The Facts about High Blood Pressure and your Kidneys?

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Joann Ariola

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes.

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. When the force of blood flow is high, blood vessels stretch so blood flows more easily. Eventually, this stretching scars and weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys.

If the kidneys’ blood vessels are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In rare cases, high blood pressure can cause headaches.

Kidney disease also does not have symptoms during its early stages. A person may have swelling called edema, which happens when the kidneys cannot get rid of extra fluid and salt. Edema can occur in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face.

Once kidney function decreases further, symptoms can include:

Appetite loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness or feeling tired
Trouble concentrating
Sleep problems
Increased or decreased urination
Generalized itching or numbness
Dry skin
Headaches
Weight loss
Darkened skin
Muscle cramps
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Following a healthy eating plan can help lower blood pressure. Your health care provider may recommend a dietary approach that includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, dairy that is fat-free or low-fat, fish, poultry and nuts, as well as, consuming less read meat, sweets and added sugars.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to speak with a physician, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001.

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.

If Your Baby is Not Latching On; It Could be Tongue-Tie

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

One of the most intimate moments shared between mother and baby is during breastfeeding. If the infant does not latch on to the mother’s breast she may feel rejected, bewildered and frustrated. Before becoming distressed a mother should look into reasons why the baby is refusing to breastfeed; one of which could be a condition called ankyloglossia, otherwise known as tongue-tie.

Tongue-Tie is a congenital condition which restricts the tongue’s range of motion. It is caused by an abnormally thick and short lingual frenulum. The frenulum is the membrane which connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. The degree of severity in tongue-tie varies from mild cases, where the lingual frenulum loosens over time or severe cases of complete ankyloglossia where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth. This can affect feeding.

Breastfeeding requires the baby to place the tongue over the lower gum while sucking. If the infant‘s range of motion is limited and is unable to place the tongue in the right position, this will interfere with the ability to get milk. Poor breastfeeding can lead to poor nutrition.

A consultation with a lactation specialist or physician to explore all causes for breast-feeding refusal is usually the first step in evaluating the baby. If it is determined that the infant does have severe tongue-tie and the ability to feed is compromised, a simple and quick surgery may be suggested.

The surgical procedure most commonly recommended is called a frenotomy; which can be done with or without anesthesia. During the procedure a physician will examine the frenulum, then use sterile scissors to snip it free. A frenotomy can also be done by laser. The physician may also recommend a frenectomy which is a surgical revision of the frenulum.

After surgery the infant’s tongue movement should improve greatly and in most cases breastfeeding can commence immediately.

To obtain more information about breastfeeding or to schedule a consultation with a lactation specialist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-291-3276.

Obesity and Arthritis: What is the Relationship?

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Michael Hinck

When asked what health problems are directly attributed to obesity, the most common answers are hypertension, heart health, and diabetes, but obesity has a large affect on another condition – arthritis.

One out of five Americans has been diagnosed with arthritis, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that number nearly doubles among those considered obese. Obesity not only raises the risk of getting a certain type of arthritis; but for those who already have arthritis, obesity makes the condition worse.
Here’s a look at what fat does to arthritis, as well as some tips to put you on the road to losing weight.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage – the flexible but tough connective tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints. Age, injury, heredity and lifestyle factors all affect the risk of OA.

OA has a logical link to obesity: The more weight that’s placed on a joint, the more stressed the joint becomes, and the more likely it will wear down and be damaged.
Every pound of excess weight exerts about 4 pounds of extra pressure on the knees. So a person who is 10 pounds overweight has 40 pounds of extra pressure on his knees. If a person is 100 pounds overweight, that is 400 pounds of extra pressure on the knees, causing those who are overweight to be at greater risk of developing arthritis in the first place. Once a person has arthritis, the additional weight causes even more problems on already damaged joints.

Jamaica Hospital offers nutritional clinics to help those looking to lose weight and avoid developing osteoarthritis. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 718-206-7001.

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Breakfast

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Is it true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
Eating breakfast provides us with energy that we will need to help start the day. It also has health benefits for improved performance, concentration and weight control. Breakfast is important for school age children because it has been shown to provide energy to help them concentrate, helps with eye-hand coordination, and with problem solving skills.
People who eat a healthy breakfast tend to weigh less than people who skip breakfast. Those who skip breakfast are hungrier during the day and tend to eat more snacks and less healthy food choices. A healthy breakfast that includes some lean protein helps curb cravings for food during the rest of the day.
In addition to lean proteins, other components of a healthy breakfast include:
• Bread and grains (cereal, toast, or a muffin)
• Skim milk or low fat yogurt
• Fruit or vegetables, or juices.
It is important to avoid sugary cereals and doughnuts.
Whether for yourself or your children, follow these tips and start your day off right with a well balanced healthy breakfast.

Childhood Asthma

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease? It is more commonly found in children who live in the inner city and more prevalent in African Americans than Caucasians, and in males more often than females.

Asthma often runs in families. Children who have brothers or sisters or parents with asthma often will have asthma themselves. Asthma can also be caused by certain types of allergens.

Risk factors for childhood asthma include:

• Allergies – environmental or food
• Family history
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Being in an environment with second hand smoke
• Living in an inner city versus in a suburban area
• African American
• Low birth weight baby.

Signs and symptoms:

• Rapid breathing
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak
• Chest pain on exertion

If you would like to have your child evaluated for asthma, please contact the ambulatory care center at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-7001 for an appointment.

Yoga

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Developed in India thousands of years ago, Yoga is a form of exercise that has gained popularity tremendously over the past 50 years.

Yoga teaches increased flexibility by learning how to stretch your muscles. This can help a person improve mobility, feel less tired and improve their posture.

• Some of the other benefits of yoga are:

• Improved immunity

• Ease migraines

• Improve sexual performance

• Better sleep

• Improve eating habits

Yoga can help you to feel calmer and more relaxed. This is because some forms of yoga teach techniques that focus on breathing.

It has also been shown to lower blood pressure and to lower the heart rate. This can greatly help people who have been diagnosed with heart disease and who either have had a stroke or at risk of having a stroke.

It usually takes a few weeks to start seeing the benefits of yoga. When looking for yoga classes, find an instructor who has proper training and who is certified to teach the class. It can be practiced by just about anyone, and it isn’t just for people who are in good physical condition.

Can Your Prenatal Habits Cause Childhood Obesity?

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

A healthy lifestyle is encouraged during pregnancy, as choices of the mother can directly affect the health of the infant long after birth.

Childhood obesity is a growing health problem which affects one in every three children. Studies have found that excessive weight gained during pregnancy and smoking can be contributing factors in juvenile obesity.

It is important to maintain a healthy weight while pregnant, because excessive weight gain can affect the baby’s birth weight. Women who become obese during pregnancy are more likely to have bigger babies. Research indicates that infants with high birth weights run a risk in becoming obese as children. Consult a medical professional to discuss tools that are useful in weight control. Dietary counseling and exercise regimens compatible with patient condition and lifestyle may be recommended.

Pregnant women should not smoke. Maternal smoking can cause low intrauterine growth, which at times result in accelerated postnatal growth and childhood obesity. Physicians highly encourage smoking cessation in the earlier stages of pregnancy, but it is never too late to quit. The pregnancy will be improved the sooner the mother quits and the chances of carrying a healthy baby to full term will be greater.

Maintaining good health while pregnant promotes a healthy birth. Receiving early and regular prenatal care reduces the risk of complications for infants. To make an appointment for prenatal care at Jamaica Hospital Women’s Health Center, please call 718 291 3276.

How Obesity Can Affect Your Teen’s Self Esteem

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Many parents and doctors focus on the physical effects of teen obesity, but what about the psychological and emotional ramifications? Obesity can lead to heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. However, the mental and emotional effects of child obesity on self esteem can be even more immense. For this reason, depression, anxiety, and poor body image resulting from obesity should be the greater concern for most.

Studies have shown that obese teens have considerably lower self esteem than their non-obese peers. The disparity in self-confidence is most prevalent around age 14, which also happens to be a critical time for teens because it is when they develop their sense of self worth. Young teenagers around this age are also more often subjected to teasing, taunting, and poor treatment. This can result in depression or anger issues.

Teens with low self-esteem often feel lonely, nervous, or are generally sad. They are also more inclined to experiment with cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Withdrawal from social activities and family, in addition to loss of interest in favorite hobbies, is a clear indication that something is awry.

There are a variety of factors that have contributed to a rise in obesity among teens. While genetics play a role for some, poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are often the cause for most. Teens today consume too much junk food and sugary drinks and don’t exercise as much as in previous generations. Temptations from television, video games, and computers are often cited as the reasons for a decrease in physical activity.

Professionals suggest that the parents of children who are dealing with teen obesity engage their children in an open dialogue about the issue. Together, parents and teens can work on a plan that is attainable. Efforts to fix the problem should focus on lifestyle issues rather than a calorie count because attempting to impose a strict diet could contribute to the teen’s poor self esteem. Incorporate the assistance of a medical professional, but allow the teen to take charge during visits in an effort to build confidence. Parents should encourage and participate in improving diet and increasing activity as well.

Jamaica Hospital has a variety of services to help those facing the issue of teen obesity, including nutritional counseling and adolescent mental health services. Speak to your child’s pediatrician or make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to find the best treatment options for your teen.

Autumn Kale Salad Recipe

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Joann Ariola

With Autumn arriving and our backyard grills safely packed away, we have provided a great kale salad recipe from allrecipies.com to compliment any fall meal choice.

“If you slice kale thin and toss it with other tasty treats like apple, persimmon, orange, and nuts, the kale mellows out and serves as a perfect foil for other vegetation.” Chef John

For the entire recipe please follow the link to –

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chef-Johns-Raw-Kale-Salad/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

Ways to Quit Smoking

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Would you like to quit smoking but don’t know which method is the best for you?

Smoking cessation methods all have positive and negative attributes. There is no guarantee that any one way is better than any other. Some of the methods available are:

• Behavioral Modification – this is an important method because it involves educating people who want to quit and learn about the health benefits of smoking cessation. Some of the behavioral techniques include keeping a diary of when the person needs a cigarette, smoking only half a cigarette, waiting 5 minutes after the urge hits before reaching for a cigarette, and avoiding situations or places that trigger the desire to have a cigarette.

• Cold Turkey – This technique is good for a first attempt. The level of success can vary and is often dependent on the person’s determination to achieve the goal. It also is the least expensive way of quitting. This method usually works best for people who are casual smokers, have a low nicotine dependence, and who smoke less than ten cigarettes a day.

• Nicotine Patch – This technique is often the first choice for people who are tying to quit smoking. It is relatively safe to use and isn’t very expensive. Some side effects include skin rash and vivid dreams. The patch is usually used for six to eight weeks.

• Nicotine Gum – This is another popular technique that people will try when they want to quit smoking. It is more expensive than the patch and a person has to be willing to chew a lot of gum throughout the day in order to keep the medication at a constant level in the body. It isn’t as quick acting as some of the other techniques. Nicotine gum comes in two strengths, 2 mg and 4 mg, and the higher dose is best for people who are heavy smokers. Some of the side effects can be sore mouth, hiccups, and nausea.

• Burpropion – Zyban – The first non nicotine product for smoking cessation. This is a pill that can be used in addition to the nicotine patch. A person starts taking this medication for one to two weeks before their intended quit date. It should not be used for more than 12 weeks. The side effects can include headaches, insomnia, dry mouth and rhinitis.

• Nasal Spray – This is a good method for people who did not have success with the patch or the gum. It is quick acting and good for people who are heavy smokers. It is very expensive and not much more effective than the other modalities.

Smoking cessation can be difficult to achieve with just one attempt. Studies have shown though that people who have higher rates of success are under a physicians care and guidance in this process. To schedule an appointment with a specialist at Jamaica Hospital to discuss the best options for you, please call 718-206-6742.