Is Social Media Making Me Fat?

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Have you ever wondered why when you see postings of food on social media that are pleasing to your eyes, you immediately begin to desire that food or think, “Gee, I’m hungry?

The human mind is divided into two parts, the conscious and subconscious mind. The conscious mind works while we are awake, while the subconscious mind is always activated. The subconscious mind regulates everything in our body, our character, our speech and receives and processes information. The food and beverage postings on social media speak directly to our conscious and subconscious mind.

According to researchers, 70 percent of household meals in America are influenced by digital media. Pictures of food and beverages show up on news feeds 63 percent of the time. One popular social media site noted that a widely used food hashtag marked photos of snacks and meals 54 million times on their site alone.

In addition to subliminally causing you to want to eat more food, studies have shown that people who spent two hours or more using a device with LED display, such as a smart phone or tablet, had a corresponding dip in melatonin levels. Melatonin is the chemical that prepares your body for sleep. When we lose sleep, we can pack on extra pounds because there is a link between sleep loss and weight gain. If you are awake for longer periods of time, you may be more inclined to reach for a late night snack or bag of chips.

Some steps you can take to curb your hunger and promote good health are:

Choose fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Prepare your meals at home and limit dining out and processed on-the-go meals.
Try to avoid being distracted by TV, work, driving or surfing on your computer, phone or tablet while eating.
Regulate your social media feed, especially if the pictures of food and beverages make your stomach moan.

Obesity is on the rise because many factors, but keep in mind that you are in control and can make healthy choices to live a healthy life. It’s better to eat with your stomach and not with your eyes.

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.

Grandma’s Chicken Soup

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Joann Ariola

When you have a cold or flu, it is best to keep hydrated and drink at least eight glasses of fluid a day. A great way to keep hydrated, help relieve the symptomscongested nose and sore throat is to eat chicken soup.

Researchers believe that substances in chicken soup can help reduce the inflammation associated with a cold or flu.

If you would like to test the effects of chicken soup on your cold or flu you may want to try

Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe –

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups wide egg noodles

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

12 cups chicken broth

1 ½ tablespoons salt

1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup chopped onion

1/3 cup cornstarch

¼ cup water

3 cups diced, cooked chicken meat

Directions:

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and oil, boil for 8 minutes, or until tender. Drain and rinse under cool running water.
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine broth, salt, and poultry seasoning. Bring to a boil. Stir in celery and onion. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water together until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Gradually add to soup, stirring constantly. Stir in noodles and chicken, and heat through.

Serves 12

For this and other easy, delicious recipes you may want to visit .

How Harmful is Occasional or Social Smoking?

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

“I am not really a smoker because I only smoke on occasion or socially.” These words are frequently spoken by those who consider themselves light or social smokers. It is quite common to find that people within this group are usually in denial of the frequency of their use of cigarettes and believe that they are not at risk of developing tobacco-related illnesses.

The truth is contrary as research has found that one third of people who classify themselves as social smokers actually smoke more than six times per day. Additionally, whether someone smokes a lot or a little, they are at risk for developing diseases caused by tobacco. The damage that one puff of nicotine causes is instant. It takes 10 seconds for nicotine to be transported throughout the body and to the brain. It slows down circulation and increases blood pressure and heart rate.

Furthermore in a study conducted by the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education it was found that light smoking may result in several health complications such as:

Stroke
COPD
Peripheral artery disease
Lower respiratory tract infections
Weakened immune systems

Smoking occasionally or socially does not exclude you from developing the health complications associated with tobacco use. Over time smoking will take its toll on your body. The best thing you can do for your health is quit smoking.

If you or someone you know needs help in quitting smoking please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Freedom From Smoking program at 718 206 8494 or visit www.smokefree.gov for more information.

How “Annual” Is Your Annual Physical?

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Joann Ariola

A. Yearly

B. Bi-Yearly

C. When I don’t feel good

D. I don’t do doctors

An annual exam is a good way of tracking your health progress. Some of the benefits are:

Primary prevention
To identify risk factors for common chronic diseases
To detect disease that has no apparent symptoms (secondary prevention)
A way for the doctor to counsel people to promote healthy behavior
To update clinical data since your last check-up
To enhance the relationship betweenyou and your doctor

If you are interested in scheduling an exam, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. Call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

November is COPD Awareness Month – Know Your COPD Facts

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Michael Hinck

November is National COPD Awareness Month. This observance is an opportunity for everyone across the country to increase their overall awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

COPD is a form of lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It is caused by damage to the lungs over a prolonged period of time and is usually attributed to smoking. COPD can result in serious, long term disability and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It kills more than 120,000 Americans each year – that’s one death every four seconds and that number is increasing every year.

The most common symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, chronic cough, and difficulty performing simple daily tasks, such as climbing stairs.

Those most at risk of developing COPD are individuals who:
• Are over age 40 and currently smoke or smoked at some point
• Worked or lived around chemicals or fumes
• Have certain genetic conditions

If you think you have COPD, you should:
• Talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms
• Request a breathing test, known as a spirometry
• Quit smoking! If you need help, ask your doctor
• Avoid pollutants or fumes that can irritate your lungs

While you can’t undo the damage COPD has caused to your lungs, there are steps you can take to prevent the condition from getting worse, such as:
• Taking medications as directed by your doctor
• Enrolling in a pulmonary rehabilitation program
• Avoiding factors that can irritate your lungs
• Receiving annual flu and pneumonia vaccines

Asthma and Climate Change

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

It is a fact that breathing difficulties associated with asthma are affected by climate changes. These changes in the environment bring about higher levels of ozone in the atmosphere. A higher concentration of dust and fine particles can cause existing respiratory conditions to worsen especially in the very young and the elderly.

Some of the environmental factors that affect the respiratory system are:

• Higher levels of carbon dioxide and higher temperature can lead to more spores and mold in the air.

• Climate change can lead to drought conditions which can lead to more dust in the air.

• Higher temperatures can lead to more greenhouse gases being produced.

• Environmental production of pollutants from vehicles and factories become trapped in the atmosphere.

These environmental conditions can cause chest pain, coughing, and reduced lung function for those who suffer with asthma.

Irritants that affect breathing function have definitely worsened over the years due to climate changes. People are being treated more frequently in the emergency rooms across the country due to lack of clean air to breathe.

If you would like to speak with a pulmonologist about a breathing problem, please call 718-206-7001 to schedule an appointment.

Are You Having Difficulty Breathing While At Work?

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Do you experience symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing or chest tightness while you are at work? Do these symptoms seem to go away when you are on vacation or away from work? There is a possibility that you may have a condition called occupational asthma.

As defined by Medicine.net, “Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by exposure to a particular substance in the workplace. Occupational asthma is not the same as previously diagnosed asthma that is worsened by being at work (this condition would be called work-aggravated asthma).”

There are several substances or triggers that can cause occupational asthma attacks. The most common are chemicals used in insulation, packing materials, paints or resins. Other irritants include metals such as nickel sulfate, smoke, gases and plant substances such as wheat, hemp or cotton.

Additional symptoms of this disease can include: inflammation of the lining around the eyes, runny nose, tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion. Symptoms may get worse during the work week and go away after you have left work. They can also continue to occur both at work and outside of work. The longer you are exposed to the cause of the asthma attacks is the more likely you can develop long-lasting symptoms.

Some people are more at risk for developing occupational asthma. You may have an increased risk if you have a family history of asthma or allergies, you have a pre- existing asthma or allergy condition, you are a smoker or you work in an environment that has asthma triggers.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of occupational asthma it is advised that you see a physician as soon as possible because asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Upon your visit to the doctor, he (she) may perform a series of tests such as pulmonary function, spirometry or peak flow measurement. Treatments and suggestions may include wearing a mask or respirator while working as well as prescribed medications.

To make an appointment with the Ambulatory Care Center at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Asthma v. COPD

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a general term that describes progressive respiratory diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by decreased airflow over time and increased inflammation of the lungs.

Asthma, on the other hand, is considered a separate respiratory disease, but is occasionally mistaken for COPD because of its similar symptoms.

These symptoms include:

Chronic coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath

The majority of COPD sufferers also have asthma, which is considered a risk factor for developing the disease. As you age, the likelihood of this duel-diagnosis increases.

COPD and asthma respond well to treatments such as smoking cessation and airway-opening medications like bronchodilators. At times, inhaled steroids are also needed. However, lung function is only fully reversible in asthma patients. A diagnosis of asthma, along with COPD, often means a significant decline in lung function as the COPD progresses. This progression is true even in patients with mild forms of the disease.

By nature of the similarity of the symptoms of COPD and asthma, many patients can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Early detection of COPD, especially in current or past smokers, is critical to preserving lung function “Undiagnosed or poorly controlled asthma and COPD can lead to a decreased quality of life by limiting a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Teaching patients to take their medicine as prescribed, to never run out of their medications, and to keep their doctors’ appointments is essential to improving their outcomes.” Dr. Kamica Lewis.

If you think you may have symptoms of asthma or COPD, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to make an appointment with a doctor for an evaluation.

Quieting That Cough, Naturally

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Coughing is a common health problem. When there is a blockage or irritant in your throat, your brain thinks a foreign element is present and tells your body to cough to remove that element.

Some reasons you may cough are itchy throat and congestion. Instead of using over-the-counter cough suppressants, you may want to try a natural cough treatment using readily available ingredients in your kitchen.

Ginger tea is one of the most popular cures for a cough and is a proven home remedy.

Follow the recipe below for a simple and effective way to quiet a cough.

GINGER TEA

· Cut fresh ginger into small slices and crush them slightly. Place them in a cup of water and bring to a boil. You can also use some lemon juice and honey to taste.

It is suggested to drink this herbal solution three to four times a day for relief from a sore throat, coughing and even chest congestion.

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Can Children with Asthma Keep Pets?

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

The presence of some pets in the home can trigger asthma attacks in children. While many believe pets’ fur is the culprit, it is actually the allergens such as dust and proteins found in pets’ dander, saliva, dead-skin flakes, urine and feathers that can cause a reaction.

These allergens and proteins are airborne-they can enter the body by way of the mouth or nose. When they are combined with antibodies (a substance that the body recognizes as foreign) and inhaled into the lungs, they can trigger the body’s defense mechanisms, causing inflammation and eventually restricting air flow.

It is recommended that the easiest way to reduce the hazards of pet dander and allergens in the home is to relocate the animal. For some, this decision can be difficult as pets often become members of the family. If the option of relocating the animal is not likely, then the following solutions should be considered.

Minimizing contact by keeping your pet outdoors as much as possible or prohibiting the animal from the bedroom of the person with asthma.
Using vacuums with HEPA filters to frequently vacuum surfaces where dander can accumulate.
Wash pets often and groom them outside the home.
Keep animals off surfaces such as the couch, which collects pet dander.
Dust frequently. It is best to dust when the person with asthma is not home.
Clean bird and rodent cages thoroughly at least once a week.
Purchase air cleaners with HEPA filters.
Keep children away from litter boxes or places designated for the animal to eliminate waste.
Change carpeted floors to hard wood floors.

It is highly advised that you consult a physician to confirm that it is okay to keep your pet and to explore the best ways to reduce the risks of triggering an asthma attack. Your doctor may be able to develop a treatment plan, which can include allergy shots, sprays or pills to help manage symptoms.