Lamb Kebabs and Lima Bean Salad

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Lima beans are a good source of protein, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. They can increase energy levels by helping to restore iron and are delicious in soups, stews, salads, casseroles, by themselves or mixed with other vegetables.

Try this easy and delicious Lamb Kebabs and Lima Bean Salad recipe:

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
3/2 pound boneless lamb top round steak or shoulder chop, cut into 16 pieces
1 lemon, cut into 8 pieces
1medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges (stem end left intact)
1 pound frozen baby lima beans
1 ounce Feta, crumbled (1/4cup)
¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
¼ cup torn fresh mint leaves

DIRECTIONS

Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, make the vinaigrette: whisk together the oil, vinegar, oregano, garlic and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Transfer half the vinaigrette to another medium brown, add the lamb and toss to coat.
Heat broiler. Thread the lamb, lemon and onion onto the skewers and place on a broiler-proof baking sheet. Broil 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Add the beans and 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water and cook until the beans are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water, drain well and add to the bowel with the remaining vinaigrette. Add the Feta, olives and mint and toss to combine. Serve with the kebabs

Serves: 4

Total Time: 40 min

For this and other easy recipes visit –

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.

National Bike Month – Stay Safe and Fit

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Joann Ariola

National Bike Month begins on May 14^th and culminates with Ride to Work Day on May 18, 2018.

Communities nationwide will participate in this week-long recognition good health and bring attention to the need of lessening toxic emissions that motor vehicles are having on our environment.

According to , more than half of all Americans live less than 5 – 10 miles from work. By utilizing the extensive miles of bike lanes to and from your work destination, you could probable arrive at your destination in less than an hour.

Riding a bicycle to work can be a fun and effective way to get fit. Cycling is beneficial for the cardiovascular system because it increases oxygen intake and stimulates the heart. Studies show that riding can increase energy levels by 20 percent and in one hour burn up to 488 calories when pedaling at 12 to 14 miles per hour.

Although a bicycle is an excellent fitness tool, it is also considered a vehicle. Therefore, the rules of the road must be obeyed and a bicycle should be operated safely to prevent injuries and accidents. Statistics show that bicyclists face higher risks in crash-related injuries and deaths than drivers in a motor vehicle.

Follow these basic riding tips to ensure your safety and reduce the risks:

Always ride in the same direction as traffic and do not weave in between other vehicles.
Obey traffic laws and signals.
Do not listen to music or speak on cell phones while riding.
Wear a proper fitting helmet.
Never pass another vehicle on the right.
Always keep your hands on the brakes.
Stay aware of dangerous road hazards such as potholes and broken glass.
Use hand signals to show motorist where you are going.

So suit up, remember to wear your helmet and cycle your way to health and a cleaner environment!

Is There a Benefit to Wearing a Fitness Tracker?

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Generally speaking, if you are inactive your risk of experiencing obesity, low energy, diabetes and hypertension is higher. To combat these health issues, you can incorporate a brisk walk or run into your weekly activity. The addition of this type of movement to your day may prevent or, in some cases, reverse health issues.

One of the ways some are finding it beneficial to keep track of their activity level is by wearing a “fitness tracker.” Surprisingly, one of the first reports you may receive from your tracker is that you are not as active as you thought you were.

Most fitness trackers are a good way of monitoring your steps, calories, distance travelled, caloric intake, as well as your heart rate and sleep patterns. They can be viewed as your “conscience” for personal accountability and motivation for a relatively low cost.

Some of the benefits of a fitness tracker include:

Encouraging physical activity – If you check your tracker and see that you are behind in your steps for the day, you may “step” up your game a bit and take a walk.
Measuring your heart rate – This feature can give you hard data on the effort you exert while doing a particular workout and/or task. It can give you a hint on the condition of your cardiovascular system by allowing you to see just how quickly your heart rate increases.
Providing insights on your sleep patterns – Sleep has a definite influence on your overall health. Fitness trackers that log sleep activity can help you address whatever is lacking in your sleep cycles.
Encouraging healthy eating – Fitness trackers can come equipped with apps that help you track your food and may help with weight loss.
Promoting interaction – Some fitness trackers allow the user to interact with other users, create group challenges and receive rewards for meeting goals.

There really isn’t a downside to tracking your activity, unless you take your fitness tracker off and it remains lost at the bottom of a drawer.

Employee Spotlight – Margaret Novoa

Posted on April 26, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

This month we shine our employee spotlight on Margaret Novoa, clerical assistant to the manager of MediSys East New York.

Margaret grew up in South Ozone Park and attended school at St. Teresa of Avila. Her family moved to Brooklyn during her high school years where she attended Erasmus Hall High School and after graduating from high school she went on to study at Linden State College in Vermont.

Margaret began her career at Jamaica Hospital 35 years ago in the Emergency Department before moving on to the Department of Family Medicine and eventually to her current position in MediSys East New York.

In her free time, Margaret enjoys spending time with her son and daughter, her three grandchildren and other members of her family. Many of the people that she has worked with at the hospital over the years have become like family to her and she cherishes these friendships. Margaret enjoys reading, traveling, walking, and cooking. Margaret believes strongly in giving back to the community and she began a charity in honor of her mother, Carmen Novoa, that benefits single mothers and their children.

Margaret takes great pride in working at Jamaica Hospital for many reasons. Having grown up in this community she feels good about being able to give back to the neighborhood that gave so much to her. She feels very fortunate to work with people who look out for one another and from whom she has learned so much. Margaret looks forward to continuing to work at Jamaica Hospital and to contributing to the well-being of others. We are very happy to have her as a member of the Jamaica Hospital family.

Is Obesity Having an Impact on Your Child’s Self-Esteem?

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Obesity among teenagers is a growing problem in the United Sates. It is estimated that 31% of teenagers are overweight and another 16% are obese.

Many parents and doctors focus on the physical effects of obesity, but what about the psychological and emotional ramifications? Obesity can lead to heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, but its depression, low self esteem, anxiety and poor body image that should be the greater concern for most.

Recent studies have concluded that obese teens have considerably lower self esteem than their non-obese peers. The difference in the two groups is most evident among 14 year olds, which also happens to be a critical time for teens because it is when they develop their sense of self worth. It is also an age where peers can be most cruel. Teasing, taunting, and poor treatment from other kids can also contribute to depression and other psychological 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. They often become depressed, which causes them to withdraw from social activities with friends and family and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

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 parents of obese teens 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 teens facing this issue, 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.

The Benefits of Coconut Milk

Posted on April 17, 2018 by Joann Ariola

There is always something new coming on the scene that is healthier for you than other choices. Lately, the buzz is all about the benefit of Coconut Milk.

Coconut milk can be a tasty substitute for cow’s milk. Coconut Milk is found in the white flesh of fully ripened brown coconuts. Like, cream, coconut milk has a thick consistency and a rich texture.

Often times, people mistake coconut milk for coconut water. These two liquids are very different. In fact, coconut water comes from less ripened green coconuts.

Some health benefits of coconut milk are:

Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
Builds muscle and helps reduce fat
Is rich in electrolytes and can prevent fatigue
Can assist in weight loss
Improves digestion
Relieves constipation

So, if you are looking for an alternative to cow’s milk, try coconut milk in your smoothie or cereal for a healthy change.

The Benefit of Exercise for your Child

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The incidence of childhood obesity in the United States continues to be on the rise. As a result, chronic disease, musculoskeletal issues and self-esteem issues are also on the rise.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is recommended that physical activity in children and adolescents consist of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day to help promote muscle and bone development.

There are various types of exercise that will benefit your child or adolescent. Some of the more accessible types of exercise are:

Outdoor games, such as tug-of-war or relay racing
Walking to and from school (when possible)
Bicycle riding
Jumping rope
Martial arts
Sports (soccer, hockey, basketball, swimming, tennis, baseball)
Skiing
Dancing
Rollerblading
Skateboarding
Walking the dog
Aerobics
Gymnastics
Push-ups (modified with the knees on the floor)
Using resistance bands while exercising
Playground activities (swings, slides, etc.)

Too often children and adolescents are sedentary; spending too many hours a day on their smart phones, game stations, tablets or in front of the television.

Regular exercise promotes healthy bone growth, strength and mass, as well as raising your heart rate. In fact, studies have shown that children and adolescents who exercise daily are prone to stronger muscles and bones, have loser body mass index, are less likely to become overweight, have a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and have a better outlook on life.

So dust off the dance shoes, tie up your sneakers, take the bike out of the garage, put the dog on a leash and begin to get healthy!

High Blood Pressure? Check Your Salt Intake.

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Joann Ariola

In the United States, one out of every three adults has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. It is a symptomless disease and is known as the “silent killer.” One step you can take to avoiding or controlling high blood pressure can begin with your diet.

A high sodium diet increases blood pressure in many people. Based on the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the amount of salt intake in your diet should be no greater than 2,300 milligram per day, which is the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of salt. This can be easily consumed if you are not watching what you eat. You may be consuming them every day without knowing its potential to harm you, or your family, in the long run. Many convenience foods can be a culprit of containing high sodium content.

Some examples of the daily foods to avoid, which contain high sodium contents are:

Frozen Dinners and pre-packaged foods
• Packaged deli meats/ lunch meats
• Canned foods and fast foods
• Soups and nuts
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Chips and dip

Some helpful tips to begin modifying your diet can include:

Creating a food diary to help keep track of the salt in the foods you eat
• Read the ‘nutritional facts’ label on every food package and opt for a lower sodium version
• Avoid pre-packaged foods and try using salt-free seasonings
• Opt for fruits and vegetables to naturally spice up your food- onions, cranberries, and apple butter are some good examples of foods and products that can enhance your meal

Making the effort can be difficult at first but it’s worth your long term health. If you believe you are at risk of high blood pressure, speak with your physician and see if a low-sodium diet could benefit you. If you do not have a private physician, please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to set up an appointment with a physician.

For these and other helpful ways to side step hypertension, log onto www.webmd.com.

Parenting – Should Children be Paid to do Household Chores?

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Many parents wrestle with the question of whether or not their children should be required to do chores around the house, and if so, should they be paid for it? There’s really no simple answer.

There are pros and cons to every method of administering an allowance to children. Some think kids should earn money in exchange for doing chores, others believe kids should not be paid for regular contributions that are expected of every family member. No matter which side you agree with, the point of an allowance is to teach your kids money management skills.

Age appropriate, weekly chores, whether it’s taking out the garbage, emptying the dishwasher, folding clean laundry, cleaning the cat litter box, or light yard work like raking leaves, can help a child develop character. Paying them for their contributions also helps them to develop a respect for earning money.

You might decide on a definite set of weekly chores that your child must complete before being paid, or choose to make a list with a set price per chore and leave it up to them. Bigger tasks like shoveling snow, earn more money, and things like making their bed, earn less.

The method you end up using may not be what you started with, every child is different and the family dynamic and responsibility varies. However you structure it, be flexible. Even if you offer your child an allowance with no strings attached, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask them to do something periodically.

Employee Spotlight – Katiria Martinez

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

This month we are pleased to shine our employee spotlight on Katiria Martinez, an Ambulatory Care Representative in the Emergency Department since 2014.
Katiria currently lives in Brooklyn but grew up in the Richmond Hill section of Queens and is very familiar with the area surrounding Jamaica Hospital. According to Katiria, working in the Emergency Department is dynamic and can be very rewarding. She is extremely happy when she can make someone’s day more pleasant , especially when they are facing very stressful moments in the hospital emergency room. She finds it very interesting meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the world. Katiria states “I am very fortunate to be working with a great group of people. Everyone helps one another which makes it a very good work environment.” She feels very fortunate to have a supervisor who encourages her to be the best that she can be and who teaches her so many important skills. These are all reasons that she enjoys coming to work every day.
When Katiria isn’t at work she enjoys spending time with her children, two sons and a daughter. She has a fondness for all kinds of outdoor activities such as going camping, hiking, spending time in the woods, and also spending time at the beach. Summer is her favorite time because she enjoys warm weather and it is the best time of year to be outdoors. One of the sports she enjoys is archery. She also enjoys traveling to new places and she is hoping to visit Panama on her next vacation.
Katiria believes in living life to the fullest. When she is at work she strives to make each day interesting and to make a positive difference in the lives of the people she interacts with. When she is home she feels the same way, her family is the most important part of her life and she enjoys the time she spends with them. Katiria is always trying to make each day a great day for everyone she meets.