Interesting Facts About Tickling

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Michael Hinck

We have all done it to someone or had it done to us. Some of us are more sensitive to it than others. What are we talking about? – tickling.

What exactly happens when you’re tickled? In simple terms, nerve endings in your skin send messages to the cerebellum, the area of your brain that monitors movement and reacts to sensation. When someone tickles you, the cerebellum reacts to this unexpected touch.

Our brain is aware of our body’s movement however and can predict a response to any sensation and suppress a response. This failure to surprise our brain is why we cannot tickle ourselves.

A reaction to being tickled does have benefits. Many believe it to be a defense mechanism. Being tickled often draws attention to external stimuli. Like an itch, it can alert us to predators, such as insects crawling on our skin. In addition, some of the most ticklish parts of our body, such as under our arms and our ribs, are also some of our most vulnerable, reinforcing the theory that tickling is a way of warning our body to protect these areas.

Another potential benefit is that being tickled can be slimming. Tickling makes you laugh, which burns calories. A study in the International Journal of Obesity found that 10 to 15 minutes of laughing burns 10 to 40 extra calories a day — which could add up to one to four pounds in a year.

There are still many things we do not know about tickling, including why some people are more ticklish than others, but at least you now know that you cannot tickle yourself.

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.

What Are Keloid Scars?

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Keloid scars occur when the body responds aggressively to an injury to the skin. Damage to the skin can be the result of a cut, scrape, burn, piercing, or surgery.

Keloids are usually pink or red and are raised above the normal skin surface. They are different from other scars in that they have the ability to stretch beyond the original boundary of the wound. They develop most often on the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes and can become painful, itchy, and in extreme cases, even affect muscle function.

Doctors do not know why certain individuals develop keloid scars and some do not, but research suggests that some people’s skin is unable to identify and correctly respond to the damage at the site of the wound. Keloid scars can be developed by anyone but they are much more common in those with darker colored skin. The tendency to form keloids sometimes seems to run in families.

Treatment options include surgery to remove the scar, steroid injections, or silicone sheets to flatten the scar. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen).

The best keloid cure is to prevent one before it starts. People who are prone to keloid scars should not undergo cosmetic surgery or get piercings because chances are another keloid will develop. There’s no guarantee that a keloid will not develop after an injury, but there are steps that can be taken to aid in the prevention.

At the initial period of injury firm pressure should immediately be placed on the wound. This will help to stop the bleeding so that your body can begin the healing process. The wound should be cleaned with cool running water and mild soap to rid the wound from any dirt or debris. Keep the wound covered with a bandage to keep out bacteria and other toxins. Silicone gels are very effective for this because they form a barrier on the skin locking in moisture while keeping out germs.

Diabetes and Surgery

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

A surgical procedure for any patient requires a certain amount of preparation, both for the pre-operative phase and the post-operative phase. A patient with diabetes however has to be monitored very closely because they are at greater risk of developing complications than non-diabetic patients.

Your physician will tell you when you should eat before surgery and when you should take your last dose of diabetes medication prior to any surgical procedure. During the surgical procedure your blood glucose levels will be monitored to make sure that it stays with normal range (80-150 mg/dL).

Diabetic patients post operatively may experience:

Poor wound healing
Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia
Infection at the wound site
Electrolyte imbalance
Diabetic ketoacidosis

After the surgical procedure is over, check your blood sugar level frequently because you may not be eating properly, may be less active, and are stressed. Diabetic patients may require a few days in the hospital post-op to have their glucose levels monitored carefully. If you are a diabetic patient and are scheduled for surgery, discuss pre and post-operative preparations with your surgeon.

Let The Grilling Begin!

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Joann Ariola

With summer a season away and the time to uncover our grills is getting closer, a simple and healthy way to grill is to incorporate vegetables. We have compiled some simple rules for successful grilling vegetables.

Start with a clean grill and well-oiled vegetables
Do not move your vegetables on the grates. Leave them on the grill until they are nicely seared and lift off easily
Use the hottest spots on the grill for the heartier vegetables, like onions and bell peppers. Keep the more delicate produce, such as tomatoes over places with less heat.
Group the food by cooking time so you remember to remove everything from one area all at once, since some foods take longer to grill than others.

These tips should provide foolproof results every time!

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.

True or False? Your toe has two bones, while the other toes have three.

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The answer is True.The big toe (Hallux) contains two phalanx bones, the proximal and distal. The other toes consists of three phalanx bones, the proximal, middle, and distal.

The Benefits of Vacations

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

We live in a stressful society that is full of situation. It is very important for people to take a break in order to stay healthy. Studies have shown not taking a vacation for a few years can increase the risk of heart disease and the potential for a heart attack. People who take vacations have an easier time to breaking bad habits such as nail biting, smoking, and eating poorly because stress the triggers for these bad habits aren’t present.
There are many benefits to taking a vacation:
• Betters outlook on life
• Allows the body to unwind
• Increases happiness
To really benefit from a vacation a person has to leave their work environment at home.
Today, with electronic devices so prevalent, it is important to not check them more than
once or twice a day.

What is the longest word in the English dictionary?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

The longest word in the English dictionary is ‘pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis’ .It is quite a tongue twister .It is defined as a lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust.

What You Need to Know About Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

A person stands in front of the mirror and glances at their reflection; they perceive their image to be severely unattractive or obese. They become obsessed with a particular body part and deem it to be an extreme defect that alters their appearance. While this is their perception, in reality no one else sees these physical characteristics.

There is a possibility that this person may be suffering from a chronic body-image disorder known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is a compulsive obsession with an imagined or exaggerated physical trait that often no one else can see.

BDD is known to occur in both men and women and usually begins during teenage years or early adulthood. Factors that may contribute to the development of BDD are

Low self-esteem
Traumatic events
Genetics
The influence of others who are critical of the person’s physical appearance

Characteristics of the disorder may include an obsession with skin imperfections such as scars or wrinkles, facial features (it is very common for those afflicted with BDD to be obsessed with size of the nose), body weight and hair. There are several behaviors that are identifiable with BDD, they are:

Constantly looking in the mirror and trying to cover up the perceived defect
Asking for reassurance that the defect is not obvious
Isolation from people due to the belief that imperfections will be noticed
Becoming increasingly self-conscious
Avoiding mirrors
Excessive grooming in an effort to cover up a flaw
Frequently consulting plastic surgeons or undergoing cosmetic procedures
Developing other psychological disorders such as eating and anxiety disorders

If someone you know is exhibiting these behaviors, it is recommended that they seek help immediately as this disorder can lead to self-harm. Once diagnosed with BDD, treatment will usually include a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, group or family therapy and medication. For more information about body dysmorphic disorders or treatment please contact Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry at 718 206 5575.

Is Your Child at Risk of Developing Hypertension?

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Hypertension is a health concern traditionally associated with adults, but more and more children are being diagnosed with this condition, leaving parents with questions about how to manage their children’s high blood pressure.

There is no target number for hypertension in children. What is considered a normal blood pressure for a child changes as he or she grows. Factors such as age, gender, and height determine what a child’s ideal blood pressure should be. If a child’s blood pressure is at or above 95% of children with the same characteristics.

High blood pressure in children is usually caused by another medical condition such as heart defects, kidney disease, genetic conditions or hormonal disorders. For some children however, hypertension can be caused by lifestyle issues including poor diet and lack of exercise.

As is the case in adults, hypertension in children does cause any symptoms. Unless your child has an underlying health problem, a special visit to your pediatrician to check your child’s blood pressure is not necessary. Your child’s blood pressure should be checked at their annual check-up, beginning at age three. If your child has certain risk factors, such as being overweight or obese, speak with your child’s doctor to determine if closer monitoring is necessary.

The best way to treat your child’s hypertension is to make lifestyle changes. You can start by providing your child a healthy diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and reduce the amount of salt in their diet by eliminating salty snacks and paying close attention to the amount of salt you use when cooking. You should also encourage physical activity by limiting time spent in front of the television and on other electronic devices. Make an effort to get the entire family involved in the lifestyle changes because children often learn and imitate the behaviors of their parents.

If these changes in your child’s lifestyle do not reduce their blood pressure, your pediatrician can recommend certain medications, such as diuretics or beta blockers, to address the situation.

If left untreated, your child’s high blood pressure can carry over into adulthood and increase their risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and kidney disease.
Speak to your pediatrician if you think your child is at risk of hypertension. To schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7001.