth sores, bad breath, loss of taste, cracked lips and difficulty chewing, speaking or swallowing. Dry mouth can make chewing food difficult and can possibly lead to tooth decay if not treated.

If you experience dry mouth, here are some helpful home remedies to help find relief from this uncomfortable condition.

Increase your fluid intake. Aside from water, look for different ways to sneak in some H2O in your fruits and vegetable such as cucumber, watermelons and pineapple to get the salivary glands activated and working.
Try some ginger or fennel seeds as a salivary stimulant. The flavonoids in fennel seeds stimulate the flow of saliva and their aromatic flavor helps combat bad breath that accompanies dry mouth.
Aloe Vera is not only for used for sun burns, but is an age-old remedy to treat dry mouth. It also helps protect the sensitive tissue in the mouth and enhances the taste buds. Try drinking a ¼ cup of aloe vera juice daily or rinse your mouth with aloe vera juice a few times a day.

If you feel you are experiencing more severe symptoms, please consult a physician or schedule an appointment with through the Ambulatory Care clinic at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-7001.

Is your child developing a stuttering problem?

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Zuleika Benitez

As your child grows, their brain may try to keep up with the rapid pace of learning new things, expanding their vocabulary and communicating. Often times, children find themselves speaking faster than they can think and begin to stammer. You may be wondering if their stuttering is normal and when should you ask your doctor for help?

It is common to hear your child experience what speech pathologists call ‘dysfluency,’ a disruption in the normal pattern of speech. Normal language dysfluency often starts between the ages of 1 ThinkstockPhotos-476283823 8 and 24 months and tends to come and go up to the age of five. They are usually signs that your child is learning to use language in new ways. If dysfluencies disappear for several weeks, then return, the child may just be going through another stage of learning.

However, there are times that a child will repeat sounds more than twice and expresses tension and struggle in the facial muscles, especially around the mouth when speaking. An example can be a repetitive flow of the first syllable or letter of a word, such as ‘li-li-like’. The pitch and tone may be higher and a block in air flow for several seconds when speaking occurs. Take some time from your schedule to sit down and practice speaking slowly with your child.

If you believe your child may have a stuttering problem, make an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s speech pathologist for an evaluation at 718-206-7140. With patience and therapy, your child will be able to speak clearly with confidence in no time.