Healthy Alternatives For Holiday Favorites

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

November, December and sometimes January are when we all gather around the table for some of our holiday favorites to feast on. This year we want you to stuff your face with some low-fat alternatives to the foods we love best but aren’t the best for us.

Candied Yams	Roasted Sweet Potatoes *Skip the corn syrup and get right to the nutrition!
Dark Meat Turkey	White Meat Turkey
Traditional Gravy	Low-Fat Gravy
White Flour Rolls	Whole Wheat Rolls
Egg Nog	Apple Cider

For more healthy alternatives for your holiday favorites please visit: http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-and-nutrition-pictures/healthy-holiday-food-swaps.aspx

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.

Diabetes and Depression

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Diabetes does not directly cause depression but can contribute to it indirectly for a variety of reasons. Managing diabetes can be very stressful and it does require a modification of eating habits and, to some degree, a modification of lifestyle. Many people have difficulty keeping their blood sugar under control and this can also lead to frustration and potentially be a cause of depression.
Signs of depression include:
• Change in appetite
• Change in sleep pattern
• Loss of interest in doing things that were once enjoyable
• Trouble concentrating
• Lack of energy
• Feeling suicidal
If diabetes is not well controlled then variations in blood sugar level, high or low, can lead to symptoms that are similar to depression.
Similarly, depression can lead to the onset of diabetes. When people are depressed their eating habits tend to be affected and many people will over eat to the point of becoming obese. Some people who are depressed have no desire to be physically active, and many will also smoke. All of these are risk factors for diabetes.
There are ways to manage both diabetes and depression simultaneously. The most important factor is to speak with a physician who has experience and can help you to gain control of these illnesses. A patient who has been diagnosed with diabetes might also benefit from a program that focuses on behavior modification that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. There are medications that can be prescribed which will be helpful in managing these illnesses. Seeking the help of a psychotherapist will also be helpful in gaining confidence in the ability to manage both diseases.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital to discuss diabetes management please call 718-206-6742.

Stress Baking

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Joann Ariola

During the holiday season people are merrier, cheerier and a lot more stressed! Holiday shopping, expenses and the enhanced workload that comes along with the season could easily cause a person to become burnt out.

There are many “how to’s” available on relieving stress during the holiday season and traditional occupational therapies have been suggested for years to relieve many symptoms of holiday stress and anxiety, but have you ever heard about the stress relieving method of “stress baking?”

It is a proven fact that physical activities can help improve your health, which in turn can combat the holiday blues. Experts have suggested that baking can helped lift seasonal depression, as it is a way of channeling all the negative energy into creating something positive.

The cold winter weather prohibits several outdoor, stress relieving activities, making baking a great option to immerse yourself into a new hobby.

According to both mental health and culinary experts, baking could very well be helpful in relieving symptoms of anxiety. For instance, kneading a batch of dough for 10 or 15 minutes may take away a great deal of the frustration and negativity you may be feeling.

There are so many recipe sites online and in books to help you get started. So try your hand at baking , it is a great way to relieve stress and let’s not forget, you get to taste the yummy home baked goods!

A Remedy For Heartburn

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Believe it or not, chewing gum may be used as an alternative remedy for alleviating the symptoms of heartburn. Studies have shown that chewing on a piece of gum helps to produce saliva which is alkaline in composition and forces fluids back into the stomach. These fluids aid in neutralizing the acids that cause the burning sensation that is associated with heartburn.

Dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum, as sugary gums can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. It is suggested that peppermint flavored-gums be avoided as the ingredient may cause the lower esophageal sphincter to open and relax. This can allow gastric acids to get into the esophagus and trigger heartburn symptoms.

Chewing gum is only a temporary solution, if you suffer from chronic heartburn; please monitor your diet and lifestyle. Avoiding foods that commonly trigger heartburn such as citrus, coffee or alcohol can be beneficial. Additionally, if you are a smoker, it is best to quit. Smoking can affect the efficiency of the muscles of the esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of symptoms to develop. If your heartburn persists, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your doctor.

New Year, New You: Quit Smoking

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

With the holidays on our heels some of us are feeling the shopping stress a bit more than others. For those of us who are working to quit smoking, the holidays can be especially challenging. Use these tips to help you manage holiday stress smoke-free:

Drink Water

Keep yourself well-hydrated and you’ll feel better in general, which will in turn help you manage holiday stress more easily.

Reduce Caffeine

Too much caffeine can leave us feeling jittery and stressed. Avoid extra cups of coffee or energy drinks to stay awake. Rest if you’re tired.

Go For A Walk

When the urge to smoke strikes, head out for a quick walk around the block.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center wants to help you get on the path to quit smoking today. To begin your journey, join us Wednesday, December 14^th during lunch hours. There will be a discussion on cigarette cravings, triggers, and a plan to help you quit smoking. Please call, 718-206-8494 to reserve your place.

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Is Overuse of Your Tablet Harming Your Neck?

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Tablets are becoming more advanced and convenient; so much so that we now use them for practically everything. While this technology provides many benefits, our increased reliance on them is leading to a new health concern for some known as tablet neck.

Tablet neck is a trending medical term that describes the condition associated with people who spend a lot of time on tablets. When we use these devices, we often hang our heads in a downward position. Whether we are holding them in our hands or resting them in our laps, the position of our heads while using these devices can place a great deal of strain on our head, neck, shoulders and back. In addition, this hunched position can lead to poor posture, muscle spasms, headaches and restricted range of motion to our head and neck area.

Doctors are reporting an increase in the number of patients who are experiencing head and neck pain as a result of overuse of their tablets. This practice can affect anyone, but not surprisingly, the age group that has been impacted the most is teenagers and young adults as they spend the most time playing games on these devices.

To avoid developing head and neck issues from using your tablet, doctors recommend the following tips:

• Keep your tablet at eye level to reduce hanging your head in a downward position.
• Shift positions while using your tablet to prevent neck and shoulder muscles from tensing up.
• Purchase a standing case and place your device on a flat surface instead of holding it.
• Never use a tablet while lying in bed. Ergonomically, there is no way to do this without causing damage to your neck.
• Take breaks from using your tablet every 15 minutes.
• Most importantly, limit the use of time you spend on tablet devices.

If you are experiencing prolonged head, neck, shoulder or back pain, please consult your physician about treatment options. If you do not have a doctor, please call Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to make an appointment.

History of Artificial Sweetners

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Anyone who has ever tried to watch their weight, protect their teeth, or has been told that they have diabetes, has probably tried something made with an artificial sweetener. The concept of using sugar substitutes has been around for a very long time. A researcher at Johns Hopkins University accidently discovered a product that would be developed into what we now know as saccharin in 1879. The use of artificial sweeteners as part of our daily lives became more prevalent in the mid 20th century.

There are six sugar substitutes that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in foods and beverages. These are aspartame, sucralose, stevia, neotame, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium. These products are very sweet and therefore only very small quantities need to be added to food and beverages to make them taste good. For as long as these products made with artificial sweeteners have been available there has been controversy over any harmful side effects that they may pose. So far the FDA has not been able to substantiate any claims of harmful effects from their use.

As people in the United States have become more health conscious, the use of products made with artificial sweeteners has increased. More and more products are being produced each year that are labeled “Sugar Free”, “Diet”, “Low-Cal”, “Light”, or “Artificially Sweetened”. People are naturally attracted to foods that taste sweet. It has been stated that the taste of sugar may even be addictive. While limiting the intake of sugar may be seen as a good trend, people seem to be consuming more of the artificially sweetened products which may not be beneficial in the long term. Over indulgence in products that are made with these artificial sweeteners can still cause weight gain.

The Importance of an Annual Exam

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Joann Ariola

A. Yearly

B. Bi-Yearly

C. When I don’t feel good

D. I don’t do doctors

An annual exam is a good way of tracking your health progress. Some of the benefits are:

Primary prevention
To identify risk factors for common chronic diseases
To detect disease that has no apparent symptoms (secondary prevention)
A way for the doctor to counsel people to promote healthy behavior
To update clinical data since your last check-up
To enhance the relationship betweenyou and your doctor

If you are interested in scheduling an exam, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center is centrally located and has convenient hours. Call 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Why Patients With RA Should Be Concerned About Osteoporosis

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) not only affects the joints but it can also lead to long-term problems in bone health, such as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease which causes bones to become brittle, porous (less dense) and weakened, leaving them susceptible to fractures. Studies have found that people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

The reasons why the two are linked are numerous. Complications of RA, including systemic inflammation, the use of glucocorticoids or corticosteroids and loss of mobility can all further the development of osteoporosis.

People with RA who have developed osteoporosis may not know they have the disease because it often goes undetected until the bones fracture. However, there are several lifestyle changes they can apply to reduce their risk, such as:

Eating a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements
Getting adequate sunlight to receive vitamin D
Exercise (weight bearing exercise)
Reducing alcohol consumption
Quit smoking
Taking recommended bone density tests

It is recommended that you speak with a doctor before making changes as each person’s case is unique. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat osteoporosis.

To schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718- 206

-6742 or 718-206-7001. The Division of Rheumatology at Jamaica Hospital provides consultations for patients who develop rheumatological disorders, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. There is a twice-monthly arthritis clinic and bone mineral density testing for diagnosing osteoporosis.

Thanksgiving Holiday Safety Driving Tips

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The Thanksgiving Day holiday period (November 23 to November 27) is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. According to a recent study from AAA (American Automobile Association) a projected 48.7 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home to be with the ones they love. The report indicated driving is the most popular means of travel and more than 89% of travelers will be on the road.

With more vehicles on the road during the holiday travel period, the odds of getting into an accident are greater. However, by following these safe driving tips from the American Red Cross you can keep your loved ones safe and enjoy your trip:

Buckle up, slow down, don’t drive impaired.
Be well rested and alert.
Follow the rules of the road.
Use caution in work zones.
Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
Observe speed limits – driving too fast or too slow can increase your chance of being in a collision.
Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.
Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or if you are using your windshield wipers due to inclement weather.
Don’t overdrive your headlights.
If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

If winter weather threatens and you become stuck in the snow, these tips are for you:

Stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.
Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.
Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk.
Keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing