Getting Your Kids Out The Door In the Morning This Summer

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Getting yourself AND your children ready in the morning can sometimes seem like an impossible task. Follow these tips to avoid the mania associated with trying to get your kids out the door for daycare or summer camp and still get to work on time.

• Establish a Set Routine – A non-negotiable routine must be created and adhered to. An important part of the routine is establishing consequences for failing to follow them. If your child understands the repercussions of not getting up the first time they are called, and understands that they will be enforced, they will be more likely to abide by them.

• Stagger Wake-Up Times – If you’ve got more than one kid in the house, and especially if you have a large family, consider staggering wake-up times for greater efficiency. Start with kids who need assistance first, or the ones who move at a snail’s pace come mornings.

• Determine Choices in Advance – Decide what your children will be eating for breakfast and what they will be packing for lunch the night before. Also choose and lay out your child’s entire outfit, including accessories before you go to bed. Not waiting for the last second to make these choices will help avoid arguments over meal choices and identify potential wardrobe issues such as stains or tears.

• Only do What is Important – By getting caught up tackling chores that you don’t have time for, you are setting yourself and your children up for failure. Consider creating a checklist of what absolutely must be done each morning and leave the other stuff until you get home.

• Designate an Essentials Area – Pick a place in your home for everything you will need the next morning. Shoes, backpacks, car keys, and cell phones should be placed in this area every day, so you don’t spend unnecessary time hunting for them in the morning and running the risk of missing a bus or a train.

• Be a Good Role Model – If you are grumpy and lethargic in the morning and running late yourself, then how can you expect your children to behave differently? A good tip is to get yourself up 10 minutes before your kids to brush off the cobwebs so you can greet your children with a positive attitude when they wake up.

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.

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.

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.

Is My Teen Troubled?

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Although there are many books that offer tips, there isn’t a universal reference guide that can prepare a parent for what will happen during their child’s teenage years. There are so many changes that your teen is facing that could influence them in a positive or negative way.

As your teenager begins to assert their independence, some behavioral changes may become bizarre and unpredictable. Your once sweet, obedient child, who always wanted to be with you, now wants to have as little association with you as possible. The child that hung on to your every word now rolls their eyes when you give your opinion or advice. These are the actions of a normal teenager, but how can you know if their behavior is a sign of greater issues?

Some teenagers exhibit a break in communication, fighting, defiance, violent mood swings and explosive anger. These teens face behavioral, emotional, and learning problems that are beyond the normal teenage issues and pose a greater challenge for their parents.

Some warning signs that your teen may be troubled are:

Changes in appearance, if it is accompanied by problems at school other negative changes in behavior, such as self-harm or extreme weight loss or weight gain.
Repeated escalation of arguments, violence at home, skipping school, getting into fights, and run-ins with the law.
Rapid changes in personality, falling grades, persistent sadness, anxiety or sleep problems, depression, bullying or talk of suicide.
Alcohol consumption or drug use becomes habitual.
A sudden change in peer group, especially if the new friends encourage negative behavior.

The challenge for parents is to help their teen cope with emotions and deal with anger in a more constructive way. First, parents need to establish clear rules and consequences; teens need rules now more than ever. Secondly, suggest exercise and team sports to your teen, they have proven effective in the relief of tension and anger, give your teen and yourself, space to cool off. Lastly, you can’t help your teen if you lose your temper as well.

Parenting a troubled teen can seem like an impossible task, but identifying red flag behaviors in your teen, seeking help from a doctor, counselor, therapist or other mental health professional is a step in the right direction.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Department of Psychiatry at Flushing Hospital Medical Center 718-670-4416.

Helping Your Children Cope With Loss

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult for most adults, so imagine how hard the process must be for children. How do we explain death and help them get through it?

How much a child understands about death and how they grieve depends on a number of factors including their age, stage of development, life experiences, temperament and personality. While recognizing that an individualized approach to helping children with the grieving process, here is some general information about how children of different ages process death.

• Young children, ages 5-6 years old have a hard time comprehending death. They only understand the world in literal terms. Try to keep explanations very simple and avoid euphemisms, such as the deceased loved one “went away” or “is sleeping” as it might confuse or scare them.

• After age six and up until approximately age ten, kids begin to grasp the finality of death, even if they don’t realize it’s natural for every living thing to die at some point. They also might not understand why death occurs and may think that they have some control over it. At this age, it is best to provide children with accurate and honest explanations.

• As children become teenagers, they begin to understand that all life ultimately comes to an end and there is no avoiding it. At this point they begin to have questions about their own mortality and vulnerability. The best thing to do as a parent is to encourage them to grieve and express their feelings.

Regardless of how old they are, there are a few suggestions that all parents should follow when trying to help a child deal with loss. Experts urge parents to be honest and encourage questions, even if they don’t have all the answers. Create an atmosphere of comfort and openness and send a message that there is no right or wrong way to feel. If you have spiritual beliefs, it is okay to share them with your child as well.

The choice of whether or not to have your child attend a funeral or memorial service is a personal one. If you do allow them to attend, explain beforehand what they will encounter. Share information on religious customs that might be practiced at a service as well. Many parents worry about exposing their children to their own emotional grief, but permitting them to see you in pain shows them that crying is a natural reaction to pain and loss.

While most children do not grieve in the same manner as adults, it is important for parents to watch for signs that a child needs help coping with loss. If your child’s behavior changes radically, seek help. Doctors, guidance counselors, and mental health professionals can all provide assistance. You can also research books and websites for additional tips to help your child manage their grief.

Jamaica Hospital offers a comprehensive Palliative Care Service that assists patients and their families, including children, by providing psychological support and bereavement counseling. For more information, please call 718-206-6919.

Why Do People Eat Dirt, Chalk or Other Non -food Items?

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Why are some people addicted to eating substances that are not food? The answer is that they may have an eating disorder known as pica. A common characteristic of the disorder is the consistent consumption of non-nutritive substances for at least one month.

There are several reasons why a person may be demonstrating behaviors associated with pica- it could be a chemical imbalance, a nutritional deficiency such as an iron deficiency or an obsessive compulsive disorder.

Pica-related behaviors should be addressed immediately because of the risk of complications that can occur. Individuals could expose themselves to serious infections and medical conditions such as parasitic infestations, ulcers, intestinal obstructions and tooth abrasions.

Symptoms and complications that are commonly linked with pica can include:

Eating sand or soil, this potentially leads to gastric pain and bleeding.
Consuming clay, which may cause constipation.
Ingesting paint, could put a person at risk for contracting lead poisoning
Eating metal objects, this could lead to bowel perforation.

Some people are more likely than others to be subject to this eating disorder. These individuals may include:

Pregnant women (Pica is most common in women with their first pregnancy; they may crave items such as ice or chalk).
10 to 32 percent of children between the ages of one to six.
Adults with OCD or schizophrenia.
People who are malnourished.
Individuals who are mentally or developmentally disabled.

There are several approaches that can be exercised in the treatment of pica. Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A physician may run blood tests to determine if the reason for the disorder may be a result of a nutritional deficiency. If this is the case, nutrients that are lacking are supplemented. Another approach may be therapy to address mental health or environmental health issues. It is recommended that a resolution be sought immediately because if left untreated pica can persist for years and may cause irreversible damage.

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.

Prenatal Customs From Around The World

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Prenatal customs may vary from country to country but what is found to be universal is: mothers want what’s best for their babies. In order to ensure the health of developing babies some mothers may practice customs that may seem unusual or non-traditional. Here a few customs practiced by women from around the world that are believed to be beneficial during pregnancy:

Japan– It is believed by some that being surrounded by positive images, thinking and music promotes a healthy pregnancy. It is also customary for mother and baby to stay at the mother’s parents’ home for at least a month after leaving the hospital.

Bali-In Bali moms-to-be are at times discouraged from eating octopus; it is believed that doing so can cause difficulties during pregnancy.

Netherlands– Most expecting mothers in Holland are often referred to a midwife during pregnancy instead of an obstetrician. Family doctors will however refer women to an obstetrician if the pregnancy is high risk or if there are complications during delivery.

Bolivia-It is believed by a number of women that knitting while pregnant endangers the baby because knitting may cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby’s neck.

Guatemala– Some women in this country believe that remaining inside the home for the entire nine months of gestation will protect the infant from evil or illnesses.

China- Several women in China wear anti-radiation vests to protect developing babies from the exposure of cell phones, microwaves and computers. It is believed that exposure to these items can lead to birth defects and miscarriages.

Panama- Mothers are often encouraged to only eat natural foods and avoid processed foods. The consumption of only natural foods will prevent colic and help the mother in regaining her figure.

Mexico– Many believe if the mother does not eat the food that she is craving during pregnancy; the baby will be born with a birth mark in the shape of that food.

Kenya- The Akamaba people of Kenya may discourage sex during pregnancy; it is believed that sex may result in the birth of a disabled child.

Integrating practices in modern medicine and traditional customs often prove beneficial for fetal development. Women are highly encouraged to seek prenatal care from a medical professional as soon as possible. Early prenatal care can reduce the odds of having low birth weight, identify risks or complications and decrease the risk of pre-term birth.

The Impact of Too Much Texting in Front of Your Children

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Most are aware of the dangers of texting while driving, but what about the impact of texting while with your children? Is there such a thing as being a distracted parent?

Smart phones and tablets have become a part of our daily existence. We check emails, text, and play games on our devices with greater frequency than ever before. We continue these activities even when we are with our kids. According to experts the effects these behaviors have on them is greater than we realize.

In a recent study by researchers at the Boston Medical Center, 55 parents were secretly observed while out to eat with their children. The observers found that 40 of those caregivers used their phones or other digital devices during the meal and appeared to be more engaged in the device than with their children.

Most of the children of the distracted parents either entertained themselves or acted out in some way to compete for their parent’s attention. Instead of redirecting their attention to the child after they acted out, most of the distracted parents responded harshly to the child for their misbehavior.

Some predict that this type of action can lead to long term problems for both parents and children. Children are learning that their parents are absent even when they are in the same room as them and are beginning to feel as if they are less important than a device to their parents. This behavior can also set a bad example for children as it creates a false understanding of how to act in public. This can become problematic when they repeat the same actions in school or during other social settings.

To address this issue, experts suggest setting boundaries and designating certain “off limit” time for parents to use digital devices, such as during meals and at story or bedtime. Also, avoid multi-tasking. If you absolutely need to answer an email, tell your child you need to take a break – it’s better than dividing your attention. Lastly, try to realistically determine how important it is to immediately respond to a text or email – you will probably find that most can wait.

Remember, your children aren’t young forever. Make the best use of your time with them and avoid spending unnecessary time on your phone. By not sending that next text message, you will be sending an even stronger message to your children.

Perils of the Pregnant Partner – Couvade Syndrome

Posted on January 21, 2015 by Joann Ariola

During pregnancy the focus is often on the changes that the expectant mother is experiencing and ignores the emotional changes of the other parent to be, who may be experiencing emotional and physical changes that are valid and deserving of the proper attention and support.

Impending parenthood can bring a rush of feelings and fears. Whether the pregnancy is planned or unexpected, the news may cause you to become introspective about many things including your relationship with your partner, the fear of newly acquired responsibilities, financial implications, feelings of inadequacy and, in some cases, sympathy pains or a condition known as, Couvade Syndrome.

Partners who have Couvade Syndrome experience symptoms that mimic pregnancy such as, constipation, gas, bloating, irritability, weight gain, cravings and nausea right along with the expectant mom.

Fortunately, the symptoms are almost always temporary and are not treated with medication. They, usually, resolve once the baby is born.