Honey Hastens Healing

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Did you know that out of all areas in the home, the kitchen is number one for getting burns and did you, also, know that the kitchen is a place you can find home remedies for that burn?

While most minor burns will heal on their own, there are home treatment remedies that can relieve your symptoms and promote healing, such as:

Honey – Honey has long been a remedy to disinfect wounds and heal burns. When applied to a burn, honey draws out fluids from the tissues, effectively cleaning the wound. You may also apply the honey to a gauze bandage, which is less sticky than direct application. On a piece of sterile gauze, place a dollop of honey and put the bandage directly on the burn, honey-side down. The dressing should be changed three to four times per day.
Additional home remedies for burns that can be found in your kitchen are:
Oatmeal – Oatmeal baths can help relieve the itch while the burn is healing
Tea bags – Tea bags contain tannic acid and help draw the heat from a burn. Gently dab the liquid, from a luke-warm water moistened tea bag, on the burn site.
Vinegar – Vinegar works as an astringent and antiseptic on minor burns and helps prevent infection. Dilute the vinegar with equal parts water, and rinse the burned area with the solution.
Cool water. – While ice is nice for sore muscles, cool water is the best liquid refreshment for burned skin. Ice can restrict blood flow to the burn site and further damage delicate tissues. Instead, gently run cool water or place cool compresses over the burn site for ten minutes. Do this as quickly as possible, preferably within seconds of getting a burn. Cool water not only feels good but will help stop the burn from spreading, and the sooner you run cool water on the burn, the greater the effect will be to reduce it.

Do’s and Don’ts to avoid burns:

DO lower the temperature of your hot-water heater to below 120 degrees F. A second-degree burn can happen within seconds in water that’s hotter than 120 degrees.
DO turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
DO keep that steaming cup of java out of a child’s reach, which means off the coffee table or other low-lying areas.
DON’T ever leave a child unattended in the kitchen.
DO make the stove area off-limits to children.
DO put a childproof lock on the oven door.
DO keep oven mitts and potholders handy when cooking.

You can try these remedies for minor burns, but if you suspect you may have a more severe injury, please seek medical treatment immediately.

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.

How Much Sweat is Normal ?

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

The amount of sweat that a person produces varies from person to person and is dependent on the activity a person is doing. A person that works in a climate controlled environment is going to sweat less than a person working out in a gym or doing manual labor. Excess sweating is called hyperhidrosis and this occurs when a person is sweating more than what might be considered normal. There is no quantifiable number that can be associated with excess sweating but a person who sweats through their clothes in an environment where it isn’t routine for heavy sweating, should be evaluated. Certain people sweat excessively due to the medications they are taking, sometimes there may be an infection that the body is trying to fight, and some people have a family history of excessive sweating.
A simple way to treat perspiration is by using an over the counter anti-perspirant. In more severe cases a physician may prescribe medication that will help to control excess sweating and in very severe cases there are procedures that can be performed that will help control the perspiration.
If you think that you may be sweating excessively, contact your physician and have a thorough exam performed. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital by calling 718-206-7001.

The Fight Against Obesity is a Family Affair

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Joann Ariola

The childhood obesity problem in the United States has reached epidemic proportions with many political leaders and health advocates turning their attention to bringing awareness to this issue.

Interventions have been suggested, school lunches have become healthier and more attention has been given to the benefit of outside play, recess, and cutting back on the consumption of processed foods.

One of the most effective solutions to the issue of childhood obesity may be a simple one; scheduling time for a healthy family dinner. The ritual of eating meals together, as a family, has shown to greatly improve healthy eating habits.

Studies have shown that families who dine while watching television tend to be heavier than those who make to time to sit down, together, for a meal on a regular basis. As a parent, eating with your family will give you the opportunity to encourage our children to eat mindfully, reinforce healthy eating habits and teach your children to eat slowly.

Some idea’s to make family meals regular events at your house are:

Turn off the TV
Make a date to have a meal together
Share the meal preparation process with the whole family
Select a healthy alternative to a favorite meal

In addition, eating is about so much more than the food and nutrients we receive from it. Meal time should be pleasurable, social and a time to connect with each other.

If you or someone you know is struggling with obesity, contact the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory care Center to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed Nutritionist’s at 718-206-7001.

Waist Training – Is It Safe?

Posted on May 22, 2015 by Michael Hinck

The latest trend to achieve a slimmer waist is inspired by a practice that is over 500 years old.

Waist training is a practice that requires women to wear a corset, similar to the ones worn in the Victorian era, for extended periods of time in an attempt to achieve an hour glass figure. Endorsed by celebrities, waist training is popping up all over social media, with many women trying to reduce or contour their midsection, but does it work?

Proponents of waist training believe that wearing a corset for hours at a time will permanently mold their waist into a desired, slimmer shape. Medical experts disagree, however, stating that after the constricting garment is removed, your body will eventually return to its natural form. Believers of waist training also say that garment increases sweating, which results in weight loss, but doctors claim it is not possible to perspire so much that it will shed inches off of your waist line.

Regardless of whether or not waist training is effective, there is no debate that it can cause serious damage to a woman’s health. Wearing these cinching devices can move or squeeze internal organs, causing serious damage, including compressed lungs, crushed or displaced organs, or fractured ribs. These problems can result in difficulty breathing, digestive issues, and general pain.

While waist training is certainly appealing because it seems like a quick fix to shrink your waist, doctors encourage maintaining a healthy diet and incorporating a fitness regime focused on strengthening your core as a much safer and healthier alternative.

Is Smoking Cigars Any Safer Than Smoking Cigarettes?

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Cigarette sales are beginning to see a decline while cigar consumption has been rising steadily. This is partly attributed to the growing belief that cigars are a safer alternative to cigarettes. Many smokers perceive cigars as having fewer health risks because the smoke is not inhaled into the lungs but is instead sucked and kept in the mouth for the taste. However, the most concerning misconception among smokers is the belief that cigars are safer because they do not have a Surgeon General’s health warning as cigarettes do.

Research has proven all of these beliefs to be untrue. Cigars do not require health labels because they are not as regulated as cigarettes. Furthermore, they contain some of the same hazardous chemicals such as arsenic and can have the same negative health effects.

Cigars contain high levels of the addictive substance nicotine. Nicotine can enter the body by being inhaled into the lungs and can also be absorbed through the lining in the mouth. Cigars are also known to contain more tar than cigarettes. Tar contains the carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) benzo(a)pyrene. Cigar smokers are at a high risk for developing cancers of the mouth, larynx and esophagus.

Cigar smoke has been linked to other health conditions such as oral, lung and cardiovascular disease. Chronic cigar smokers may be twice as likely to be at risk for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). They may also face a higher risk of premature death caused by aortic aneurysms and damage to the heart. Cigars can also wreak havoc on dental health by causing tooth loss, bad breath and stained teeth.

The National Cancer Institute has determined that cigars are no safer than cigarettes and there are no safe tobacco products. There is also no safe level of tobacco smoke exposure. For this reason and others previously discussed, the best option for smokers to improve their health and prevent the risk of developing chronic diseases is to stop 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.

Nail Salon Safety

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Michael Hinck

The safety of New York’s nail salon workers has recently been a topic of conversion, but what about the safety of those who frequent these salons?

The products found in salons, such as nail polish and nail polish remover may contain many toxic chemicals, including DBP, Tolune, and Formaldehyde. These chemicals can be dangerous not only to employees in these establishments, but also to the customers. Potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to these products include lung disease, miscarriage, and cancer. When choosing a nail salon, ask if they use safe, non-toxic products.

While exposure to these chemicals are making headlines, other risks, including developing toe nail fungus, plantar’s warts, or even a bacterial infection are all a cause for concern.

Follow these nail salon safety tips before your next trip to the salon:

• Bring Your Own Tools – By purchasing your own instruments, you can ensure that no one else has used them. All metal tools should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide between uses. All non-metal tool, such as files can’t be sterilized and should be discarded after each use because they can harbor bacteria.

• Ensure Proper Sterilization – If you opt to use the salon’s tools, make sure all pieces of equipment that touches your skin was sterilized in an autoclave (steam sterilizer) between each use. Some salons may use a UV sterilizer, but this process does not kill bacteria.

• Proper Hygiene is a Must – Salon employees should wash their hands between each customer. While waterless sanitizers are acceptable, washing hands using soap and warm running water is preferable. Employees can also use gloves as an extra layer of protection.

• Don’t Get Your Cuticles Cut – The purpose of cuticles is to protect the nail bed from bacteria. If that’s their job, why would we want to cut them? Using cutters, razors, or other tools can allow bacteria to enter your body and cause an infection. Instead, use a cotton-tipped stick to gently push the cuticles back.

• Footbath Safety – Make sure your salon’s footbaths are cleaned in hot, soapy water and sprayed with a disinfectant between each use. Also, tub liners should be used. To be extra careful, bring your own tub liner or garbage bag.

• Check for General Cleanliness – Inspect the overall condition of your salon’s floors and bathrooms. Odds are if they are not clean, the shop does not make sterility a priority.

Before you get that manicure or pedicure this summer, make sure your salon is safe. The cost of beautiful nails should not be your health.

Milk – Which type is best for you ?

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Traditionally when people thought about milk, they were referring to the kind that came from a cow. Dairy milk was offered as either whole, two percent, one percent, skim, or lactose free. Today, there are many non-dairy varieties of milk, and each has its own benefits and disadvantages. Milk made from rice, almonds and soy are now commonly found in supermarkets.
Types of Milk:
Dairy Milk – whole milk contains the highest amount of fat, the most amount of calories and cholesterol. One percent milk has fewer calories, and skim milk has even less. Fat free milk contains no saturated fats but is still a good source of protein, minerals, calcium and vitamins. Lactose free milk is good for people who have difficulty digesting the sugar lactose that is found in regular milk, yet it contains all of the other nutrients.
Almond Milk – is free of cholesterol and saturated fat, is low in calories, and does not contain lactose. It is not a good source of protein and contains no calcium unless it is fortified. People who are allergic to nuts should not drink it. Also, it isn’t recommended for people with osteoporosis.
Soy Milk – contains protein, has no cholesterol, is low in saturated fat, and does not contain lactose. It can be fortified with calcium, and potassium.
Rice Milk – does not contain lactose, is good for people who are allergic to nuts, can be fortified with calcium. It is important to note however, that it is high in carbohydrates which is not recommended for people with diabetes to consume. It is also low in protein which does not make it a good choice for people who are athletes.
To find out which type of milk would be best for you, make an appointment with a nutritionist at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-7001.

Are We Taller in the Morning?

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Michael Hinck

It is said that we are just a little bit taller in the morning than we are later in the day – but why?

This phenomenon may be due to gravity compressing cartilage in our spine and in other parts of our bodies, such as our knees when we stand up or sit down throughout the day. While we are lying down in a resting position, the spine is said to “spread out” or decompress, so when we wake in the morning we are taller after lying in bed all night.

In fact, astronauts coming back from outer space are a few inches taller than their normal height on earth because of the lack of gravitational forces on their spines away from the earth’s atmosphere. When they are on earth again, gravity will gradually return them to their normal height.

The increase in our morning height is only about 1cm, but that maybe just enough for some to boast a different height to their family and friends.

Doctors Say You Need to Relax

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Relax178982704 (1) For many, dealing with excessive stress has become a way of life. We often hear the words “just relax,” but sometimes we find it difficult to take that advice and de-stress due to every day hassles.

When you are stressed the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline- which causes the fight or flight reaction. This can speed up the normal function of several organs, including the heart. The fight or flight reaction is appropriate when we face immediate threats but can be damaging if prolonged; as our bodies are only designed to deal with the effects of stress for short intervals.

Extended periods of stress can take its toll on our health in many ways. Long-term stress is known to negatively affect several systems of the body, including:

The nervous system- High levels of cortisol and adrenaline can impair the nervous system, which regulates heart rates, the excretion of waste, breathing rates and the dilation and constriction of blood vessels.
The immune system- Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, which increases the risk of infections, infectious diseases, skin problems such as eczema and can slow down wound healing rates.
The digestive system- Excessive levels of stress can stimulate the muscles of the intestines and cause diarrhea or constipation. It can also lead to indigestion or nausea and increase the risk of ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome.
The endocrine system- Stress hormones can cause the liver to increase blood sugar levels. This is particularly dangerous for diabetics.

It is important to reduce excessive and prolonged periods of stress, because it can wreak havoc on our health. We can decrease or manage stress by learning to take a moment to relax, exercising and eating healthy.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – A Proper Diet

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

April is Irritable Bowel Awareness Month. For many people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), finding out which foods agree with them and which foods cause them discomfort, is essential to living successfully with the disease.

IBS is a condition whereby certain foods will cause intestinal discomfort after being consumed. These symptoms can include:

Bloating
Gas
Nausea
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea or Constipation

There is no general rule of what to eat and what to avoid in treating IBS. A physician will go through a patient’s daily diet and see if there are certain foods that are more likely to act as irritants. Foods that typically cause a problem for people with IBS have a high concentration of insoluble fiber which are found primarily in whole grains and vegetables and that do not dissolve in water. Insoluble fiber rich foods pass through the intestine almost intact and can act as a natural laxative. The foods that physicians who treat this disease recommend avoiding include:

Nuts
Caffeine
Chocolate
Beans
Cabbage
Raisins
Broccoli

The act of eating and chewing stimulates the digestive tract. It has been suggested that instead of eating one or two full meals every day, eating five or six smaller portion meals may prevent the digestive tract from becoming over stimulated.

To make an appointment with a physician specializing in IBS at Jamaica Hospital please call 718-206-6742.