Is Your Last Child Flying the Coop?

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Joann Ariola

If your last child is all grown up and about to leave home, or he or she has already moved out, you may experience some mixed emotions or what’s commonly called, empty next syndrome.

Empty nest syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis. It is a phenomenon in which parents may experience feelings of sadness and loss when their last child leaves home. You may worry how well your child will function in the world without your parental supervision and question their ability to take care of themselves. If you are the parent of an only child, you may have a particularly difficult time adjusting to an empty nest.

Many parents experiencing empty nest syndrome are confused by these feelings since they actively encouraged their child to become independent. Still, letting go can be painful. The feeling of not being needed by your child anymore, missing being a part of your child’s daily lives, as well as missing the constant companionship of your child can cause some parents to have mild bouts of depression, identity crisis, alcoholism and marital conflicts.

Some tips to help you overcome empty nest syndrome are:

Prepare for the departure – Take time to check that your child is aware of how to do the basic essentials for themselves such as, how to wash their clothes, cook for themselves, balance a checkbook and appreciate the value of money.
Shift aside the terrifying thoughts – Both you and your child will be better off if you treat this as a big adventure. Try not to transfer your fears onto your child. Help them to understand that once they’re into their new routine, it will be familiar, fun and successful.
Explore the ways that you intend to keep in touch with your child – Keeping in constant communication is vital for maintaining a sense of family togetherness and to keep of with the news. Schedule a weekly call-in time, utilize e-mail, texting, social media, Skype, or Face Time as a way of touching base while being sensitive to their need to grow and become their own adult person.
Start looking toward your own needs – Once you are satisfied that you child is settled on the right bath, you will start noticing a big change in your life. This is a great time to revive some of your own interests and pursuits.
Rediscover the love of your life – Unless you are a single parent, you will be left with your spouse or partner. Re-kindling the relationship you shared, pre-children, can be an exciting adventure of your own to take.
Focus on some of the positive points of your kids moving out – You may notice that the refrigerator does not need as frequent refilling, there are less trips to the grocery store and the laundry has decreased. Seeing the brighter side will help you while you are transitioning.

As the time for your child to fly the next approaches, try to reflect on each stage in your child’s life. Each ending was a new beginning. Stay positive, the fact that your child has confidently left home means you’ve done a great job as a parent. After leaving the nest, you can forge a new and even better relationship with your child as independent adults. Enjoy the friendship without having the pressure of hands-on parenting

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.

Just for the Taste of it

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Michael Hinck

The next time you sit down to enjoy your favorite tasting food or beverage, remember to thank your taste buds.

Here are some fun facts about those tiny sensory organs that allow you to experience everything sweet, salty, sour, and bitter.

• See those tiny bumps on your tongue? Those are NOT your taste buds. They are called papillae and they contain taste buds inside them. You can’t actually see your taste buds.

• Taste buds are not the only part of your body responsible for detecting flavor. Olfactory receptors in your nose help you smell. They send messages to your brain and work together with your taste buds to create your sense of taste.

• Contrary to what you learned as a kid, different parts of your tongue aren’t responsible for detecting specific flavors. All regions of the tongue can detect all tastes, although some areas are more sensitive to certain flavors.

• Taste buds aren’t just on your tongue. They can also be found on the roof of your mouth and in your throat. We all have different amount of taste buds, but most people have 10,000 on average.

• Taste buds only live approximately 10 – 14 days. We constantly regenerate new taste buds, but fewer taste buds grow back as we get older.

History of Eyeglasses

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

Over 60 percent of the adult population in the United States today wears eyeglasses. Modern day eyeglasses have their roots that date back more than 1000 years. In the middle ages Monks were known to use reading stones that were glass spheres, sometimes filled with water, that were placed on top of objects in order to magnify them. The first documented use of eyeglasses was attributed to being developed in Italy. In the 13th century Venetian glass blowers made the first solid glass lenses that were held by frames and that were a primitive version of modern day wearable eyeglasses.
In the 17th century eyeglasses started to be made that could correct vision. Glasses could be made with either concave lenses, for nearsightedness, or convex lenses for farsightedness. Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal lenses in 1784. Glass was the material used in the production of eyeglasses for centuries until the latter part of the 20th century when plastic became widely used in eyeglasses as it was lighter and safer than glass. Now many eyeglasses are being made from polycarbonate which is lighter still and more resilient to scratches.

Food That Diabetics Should Avoid

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Living with diabetes often requires a change in diet. Diabetics are encouraged to eat healthier and avoid food that will trigger spikes in blood sugar levels. Learning which food is good or bad for people with diabetes can be confusing. Lorena Ackerman, Certified Diabetes Educator at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offered clarification and shared a list of some of the food diabetics should avoid.

It is highly recommended that diabetics steer clear of the following:

Highly processed food such as white rice or any products made with white flour can cause an elevation of blood sugar levels.
Fruit juices may sound harmless because they are made from fruit; however, most tend be high in added sugar. Opt for water as a beverage instead.
French fries are packed with carbohydrates and fats, which can be disastrous for blood sugar levels.
Canned fruits stored in syrup are not recommended because the syrup tends to have high levels of added sugar.
Candy is a no-no because it can cause dramatic increases in glucose levels.
Dried fruits such as raisins or prunes may sound like a healthy option, but they are not. Sugars in fruits become very concentrated during the dehydration process.
Whole milk is high in saturated fats, which can negatively affect insulin resistance.

Ms. Ackerman explained, “Eating the wrong food can be very dangerous for a person with diabetes.” She continued, “Food that is laden with fat, carbohydrates or added sugars, can cause diabetic symptoms such as dizziness, frequent urination or fatigue to occur.”

If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, it is recommended that you speak with a dietary professional to learn about food in relation to diabetes. Choosing the wrong food can be detrimental to your health.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is offering a free nutritional class “What Can I Eat?” for people with diabetes. The interactive program educates participants on daily nutrition and tips on preparing diabetic-friendly meals. Classes begin in the fall. To register, contact Elena Toumaras at 718-206-7056 or email, [email protected].

Vaccination Timeline

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

There has been much debate over the importance of having children vaccinated. There have even been legal battles in some municipalities over school policies that sought to prevent children who were not vaccinated from attending school. Many of the communicable diseases that were prevalent in the early part of the last century have now been almost completely eradicated in the United States due to the discovery of vaccines.

It would appear that the benefits of having your child vaccinated outweigh the risks. Now that we live in global society and we are exposed to people who may be coming from parts of the world where vaccinations may not be readily available, it is recommended that you follow a vaccination timeline for your children.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends that the following vaccines be given at the appropriate time in a child’s life.

The CDC has set guidelines for vaccinations

Discuss with your pediatrician having your child vaccinated against communicable diseases. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center also offers our patients access to a program called “My Chart” which allows you to access your child’s medical records and to keep track of all tests results and all scheduled vaccines.

Why Do We Snore?

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Michael Hinck

hat do half of all Americans do, but very few admit to, partly because they are unaware that they are doing it? The answer is snore.

Snoring occurs when the flow of air is partially obstructed in some way while we sleep. As air flows past relaxed tissue in the throat, the resulting vibrating sound is snoring. Snoring can take place for a variety of reasons, including:

• The anatomy of your mouth – Having an elongated soft palate or uvula can narrow the opening from the nose to the throat

• Being overweight – Those who are overweight have extra, bulky throat tissue that may narrow the airways

• Obstructed nasal airways – Allergies, a nasal infection or a deviated septum can all contribute to snoring

• Alcohol consumption – Drinking alcohol before bed can relax muscles in the tongue and throat can obstruct the airways

• Sleep apnea – This is a serious condition when your throat tissues partially or completely block your airway, preventing your from breathing

Unless you have an upset spouse inform you that you are snoring, you may be unaware that you have a problem. Look out for the following symptoms if you suspect you are snoring:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sore throat
• Restless sleep
• Chest pain at night
• High blood pressure

To determine the cause of your snoring, your doctor will review your signs and symptoms, review your medical history, and perform an examination. Your doctor may request an x-ray or other imaging tests to check the structure of your airway. To determine is sleep apnea is the reason for your snoring, a sleep study to monitor brain waves, breathing and heart rate, and blood oxygen levels may also be ordered.

Lifestyle changes including losing weight, avoiding consuming alcohol before bed and changing your sleep position by either raising your head or sleeping on your side can reduce the liklihood of snoring. Other aids, such as nasal strips, form fitting mouth pieces, and short term decongestants for allergies or infections can also be helpful.

If these efforts prove unsuccessful, there are a variety of surgical and non-surgical interventions that your doctor could recommend. One of the most common therapies is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which involves wearing a pressurized mask that pumps air through your airways while you sleep.

Home Remedies for Summer Bug Bites

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

wasp bug bites-475238867 Warm weather is inviting and motivates us to spend more time outside, but it also serves as an invitation to insects that thrive outdoors during the summer. Your encounters with bugs that bite such as ants, bees, wasps, mosquitos and ticks, will become more difficult to avoid during these months. When they attack, the results can be irritating, itchy, painful or in severe cases, life threatening.

There are several home remedies that you can try to help bring relief, reduce swelling and prevent infection in minor cases. Before trying these home remedies, you should first try to identify what caused the bite. Look for tell- tale signs that are synonymous with the culprit. Here are a few signs that will help you to identify these bugs and their bites-followed by suggested home remedies.

1. Mosquitoes– Round, red bumps with an insatiable itch.

Remedies- Aloe vera gel, rubbing alcohol and witch hazel can help relieve the itching. Preparation H is also known to relieve the itch and reduce inflammation. Honey can be dabbed on the skin to prevent the bite from getting infected.

2.Ticks- Red welts; however, if a tick carrying Lyme disease bites you, it will usually leave a circular rash around the bite. This resembles a bull’s eye target.

Remedies-Remove the tick with a sterilized fine-tipped tweezer, if a tweezer is not available cover your fingers with tissue paper (you should never remove a tick with your bare hands). Wash the bitten area with warm water and soap. Apply ice to relieve pain, itching or swelling. An application of antibiotic ointment and a bandage will help with irritation. For the next few days continue to inspect the area for signs of a bite from a tick that carries Lyme disease.

3.Bees or wasps- In most cases, the area where you have been stung will become red and swollen with white surrounding the site of the sting. The area may also feel hot to the touch and have a lingering dull pain.

Remedies- Remove the stinger as soon as possible. Apply ice or a wet cloth to the site to help relieve pain and swelling. Over the counter medications such as antihistamines and pain killers work well for pain relief.

4.Ants- A sharp pain and burning sensation at the site, followed by painful and itchy red bumps or blisters.

Remedies- Applying ice can reduce the swelling. Diluted tea tree oil, rubbing alcohol and calamine lotion can help with the maddening itch. To prevent infection of the site, baking soda and water made into a paste or apple cider vinegar is recommended.

Trying these home remedies can help you treat bites from these unwelcomed summer pests but prevention is always best. Keep in mind; these remedies are for minor reactions only-more serious reactions require immediate medical attention.

Avoid Trauma in the Water This Summer

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Michael Hinck

When venturing into the water this summer, shark sightings or jelly fish stings shouldn’t be the only things you need to concern yourself with. Serious injuries can occur in the water and it is important to follow proper precautions.

Whether you are at the beach or in the pool this summer, follow these safety tips this summer to avoid water-related trauma.

AT THE SHORE
Heading to your favorite beach can be a lot of fun, but the ocean is very powerful. When venturing into the water, only swim in designated areas supervised by a lifeguard because dangerous rip currents can affect even the strongest of swimmers.

Know your environment before diving headfirst into waves or riding your surf or boogie board. Steep drop-offs or natural hazards such as sandbars or rocks can result in severe injuries to the head, neck and other parts of your body.

Lastly, even if you are close to the shore, be careful. Strong breaking waves can disrupt your footing and knock you over, causing severe injuries.

ON THE WATER
Jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, or boating are all fun water activities, but failing to follow the proper safety rules can be devastating. Last year, there were over 4,000 reported boating accidents, resulting in approximately 2,600 injuries and 560 deaths.

To avoid an accident, be sure to stay in navigable waters and never travel at excessive speeds. Also be sure to maintain plenty of distance between yourself and other boats, and be on the lookout for other people in the water. Failing to be aware of the rules can result in serious trauma or even death.

IN THE POOL
You don’t have to be at the beach or lake to experience a water-related trauma. Pools can also pose many opportunities for serious injury.

Be sure to secure your pool by surrounding it with a fence and self-latching gate. Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access. Consider installing a pool alarm that alerts you if anyone enters the pool.

Make sure the depth of the pool is clearly marked to avoid anyone diving into the shallow end. Also make sure the edge of the pool is clear of any objects that can be tripped over and be sure that no one runs along the edges of the pool. Slips and falls can result in severe head trauma.
OTHER TIPS
Regardless of whether you are at the pool or beach, mixing alcohol and participating in any kind or water-related activity is a bad idea.

Recommendations to minimize the chances of a serious injury include the usage of life jackets and other flotation devises whenever necessary. Enrolling in approved first aid and CPR courses are also beneficial and can save the life of someone you love.

Jamaica Hospital operates a Level 1 Trauma Center, the highest designation for trauma care. During the summer, the Trauma Center sees an increase in water-related traumatic injuries. Our entire trauma team wants our community to exercise caution to avoid injury.

Is Your Child New to School?

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

It is summertime but before you know it , it will be the end of August and a good time to start preparing your young child for their first experience at school. It is normal for young children, as well as their parents, to have some anxiety about starting something new.

Here are some tips on how to make the first day of school go well:

Visit the school and get familiar with the layout.
Become familiar with the school schedule.
Try to meet the teacher before school begins.
Reassure the child that everyone gets nervous and that it is okay.
Tell the child about all the new friends they are going to make.
Try to find someone who may be going to the same school in the same grade.
Parent should be calm and confident so your child will be more at ease.
If the school will permit it, see if you can bring a child’s stuffed animal to keep in their cubby
Always say good bye to your child when dropping them off or putting them on the bus. Reassure them that you will pick them up at the end of the day

It is natural for a child to have separation anxiety, especially if this is going to be their first time away from a parent. With a little bit of pre-planning, a child will adapt to the new routine and be just fine. Speak to your pediatrician to see if they have any other suggestions about getting your child off to school for the first time.

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. A person with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary. They also may be unresponsive or withdrawn and have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations.

People often confuse schizophrenia with dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder). Unlike dissociative identity disorder, which is thought to be an effect of severe trauma during early childhood, schizophrenia is not caused by childhood experiences, negative parental relationships, or sexual/emotional abuse.

What causes schizophrenia is not completely understood; although, it has long been believed that schizophrenia runs in families. Doctors usually make a diagnosis through interviews with the patient, as well as friends and family members.

A schizophrenia diagnosis can be made when all of the following are true about a patient:

Schizophrenia symptoms have been present for at least six months
Patient is significantly impaired by the symptoms (compared to the period prior to symptoms manifesting)
Symptoms can’t be explained by another diagnosis, such as drug abuse or other mental illnesses

A diagnosis of schizophrenia is not a life-sentence of ever-worsening symptoms and hospitalizations. Despite the widespread misconception that people with schizophrenia have no chance of recovery or improvement, the reality is much more hopeful.

Studies have shown that for every five people who develop schizophrenia:

1 in 5 will get better within five years of their first episode
3 in 5 will get better, but will still have some symptoms
1 in 5 will continue to have trouble managing their symptoms

Schizophrenia isn’t very different from other chronic medical conditions, for which there isn’t a cure, it can be treated and managed with medication and supportive therapies.

As with any disease, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve the chances of recovery.

If you are concerned about the possibility you or a loved one having schizophrenia, you can make an appointment at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry for an evaluation at 718-206-5587.