Natural Ways to Maintain a Healthy Metabolism

Posted on February 21, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Metabolism is the process in which our bodies convert fuel from the food we eat into energy. The body will either use this fuel immediately or store it in the tissues of the liver or muscles as glycogen or other parts of the body as fat.

The metabolic process involves combining the calories in food with oxygen to produce the energy needed to help the body function optimally. The number of calories your body utilizes to carry out basic functions such as moving, growing and cell repair is known as your basal metabolic rate (BMR).

It is essential that you maintain a healthy BMR. Fluctuations or abnormalities of the basal metabolic rate can result in weight gain, fatigue, endocrine and immune dysfunction.

The first step in maintaining a healthy BMR is to find out what your numbers are. Basic metabolic rate is usually determined by using one of two formulas:

Men: BMR = 88.362 + (6.251 x weight in lbs) + (12.189 x height in inches) – (5.677 x age in years)

Women: BMR = 447.593 + (4.203 x weight in lbs) + (7.869 x height in inches) – (4.330 x age in years)

It is highly recommended that you obtain accurate numbers from a certified fitness professional, a registered dietitian or your physician.

According to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Registered Dietitian, Lindsay Chetelat, “Your next steps to maintaining a healthy BMR include applying long-term lifestyle changes.” Some of these changes are:

Eating a healthy breakfast every morning
Exercising – Cardio with strength training
Including sources of lean protein at all meals
Eating regularly- Chetelat advises eating small and nutritious meals every three to four hour
Eating enough- Eating less than 1200 calories per day can actually cause your metabolism to slow down.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Nutritional Services Department assists patients to grow their knowledge about nutrition, wellness and healthy eating. An appointment with a Registered Dietitian consists of a comprehensive nutrition assessment, nutrition education, behavior modification counseling and goal setting. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7056.

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.

Are THere Any Known Dangers to Virtual Reality Headsets?

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Michael Hinck

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets have become a very popular item for teens and pre-teens. Users can simply download virtual reality apps onto their smartphone and place the phones into specially designed headsets that transform the viewer into a three-dimensional, virtual world. While technology is an amazing experience, some are raising concerns about whether or not it is safe for children.

Most VR headsets products have recommendations for use in place. These usually include a minimum age of either ages 12 or 13 and older. Other manufacturers suggest children only use them while under adult supervision and most suggest taking breaks every 30 minutes when using these products. When trying to determine why these warnings are in place, the answers aren’t so clear. The most logical answer is that these advisories are precautionary since the technology is so new that there is not enough information on whether or not there are any health concerns.

One of the most common concerns being asked is what the consequences of wearing VR headsets can have on a child’s eyesight. The reason some believe it can lead to problems with vision is that the process of creating a 3-D illusion in a VR headsets requires that the eyes focuses on objects differently than they would in the real world. Others believe that using VR headsets can actually help diagnose ocular disorders when the user is unable to view objects in the headset correctly.

Like all new technology, it is best to carefully read the manufacturers suggestions and follow them accordingly.

Can Excessive Teeth Whitening Be Harmful ?

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Woman holding up tooth whitening chart, smiling, portrait, close-up

Many people wish to have that “Movie Star” smile with bright white teeth. To get that perfect smile many people will purchase teeth whitening kits to use at home. Teeth whitening products use a chemical that in effect bleaches the outer layer of the teeth. Teeth that are yellow in color tend to respond best to this type of treatment. Teeth that are brownish in color or those that have been stained by long term use of tobacco, caffeine, wine or by the use of certain medications may not respond as well.
If used correctly, teeth whitening can be effective for many people. There are however risk s involved if the products are not used properly. Risks can include teeth sensitivity and damage to the roots of the teeth. Excessive teeth whitening can lead to the edges of your teeth becoming permanently bluish and translucent.
It is strongly advised that anyone considering whitening their teeth consult with a dentist first. It is also advisable to have your teeth professionally cleaned prior to home whitening which may remove some of the material that is staining the teeth.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital’s Dental Center, please call 718-206-6982.

CAVITY PREVENTION TIPS

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Joann Ariola

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) parents should instill in their children the importance of good oral hygiene at an early age, ensuring that this ritual will continue when they become adults.

It is suggested that good oral hygiene be factored together when children are taught how to keep themselves healthy.

The ADA provides these age-by-age tips:

Babies, Toddlers and Pre-School –

After each feeding, clean the baby’s gums with a clean wet gauze pad or washcloth
When teeth start to appear, brush them with a child’s size toothbrush and plain water
Begin flossing when at least two teeth begin to touch
Start dental visits by the child’s first birthday and make visits regularly
Brush teeth of children over age two with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and be sure to floss daily
Supervise your children while they are brushing their teeth to prevent them from swallowing the toothpaste

School-Age Children and Adolescents –

Until they are six or seven years old, continue to brush your children’s teeth twice a day with a child size toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
Continue to assist with flossing as needed
By age six or seven, children should be able to brush their own teeth twice a day but may require supervision until about age 10 or 11
Ask the dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coating that can be applied to chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts
Remind your adolescent about practicing good oral hygiene

If your child has dental problems, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Dental Center call 718-206-6980

Jamaica Hospital Supports American Heart Month

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

This month, many candy hearts will be exchanged in honor of Valentine’s Day, but Jamaica Hospital Medical Center wants the community to give some thoughts to hearts that are not made of chocolate. That’s because February is also American Heart Month, a special designation intended to remind everyone the importance of heart health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States and the numbers are increasing. The good news is, by working with your doctor to monitor your condition and by making changes to your lifestyle, heart disease is preventable for most.

Here are some tips to improve your heart health

Schedule an appointment with your doctor, who can conduct a physical evaluation and test your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If necessary, your doctor can prescribe certain medications to control both.
Maintain a healthy diet and control your weight. Obesity is one of the leading contributors to heart disease.
Increase your physical activity. By joining a gym or taking up walking, make exercise part of your daily routine
Monitor your alcohol intake and if you smoke, quit immediately. Cigarette smoke and alcohol are two factors that put individuals at an increased risk of heart disease.

Please make an appointment to see your doctor to have your heart checked immediately. If you do not have a doctor, you can make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001. If a heart condition is suspected, a referral can be to our Cardiology Department, where we can perform a variety of tests to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Join Jamaica Hospital as we recognize American Heart Month. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and your regularly scheduled appointments, you can enjoy this Valentine’s Day with a clean bill of heart health.

Tips to Keep Teen Stress in Check

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

As you may imagine, school-related stress is rated the most common source of stress for American teens. This was discovered through The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in America report. The Stress in American report found that American teens report stress levels higher than what they believe is healthy (5.8 on a 10-point scale, healthy level rated 3.9). Although teens reported significant stress, they appear to be poor judges of the impact stress can have on their health and mental health.

According to the APA Stress in America report, forty-two percent of teens indicated not doing anything to cope with their stress or not knowing what to do to manage it. Here are suggested tips from the APA on how to manage stress:

Engage in physical activity.
Do things that make you happy.
Talk to someone.
Get some sleep.

Parents would be surprised by the amount of stress and anxiety teens are dealing with involving social media. Teens are losing sleep worrying about tests, projects that are due, teams going to competitions, friendship dramas, and break ups. Parents can identity signs of stress and help their teen find a way to cope:

Help your teen monitor their schedule and activities.
Help teach your teen to identify the “stress signs.” These may include stomach pains, chest tightness, fast heartbeat, obsessive thoughts about being ready for things, and the inability to enjoy their day-to-day activities.
Practice what you preach. Parents should also limit their commitments and have more opportunities to talk with their children on a regular basis about school, friends and peer pressure.

If your teenager admits to being stressed, use the above tips to help manage stress. Jamaica Hospital’s Outpatient Mental Health Clinic offers special child and adolescent services. For more info, or to schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-5575.

Smoking and Dental Care

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Joann Ariola

With smoking, we tend to focus on the effects it may have on the lungs or the heart. However, we don’t focus on the health effects it may have on other parts of the body including your oral health.

The American Cancer Society states that smokers are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. In addition, smoking can cause many serious problems for teeth and oral structures. It can interfere with the normal function of gum tissue cells; this can make smokers more susceptible to infections, gum disease, or even periodontal disease. The problem can be further exacerbated when proper dental health care is not followed. The excess of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke makes smokers twice more likely to suffer tooth loss than non-smokers.

Keep your winning smile and kick the smoking habit. For help to quit smoking, please contact Jamaica Hospital’s smoking cessation support group at 718-206-8494.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

When disaster hits there is often very little time to prepare. By taking the time to gather a few items in advance for yourself and your loved ones, you will be able to get through the first few days until help arrives.
An Emergency Preparedness Kit should include:
• One gallon of water per person per day, a minimum of a three day supply
• Nonperishable food and easy to prepare items, three day supply per person
• Battery powered radio
• Battery powered flashlight
• Cell Phone and chargers
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes
• Garbage bags
• Diapers and formula for people with babies
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Insurance documents
• List of important contact names and numbers
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a water proof container
• Three day supply of pet food
• Personal hygiene items
• Paper and pencil
• Paper cups, plates, utensils, paper towels
• Towels, blankets, sleeping bags, pillows
• Rain gear
• Gloves
By keeping these items in a safe, easy to access place in your home, they will serve you well in case of an unforeseen emergency. For further information regarding Emergency Preparedness, there is information available on the following websites:
http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/90354
http://www.redcrossstore.org

Jamaica Hospital Supports “Go Red For Women”

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Michael Hinck

Jamaica Hospital’s Cardiology Department Wears Red

National Go Red Day was created in 2003 to raise awareness about the devastating affects cardiovascular disease has on women in the United States.

Before the “Go Red” initiative was founded, many Americans believed the myth that heart disease affects men more than women. The truth is that cardiovascular disease claims the lives of 500,000 women in the U.S. every year – that’s one woman every 80 seconds.

Through this national initiative, the Go Red For Women movement has generated a great deal of awareness as many more women are aware of the importance of heart health. Some of the many strides made since 2003 include:

More than one-third of women have lost weight.
More than 50% of women have increased their exercise.
6 out of 10 women have changed their diets.
More than 40% of women have checked their cholesterol levels.

The effort has proven to be effective. Today, nearly 300 fewer women die from heart disease and stroke each day and deaths in women have decreased by more than 30 percent over the past 10 years.

One of the keys to maintaining this success is through continued education. All women are encouraged to “Know Your Numbers” because it is knowledge that can save their life. The five numbers all women should know are: total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI). Knowing these numbers can help women and their healthcare provider determine their risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.

Jamaica Hospital employees supports Go Red For Women Day by wearing red to raise awareness. Jamaica Hospital urges all women to make an appointment with their doctor to learn their numbers. If you do not have a doctor and would like to schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7100.

Plantar Warts

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

Plantar warts are skin growths that occur on the bottom of the feet in the outer layer of the skin. These warts look like small callouses, about the size of a pencil eraser that grows inward and are tender to the touch. Sometimes they appear to have little black dots inside of them caused by tiny blood vessels that have grown within. These warts are viral infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and they are noncancerous. They tend to be painful because of the pressure that is exerted on them when a person walks. They typically get in to the skin on the bottom of the foot through cuts, breaks or weak spots in the skin.
Plantar warts thrive in areas that are warm and moist. Examples of this are gym locker rooms, around the sides of a pool, and in people’s shoe gear. The wart is not easily transmitted from person to person unless direct contact is made with the site of infection.
People who are susceptible to plantar warts include:
• Children and teenagers
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who have had plantar warts in the past
• People who frequently go barefoot in public showers.
Treatment options for plantar warts are prescribed by a physician and include:
• Salicylic Acid – When applied to the infected skin will cause it to peel off in layers over time. It is a slow process but effective and requires multiple treatments.
• Cryotherapy – Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen. This method tends to be a little painful and usually takes a few weeks to see results. Typically it has to be performed more than once.
• Laser treatment – A treatment whereby a pulse dyed laser cauterizes (burns) the wart and destroys the blood vessels that lead to it.
• Minor surgery – The wart is destroyed using an electric needle. It is painful and may cause a scar so it isn’t used frequently.
There is also a home remedy whereby a person will cover the wart with silver duct tape, soak it in warm water every day and remove the tape every six days. The wart is left uncovered for 12 hours and then the process is repeated. This is method may be popular but not very effective for everyone.
In healthy people, plantar warts will usually resolve on their own in a year or two. However because they can be uncomfortable, people usually chose to seek medical treatment. A podiatrist (foot doctor) is specially trained to treat plantar warts. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.