Breastfeeding is Nutritious, Effective and FREE!

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Joann Ariola

There are many factors to consider when choosing to breast feed or formula feed your baby.

The American Pregnancy Association recommends breastfeeding for most families because breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It is a nearly perfect mix of all the ingredients your baby will need to grow. Breast milk contains vitamins, protein, and antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses, as well as, being more easily digested than infant formula.

A mother’s milk is always the perfect temperature, does not have a preparation time and is readily available at any time and place.

There is also a great financial benefit to breastfeeding. Formula prices can range from $54.00 to $198.00 per month depending on the brand. The additional cost of bottles, nipples and preparation should also be factored into this expense.Breast feeding not only saves you time and money, it will give you time to relax quietly with your newborn and bond.If you have any questions about breastfeeding and would like to speak with a lactation specialist, call Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276.

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.

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.

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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Peripheral Vascular Disease and Hypertension

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Peripheral Vascular Disease or PVD as it’s more commonly known, is a condition that is often associated with Hypertension.

PVD is a slow and progressive circulation disorder involving diseases in any of the blood vessels outside of the heart, the lymph vessels – arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Organs supplied by these vessels, such as the brain, heart and legs may not receive adequate blood flow for ordinary function.

However, the legs and feet are the most commonly affected.

Up to half of the people diagnosed with PVD are symptom free. For those experiencing symptoms, most common and first symptom is intermittent leg discomfort described as cramping that occurs with exercise and is relieved by rest. During rest, the muscles need less blood flow, so the pain disappears. It may occur in one or both legs depending on the location of the blocked or narrowed artery.

Other symptoms of PVD may include:

Decreased skin temperature
Diminished pulses in the legs and feet
Hair loss on the legs
Impotence
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles
Reddish coloring of the extremities

Some risk factors for peripheral vascular disease include factors that can be changed or treated with lifestyle changes, such as controlling your blood pressure or increasing physical activity. Unfortunately, risk factors like age and family history of heart disease and hypertension cannot be changed.

It is important to take steps to prevent PVD. A prevention plan may also be used to prevent or lessen the progress of PVD once you are diagnosed. If you would like to consult a physician, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s 718-206-7001 for diagnosis and treatment.

Can You Overdose on Vitamins?

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Surely you have heard the saying, “too much of a good thing can become a bad thing.” The same applies to vitamin supplements, as taking an excess of vitamins can be harmful to your health. This may seem contradictory because vitamins are often encouraged to supplement nutrients that may be lacking in our diets. Physicians or nutritionists may suggest vitamins once it is confirmed that you have a nutrient deficiency and highly advise that the daily recommended doses are followed.

The Institute of Medicine has established guidelines such as the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) and DV (Daily Value) to help people understand the daily suggested dose of vitamins.

Vitamin overdose occurs when a person ingests far more than the daily recommendation, for an extended period of time. Although the body can excrete excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, it can retain fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, which can be toxic.

Here are a few vitamins that are proven to be toxic if taken in excess, as well as their symptoms of overdose:

Iron- Nausea, bloody stools, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fluid build-up in the lungs and fever.
Vitamin A-Hair loss, liver damage, severe headaches, bone pain, blurred vision, dry skin and vomiting
Vitamin D- Abnormal heart rhythm, constipation, frequent urination, muscle weakness and confusion.
Vitamin E- Interferes with the body’s ability to clot blood, which can be harmful for those on blood thinning medication
B Vitamins-B6 in excess can cause nerve damage; while B3 can cause jaundice, elevated liver enzyme levels and nausea.

If you have decided to purchase vitamins, always follow the daily recommended dose to avoid excessive intake. Before purchasing it is recommended that you consult a physician or nutritionist to receive an assessment.

Do The Holidays Stress You Out? Follow These Tips

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Michael Hinck

The holidays are supposed to be about joy and merriment, but for many they can become a very stressful time of year.

The average American spends 42 hours a year on holiday activities including, shopping, wrapping presents, decorating, attending holiday parties, and traveling from place to place. Often, these extra activities get squeezed into our already busy schedules.

Our schedules are not the only thing being squeezed during the holidays; so too are our wallets. The holidays promote gift giving, but to what extent? Buying something for everyone on your list can be a very stressful situation, especially when you are on a budget.

To help you enjoy avoid holiday stress and enjoy this very special time of year, try following these simple tips:

• Take Calm-Down Breaks. Soon after you awake, close your eyes, take several deep breaths and meditate or just relax. Quieting down your mind before you begin your day can help it get off to a great start and things will flow for you.

• Create the Holiday You Want – When the holidays come around, you may find yourself getting pulled in many different directions. Don’t give in to outside pressures. Decide how do you want to spend your time and resources. Consider what is most important to you and what memories you want to create.

• Stick to a Budget – Unfortunately, so many people cause their own stress by overspending during the holidays. Try to start saving for the upcoming holiday season early in the year. Sit down and look to see what you can really afford before you start shopping.

• Be Generous With Your Heart – One of the best ways to stay calm, content and cheerful this time of year is to act generously with your loved ones, co-workers and friends. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money though.

• Get Moving – One of the best ways to overcome stress during the holidays or any other time is to exercise regularly. Physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your mood.

• Eat Healthy- Inevitably, at this time of year, you’ll be constantly tempted with sweet, empty-calorie treats. But to be your most energetic, focused and happy self, it’s best to avoid the sugary snacks and eat healthier options.

Hopefully, by following these recommendations, your holidays can be calm, relaxing and fun.