Pulmonary Rehab For COPD

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

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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.

A decrease in airflow often results in shortness of breath, which at times makes performing minimal physical activities difficult. One of the most recommended forms of treatments used to improve this issue is pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD. A respiratory therapist can assess the severity of a patient’s condition before enrollment into a program by administering tests such as a pulmonary function test.

This form of treatment involves a series of exercises that teaches people breathing techniques that help them build physical fitness and lung strength.

Most pulmonary rehab programs include:

Exercise-This is one of the key components in pulmonary rehab. Patients are required to do a series of physical activities such as:

Exercises to strengthen and improve breathing muscles
Upper body exercises
Lower body exercises
Strength training

Smoking cessation- In order to improve quality of life and lung function, smoking cessation is often a goal or prerequisite in pulmonary rehab. Quitting is the most important thing a smoker can do to slow the progression of COPD.
Education-Programs offer education in either a group setting or on an individual basis. Education sessions are designed to teach people ways to manage their COPD or include lessons on understanding medication as well as using oxygen therapy.

Patients who participate in pulmonary rehab programs gain several benefits. Most see significant improvement in their breathing. It is suggested that participants continue the exercises even after completing a program by incorporating them into their daily life. Those who do not may experience a decline in its benefits.

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.

VEGAN CREAMY PUMPKIN SOUPN (GLUTEN FREE)

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Joann Ariola

For a creamy and vegan pumpkin soup recipe sprinkled with almonds and fresh rosemary, try the recipe below.

Serves: 3

Prep time – 5 minutes

Cook time – 25 minutes

Total time – 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, diced
½ pumpkin, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, diced
4-5 cups vegetable broth
½-1 cup coconut milk

Instructions

Heat oil in pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for a few minutes until translucent. Add pumpkin and garlic and continue to cook for a few more minutes.
Add rosemary and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until pumpkin is soft and cooked through. Add salt to taste.
Puree soup in a blender (in batches) and return to the pot.
Add coconut milk and simmer for another minute or two.

Give this recipe a try. It is simply delicious and healthy too.

Tips for the Single Parent

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Being a single parent is not easy; it has its own set of challenges.

Couples get together with the very best of intentions, full of hopes and dreams of white picket fences, 2.5 kids.

No one enters into a committed relationship with the intention of uncoupling. Nonetheless, it’s a distressingly common occurrence.

Suddenly, you find yourself a single parent. Even if you have always been an active, involved parent, this is a completely different experience.

In the best of situations, with a support team of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, friends, etc. you may have bouts of frustration and fatigue.

During these times you will have to push through and step-up. There is no substitution for a parent when dealing with a crying toddler, grumpy daughter or a son who failed to make the last out. These are hurdles you and your children will have to scale together.

Some of the most common ways a single parent can cope with and reduce stress are:

Finding a balance – Remember that parenting is about the moment. Take a deep breath and let go of your expectations.
Show your love –Praise your child. Give him or her unconditional love and support.
Create a routine – Structure, such as regularly scheduled meals and bedtimes help your child know what to expect.
Find quality child care – If you need regular child care, look for a qualified caregiver who can provide a safe environment. Do not rely on an older child as your only babysitter and be careful about asking a new friend or partner to watch your child.
Set limits – Explain house rules and expectations to your child, such as speaking respectfully and enforce them.
Don’t give in to guilt – Don’t blame yourself or spoil your child to try to make up for being a single parent.
Make time for yourself – Include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Make time to enjoy alone time or activities with close friends.
Lean on others – It’s okay to join a support group for single parents or seek social services. Call on trusted loved ones, friends and neighbors for help.
Stay positive – Be honest with your child if you’re having a difficult time, but remind him or her that things will get better. Try to keep your sense of humor when dealing with everyday challenges.

Mistakes may be made, but with love and the best of intentions, you’ll make it through.

Unusual but True – Werewolf Syndrome

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Werewolf Syndrome does exist but it is not what Hollywood or science fiction depicts it to be. Werewolf syndrome is medically known as hypertrichosis. It is a disorder that is characterized by excessive body hair. Typically the entire body with the exception of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are covered in dense hair, which can resemble fur. In some cases hair growth can be localized to a specific body part such as the back, elbows or ears.

Hypertrichosis can be classified into three main subcategories: congenital hypertrichosis terminalis, Naevoid hypertrichosis and congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa.

Congenital hypertrichosis terminalis- Is often associated with gingival hyperplasia, which causes those that are afflicted to have very few teeth or soft voices.
Naevoid hypertrichosis – Symptoms may include excessive beard growth (men and women), a heavy unibrow, hairy ears and in some cases with underlying spina bifida-a tail on the lower back.
Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa- This form of hypertrichosis is extremely rare and is characterized by excessive hair at birth. There have only been about 50 cases reported globally since the middle ages.

Some possible conditions believed to cause hypertrichosis are metabolic disorders or genetic disorders caused by spontaneous mutations. The recommended treatment for this condition is hair removal because it is usually considered a cosmetic problem.

Facts About AFib (Atrial Fibrillation)

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Atrial Fibrillation or AFib is a type of heart arrhythmia (an irregularity in the rhythm of the heart), which is caused by a disorder of the heart’s electrical system.

Normally, the heart’s electrical system rhythmically contracts the upper chambers (atria) of the heart in synergy with the lower chambers (ventricles). However, with AFib the heart’s two upper chambers contract rapidly and out of sync with the lower chambers.

Each person’s experience with AFib may differ; some people may have no symptoms, while others may have incidents of:

Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Chest discomfort
Fatigue
Shortness of breath

If you are frequently experiencing these symptoms, make an appointment to see your physician. Your doctor will run the following to diagnose atrial fibrillation: electrocardiogram, trans- telephonic monitor, holter monitor or portable event monitor testing.

If symptoms are ignored and AFib goes untreated it can develop into serious health complications such as:

Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Pulmonary embolism
Cardiomyopathy
Hypertension
Stroke

There are many options available to treat or improve the symptoms of AFib. Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help in controlling the heart rate, reducing the risk of stroke and normalizing the rhythm of the heart. He or she may also recommend exercising and eating a healthy diet, as well as several lifestyle changes which can be incorporated into your daily routine.

Health and Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

coconut oil -176906001 The use of coconut oil has grown in popularity over the years. It has been discovered that ingesting the oil or using it topically has countless benefits. The benefits are often attributed to its healthy saturated fats such as lauric, caprylic and capric acid. Coconut oil is also composed of linoleic acid, poly-phenols, oleic acid, several essential minerals such as iron, as well as vitamins such as E and K. It is also known to have many anti-fungal, anti- bacterial, anti-parasitic and anti- oxidant properties.

Studies have shown that coconut oil can improve thyroid and heart function, insulin levels and several skin conditions. Whether you choose to ingest coconut oil or use it topically it can provide these additional benefits to your health:

Promotes weight loss– The medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) contained in coconut oil boosts the metabolism and increases energy.
Lowers cholesterol– It has been shown that the lauric acid increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood.
Improves digestion– It supports the absorption of nutrients during the digestive process.
Improves hair and scalp condition– Coconut oil provides the hair and scalp with optimal hydration. It is often used as a conditioner to repair damaged hair and maintain lustrous locks. It also serves as an effective anti-dandruff agent because of anti –fungal properties.
Promotes healthy skin– This essential oil can moisturize, treat and soothe dry skin. It is rich in vitamin E which prevents premature aging and wrinkling. Coconut oil is sometimes used in the treatment of eczema, acne and psoriasis.
Improves Immunity- Lauric and caprylic acid contains anti-viral properties and anti- bacterial properties which can help in strengthening the immune system.

There are several forms of coconut oil available for purchase; however, experts highly recommend the use of fresh-pressed virgin coconut oil because it is the least refined, is extracted from fresh coconuts and is of a higher quality. It is also easy to digest.

Be sure to talk to your physician about adding coconut oil to your daily diet or applying it on your body.

Hypertension Prevention in the Sweet Summer Heat

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Joann Ariola

The American Heart Association recently published the results of a study regarding hot weather and blood pressure. The findings just may surprise you. Hot weather may affect a drop in blood pressure during the day and an increase at night.

These changes may be attributed to the change of daily activities during the summer months, such as:

Walking regularly
Daily aerobic exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight
Curbing insulin-releasing carbohydrates
Lowering salt intake

Studies indicate that high blood pressure kills approximately 50,000 people in the United States each year, and contributes to the death of more than 200,000 annually. If you high blood pressure goes untreated or uncontrolled, it can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure of kidney failure.

Individual lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure in any season. By successfully controlling your blood pressure, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

If you are interested having your blood pressure checked or think you may have hypertension, you can call to make an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Center, 718-206-7001.

BBQ Leftover’s Tips and Yummy Recipe

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Joann Ariola

When you barbeque, you always seem to prepare more food than you need. Of course, this will leave you with leftovers more often than not. So what do you do with all that extra chicken?

If you are planning on finishing off your leftover chicken within a few days, wrap it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it for more than a few days, wrap the chicken in foil and seal it in a zip lock bag. Try to get as much air as possible out of the bag to preserve the leftovers for several months.

Take precaution when you are reheating your leftovers. You do not have to reheat it on as low a temperature and slowly as you did the first time. An oven temperature of around 325 degrees will work great. Do not overcook your chicken. Overcooking can cause the chicken to become dry.

Properly reheated, your barbecued chicken should be just about as good as it was the day you first cooked it.

Now that we have discussed how to preserve your BBQ chicken, here’s a great way to reheat that chicken. Click the link below and follow the simple recipe that will take your leftover chicken and make it appear like an entirely different meal!

http://addapinch.com/cooking/bbq-chicken-bites-recipe/

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.