Make Improving Your Sleep Your New Year’s Resolution

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Andrew Rubin

The holidays are over and it is time to get our bodies back on a regular schedule of eating and sleeping. Many of us will make a New Year’s resolution to make changes to our schedules and sleep better. The question is do we actually get enough sleep to be able to stay healthy and function well.
Here are some tips from the National Sleep Foundation to help you get better sleep in 2018:
• Keep a regular sleep time schedule, even on weekends
• Do things that relax you prior to getting in to bed
• Keep the sound and light level in the bedroom at comfortable levels
• Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol before going to bed
• Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable
It is recommended that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Teenagers require about an hour more than adults. Young children should get between 10 to 11 hours of sleep every night.
Following these tips will help you become a better rested person, which can improve your overall physical and mental health.
If you are experiencing difficulty sleeping, you might want to consult with your doctor to see if could be do anything differently. Jamaica Hospital has a sleep center for people who are experiencing chronic sleep problems. To get more information about the sleep center, please call 718-206-5916.

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.

Whats your Resolution?

Posted on January 3, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Statistics show that these are the top five New Year’s Resolutions adopted by people at the beginning of each New Year.

Which one is yours?

Lose weight
Stress less and enjoy life
Spend less and save more
Stay fit and healthy
Spend more time with family and friends

Whatever you decide set your goal at a level you can meet. Each week, you will get closer to making this resolution stick!

Will You Stay Home or Go Out on New Year’s Eve ?

Posted on December 27, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Everyone knows that New Year’s Eve is the most popular night of the year to party. It is a night to go out with family and friends to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. Some people prefer to spend a quiet night at home though. The reasons are varied but commonly people don’t want to spend the money, don’t like the crowds, and think that the night is much a-do about nothing.

Which do you prefer?

Can Breastfeeding Help Moms Lose Weight?

Posted on December 26, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

According to La Leche League International, when combined with maintaining a healthy diet and exercise, breastfeeding can help most moms to lose weight after childbirth.

The body requires energy to create breast milk. On average, most women who choose to breastfeed burn an additional 300-500 calories each day than those who do not. When compared to certain physical activities such as thirty-minute aerobic workouts, breastfeeding can burn a comparable amount of calories.

Although breastfeeding can help mothers to shed pounds, eating well-balanced meals and including physical activities in your daily routine is also strongly encouraged for healthy weight loss.

Experts at La Leche League remind women to set realistic goals as losing weight will occur gradually over time. It may take most women six to nine months, in some instances longer, to shed pounds gained during pregnancy.

The organization further advises mothers to consult with their doctor before beginning a diet or weight loss regimen. Depending on the circumstance, most doctors would recommend that new moms wait six weeks after delivery to begin a diet or weight loss routine. This time is needed to help the body to establish a good supply of milk.

Your doctor can help you to create a healthy weight loss plan that is compatible with your lifestyle and current state of health.

Holiday Tips For People With Diabetes

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The holiday season is here and it seems like everywhere we go a variety of treats are being served. It becomes hard to resist temptation and we may eat more than we normally do.

While overeating is not a good idea for anyone, people who have diabetes have to be very mindful of the things they eat and practice healthy habits.

Following these tips can help diabetics to manage their health and still enjoy the holidays:
• Try to keep to a regular schedule of when you eat.
• If you are going to a party, offer to bring a healthy dish with you.
• Cut back on food high in carbohydrates and fat if you are going to be eating sweets
• Don’t skip meals in anticipation of eating one big one, that could lead to overeating.
• Make sure you find time for some exercise to burn up the extra calories
• Eat the things you enjoy, but try to watch the portion sizes
• Get plenty of rest.
• Check your blood sugar regularly.
• Try not to consume a lot of soda or alcoholic beverages.

Dr’s Tips: Ways to Cope With The Loss of a Loved One During the Holidays

Posted on December 21, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

For many, the holidays are the time of year when we hope to create new and happy memories while spending quality time with the people we love. We aim to enjoy the positive feelings the season brings.

For those who have experienced a loss, the holidays may not feel as blissful. It is the time of year that they miss their loved one the most, and the traditional indicators (decorations, parties, etc.) of the season can cause them to feel sad or alone. These emotions can become increasingly overwhelming, making it difficult to cope with grief.

While everyone handles grief differently, there are practical things they can do to help them cope with a sense of loss during the holidays. Dr. Gina Basello, Associate Director of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship and Vice Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, advises, “Dealing with the loss of a loved one is challenging and the pain can be overwhelming. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are healthy ways to cope with that pain.” Here are a few of Dr. Basello’s recommendations:

Allow yourself to feel- There are various emotions associated with grief. After losing a loved one you may feel, sad, angry or helpless. Don’t feel bad if happy things make you feel unhappy. Whatever your emotions are, recognize them and accept them as part of your grieving process.
Express how you feel- Acknowledging your emotions is a great first step. Now that you have identified how you feel, you should express those feelings. Talking to a friend, family member or a trusted health professional is helpful. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for their support; they can help with your healing process.
Take care of yourself- Now is the time that you should be most in touch with your mental and physical health. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression for prolonged periods of time, seek help right away from loved ones or a mental health professional. Staying on top of your physical health can also help you through this time; exercise, eat a healthy diet and get adequate amounts of sleep.
Create new traditions –Creating new traditions in memory of loved ones can help you stay positive and can provide opportunities to find meaningful ways to remember those you have lost.

The holidays can certainly be a difficult after experiencing a loss. Paying attention to the way you feel and applying these positive approaches to coping can help you through the season. However, if you continue to feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to seek the assistance of a professional who is trained to help during your time of bereavement.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Winter

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

It is very important for our bodies to have a sufficient amount of vitamin D all year long, especially during the winter months.

The body uses vitamin D to help it absorb calcium from the foods that we eat while they are in the gastrointestinal tract. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength, fortifying our immune system, keeping the heart healthy, preventing strokes, preventing depression and may help with the aging process.

A great source of natural vitamin D comes from the ultraviolet B rays found in sunshine, and the more daylight we are exposed to, the more vitamin D our skin will be able to synthesize. However, during the winter months getting enough is difficult. We spend more time indoors and even when we are outdoors, we tend to wear heavier clothing which blocks the sun from hitting the skin. The best time of day to be outdoors is midday when the sun is usually the strongest. During the summer months, 10 – 15 minutes every day is usually sufficient, but during the winter months, you may require 30 minutes or more to get the adequate amount of sunlight and your daily dose of vitamin D.

Here are other sources of vitamin D that can be helpful during the year and especially during the winter:

Eating beef liver, pork, egg yolks and cheese
The skin of fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon
Drinking milk that is fortified with vitamin D
Taking a vitamin D3 supplement

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital to discuss your health this winter, please call 718-206-7001

Kitchen Safety

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in a home, and even more so during the holiday season. Whether a person is a skilled chef or just someone preparing a basic meal, taking precautions in the kitchen is vital to making everything go safely.

Here are some basic safety tips to remember while working in the kitchen:

Always wear shoes in the kitchen
Avoid wearing loose clothing
Take your time, especially when using sharp objects
Never leave a stove unattended
Make sure everything is cleaned properly
Have a fire extinguisher handy
Keep children away from anything that is sharp, hot or electrical
While cooking on a stove, turn pot and pan handles inward
Wash your hands before and after touching raw meat.
Keep the floor dry
Put food that can spoil in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it
Make sure that everything is off when you are done cooking
Be careful of greasy foods that can splatter, especially near an open flame
Never leave the home while food is cooking

Following these precautions can mean the difference between a memorable meal and a meal that you might want to forget. If an accident does occur and it requires immediate medical attention, please remember to call 911 and ask for help.

HEPATITIS C

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a disease that infects and causes damage to the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus and is spread from person to person through contact with blood. Over time, this disease can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and ultimately, liver failure.

Although hepatitis C is the most common reason for liver transplants in the United States, many people do not know they have the disease until they are donating blood or are diagnosed with liver damage. The symptoms of HCV can take years to present and may include:

Joint pain
Sore muscles
Dark urine
Stomach pain
Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) and skin
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Clay-colored bowel movements

Learning the risk factors of hepatitis C and receiving treatment promptly can reduce the severity of symptoms. Talk to your doctor about getting tested if the following pertains to you:

You were born between 1945 and 1965
You are infected with HIV
You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July, 1992
You are having or have had unprotected sex with multiple partners
You are a current or former drug injection user and have shared needles
You work in an environment where you are exposed to blood through a needle stick
You have liver disease or have received abnormal liver test results
You were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987
Your mother had hepatitis C when she gave birth to you

If diagnosed with hepatitis C, consider seeing a specialist who is trained and experienced in treating patients with your condition. There are several therapies and medications that your doctor may recommend. A complete list of approved medications and treatments for HCV can be found on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s

In addition to treatment, your doctor will also advise that you live a healthy life by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, quitting recreational drug use, practicing safe sex and getting regular checkups.

Visiting the Mall Can Improve Your Health!

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Joann Ariola

We all know that regular physical activity is important to our overall health, especially for seniors.

Did you know walking is a great way for older adults to remain active?

Seniors who commit to taking a brisk walk each day may be at a lower risk of:

Heart Disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Breast and colon cancers
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia

With the onset of colder months upon us, how can older adults continue their walking routine and remain active?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that in the colder months, you can utilize indoor malls for your brisk walk. Malls can be pedestrian friendly, they are climate-controlled, are well lit, have benches for resting, fountains for hydrating, restrooms, as well as security guards and cameras for safety.

For more information on mall walking programs and for other walking resources visit the CDC’s Mall Walking: A program Resource Guide at –

So get yourself a comfortable pair of walking shoes, hit the mall and improve your health!