Can You Overdose on Vitamins?

Posted on January 13, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Surely you have heard the saying, “too much of a good thing can become a bad thing.” The same applies to vitamin supplements, as taking an excess of vitamins can be harmful to your health. This may seem contradictory because vitamins are often encouraged to supplement nutrients that may be lacking in our diets. Physicians or nutritionists may suggest vitamins once it is confirmed that you have a nutrient deficiency and highly advise that the daily recommended doses are followed.

The Institute of Medicine has established guidelines such as the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) and DV (Daily Value) to help people understand the daily suggested dose of vitamins.

Vitamin overdose occurs when a person ingests far more than the daily recommendation, for an extended period of time. Although the body can excrete excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, it can retain fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, which can be toxic.

Here are a few vitamins that are proven to be toxic if taken in excess, as well as their symptoms of overdose:

Iron- Nausea, bloody stools, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fluid build-up in the lungs and fever.
Vitamin A-Hair loss, liver damage, severe headaches, bone pain, blurred vision, dry skin and vomiting
Vitamin D- Abnormal heart rhythm, constipation, frequent urination, muscle weakness and confusion.
Vitamin E- Interferes with the body’s ability to clot blood, which can be harmful for those on blood thinning medication
B Vitamins-B6 in excess can cause nerve damage; while B3 can cause jaundice, elevated liver enzyme levels and nausea.

If you have decided to purchase vitamins, always follow the daily recommended dose to avoid excessive intake. Before purchasing it is recommended that you consult a physician or nutritionist to receive an assessment.

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.

Why Is Glaucoma Called The “Silent Thief of Sight?”

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

Glaucoma is a condition which increases pressure within the eyeball and causes damage to the optic nerve. Currently almost 3 million people in the United States over the age of 40 have Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” because there are usually no symptoms until the disease has progressed and there is some form of vision loss. Warning signs to look for are blurred vision, gradual loss of peripheral vision, tunnel vision and halos around lights.

The NERVE of Diabetes

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Joann Ariola

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Typically, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some sort of nerve problems, know as neuropathy.

Neuropathy is a shorter term for peripheral neuropathy, meaning nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy from diabetes can damage the nerves in your hands, arms, feet and legs. This condition can cause pain, numbness and weakness. Depending on the degree of neuropathy, and how long you have been a diabetic, nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart and reproductive organs.

The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years. Diabetic neuropathy also appears to be more common in people who have issues with controlling their blood glucose, have high blood pressure and are overweight.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary depending on the nerves affected and develop gradually over the years. Symptoms may include:

Trouble with balance
Numbness and tingling of extremities
Abnormal sensation to a body part (Dysesthesia)
Diarrhea
Erectile dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
Vision changes
Burning or electric pain in extremities

When treating diabetic neuropathy, a nutritionist may recommend healthier food choices and exercise to help lower your glucose and glycohemoglobin levels. Additionally, analgesics and low doses of antidepressants can be prescribed for pain relief, burning and tingling.

If you are a diabetic and have been experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center and Department of Nutrition can help. Call 718-206-7001 to get the process started.

What is Binge Eating?

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Michael Hinck

Most of us have overeaten at some point in our lives and felt guilty immediately afterward. It usually happens at a holiday gathering or at one of your favorite restaurants, but what if it happens regularly? Consistently eating large amounts of food at once, and feeling upset after doing so can be considered a binge eating disorder (BED).

A binge is when you consume a large portion of food in a short amount of time – as much as 20,000 calories at once. BED is not the same as bulimia, another eating disorder that involves eating a great deal of food in a short period of time. People with bulimia are very concerned with their body image and attempt various methods to avoid gaining weight, including vomiting, taking diet pills or laxatives, or exercising too much. Those with BED, however, are not concerned with excess weight and therefore do not participate in these compensatory behaviors. For this reason, people with BED are often overweight or obese.

Characteristics of BED include: eating until uncomfortably full, eating when not physically hungry, eating alone, or waking up at night to eat. Binge eaters are usually excited while planning a binge and are frightened of being caught. After a binge, they feel a range of emotions including guilt, shame, disgust, self-loathing, or general numbness.

Binge eating may arise out of stress and an inability to deal with emotions, boredom, depression, or outbursts of hostility. It is very important to recognize binge eating disorder in its early stages and seek treatment before it leads to other health problems, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease. Therapy sessions can help the individual deal with these psychological aspects of binge eating disorder.

If you exhibit binge eating behavior, it’s important that you seek professional help. This kind of eating will lead to increased weight gain, low self-image and other related health issues. To make an appointment at Jamaica Hospital’s Mental Health Clinic, please call 718-206-5575.

This Year’s Flu Season May Be Deadly For Children- Learn ways to protect your little ones

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Xavia Malcolm

It is being reported in the media that this year’s strain of the flu virus can potentially be life threatening for children. Since the beginning of the flu season 21 children have died. This strain of the virus can create severe respiratory problems, bacterial infections and very high fevers.

About 90% of flu cases so far have been caused by the H3N2 sub-type. H3 sub-types tend to cause the largest numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in young children-because their immune systems are still developing. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are also at risk.

What can you do to protect your children?

Watch out for symptoms which include: high fevers, chills and shakes, headaches and body aches, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, vomiting and stomach aches.
Keep children away from people who have flu symptoms.
Teach them to cover their noses or mouths, when they cough or sneeze.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, these are prime areas for germs to spread.
Speak with your physician about antiviral drugs.

The CDC recommends that children ages six months and older should receive flu vaccinations. Although this year’s vaccine is not a match for the H3N2 virus, it will lessen the severity of the symptoms and reduce the chances of hospitalization.

Asthma and Alcoholic Drinks

Posted on January 5, 2015 by Andrew Rubin

For most people, a glass of wine, beer or distilled liquor is a nice way to relax, but did you know that for a person with asthma it can cause an attack? Many people end up in hospital emergency departments with alcohol related asthma attacks.

Alcohol contains varying amounts of chemicals, such as histamines and sulfites, that can cause people with asthma to have an attack. They trigger a tightening of the airway which makes it hard to take full breaths. Alcoholic may also cause acid reflux which occurs when liquid in the stomach goes back up in to the esophagus. This reaction can lead to irritation of the airways causing them to swell..

Anyone who knows that they have asthma should be aware of these reactions and should use extra caution when drinking alcohol. Speak to your physician about what to do in case you have this type of reaction and they may be able to recommend a medication that will help to alleviate the symptoms.

If you have asthma and would like to speak with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-6742.

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Motor Vehicle Accidents and the Holidays

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Michael Hinck

What time of the year are you most at risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident?

The odds of getting into an accident increase during periods when there are more cars on the road, such as rush hour, or when during periods of inclement weather. But when the number of alcohol impaired drivers increase, the odds skyrocket.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36 fatalities occur per day on average in the United States as a result of crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. At certain times of the year, such as holidays, those numbers rise dramatically. For example, during the Christmas season, an average of 45 fatalities involving an alcohol-impaired driver occurred each day, and soars to 54 per day over the New Year’s holiday.

New Year’s Eve is more than just the last day of every year; it is also the holiday with the most arrests made by law enforcement agencies across the United States for suspected drinking and driving.

Jamaica Hospital wants to remind everyone not to drink and drive and to exercise good judgment while on the road this holiday season.

Do The Holidays Stress You Out? Follow These Tips

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Michael Hinck

The holidays are supposed to be about joy and merriment, but for many they can become a very stressful time of year.

The average American spends 42 hours a year on holiday activities including, shopping, wrapping presents, decorating, attending holiday parties, and traveling from place to place. Often, these extra activities get squeezed into our already busy schedules.

Our schedules are not the only thing being squeezed during the holidays; so too are our wallets. The holidays promote gift giving, but to what extent? Buying something for everyone on your list can be a very stressful situation, especially when you are on a budget.

To help you enjoy avoid holiday stress and enjoy this very special time of year, try following these simple tips:

• Take Calm-Down Breaks. Soon after you awake, close your eyes, take several deep breaths and meditate or just relax. Quieting down your mind before you begin your day can help it get off to a great start and things will flow for you.

• Create the Holiday You Want – When the holidays come around, you may find yourself getting pulled in many different directions. Don’t give in to outside pressures. Decide how do you want to spend your time and resources. Consider what is most important to you and what memories you want to create.

• Stick to a Budget – Unfortunately, so many people cause their own stress by overspending during the holidays. Try to start saving for the upcoming holiday season early in the year. Sit down and look to see what you can really afford before you start shopping.

• Be Generous With Your Heart – One of the best ways to stay calm, content and cheerful this time of year is to act generously with your loved ones, co-workers and friends. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money though.

• Get Moving – One of the best ways to overcome stress during the holidays or any other time is to exercise regularly. Physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your mood.

• Eat Healthy- Inevitably, at this time of year, you’ll be constantly tempted with sweet, empty-calorie treats. But to be your most energetic, focused and happy self, it’s best to avoid the sugary snacks and eat healthier options.

Hopefully, by following these recommendations, your holidays can be calm, relaxing and fun.

Don’t Let Depression Meno”PAUSE” Your life

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Joann Ariola

If you are between the ages of 45 and 55, did you know you are four times more likely to have depression than women who have not reached that stage in their life?

During menopause, a woman’s body experiences a reduction in the production of estrogen and a rise in production of testosterone (typically known as a male sex hormone). The rapid fluctuations of these hormones can influence the neurotransmitters in the brain and can lead to depression.

During Menopause, a woman’s body can experience irregularities, such as, restless sleep, hot flashes, weight gain, blood circulation, as well as, reduction in sex drive and a slower metabolism.One change that gets far less attention is a woman’s psychological health.

Studies have proven that menopausal women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than the general population, even if they don’t have a personal history of mental health disease.

Depression is a common yet potentially serious symptom of menopause. It involves more than the occasional bout of sadness and, if not treated, can lead to more severe mental disorders and a lessened quality of life.

Although depression experienced during menopause is often dismissed, it is recognized as a valid disease and, when identified, can be managed.

If you are experiencing similar changes and are in an at risk age group, you can schedule an appointment with the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Mental Health at 718-206-7005.

Don’t Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water

Posted on December 17, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Whether you are a new or seasoned parent, sleepless nights caused by your newborns restlessness can be un-nerving. You ask yourself the basic questions, “Is my baby’s diaper dry or is he/she hungry?” The answer could be, neither. If your baby is fussy, cranky and seems to be experiencing stomach pain, they could be “colicky.”

The condition known as colic is the term that applies to any healthy, well-fed infant, approximately two to three weeks old, who cries more than three hours a day, more than three days per week, for more than three weeks. The exact cause of Colic is unknown, which is why there isn’t a defined prescription to alleviate the discomfort associated with this condition.

Reasons for symptoms could be:

Tummy trouble, perhaps a problem with cow’s milk protein or lactose in some baby formulas.
Reflux, which is heartburn due to stomach acid and milk flowing back into the windpipe.
A growing digestive system with muscles that often spasm.
Hormones that cause stomachaches or a fussy mood.
Oversensitivity or over-stimulated by light, noise, etc.
A moody baby.
A still-developing nervous system.

It is helpful to attempt to ease your infant’s acid reflux. Try feeding half as much and twice as often. A smaller volume of food will empty from the stomach faster leaving less chance of it rising back up in the esophagus. An infant’s stomach is only the size of their own fist, so you can understand why their stomach can become overwhelmed.

Another measure you can take in preventing colic is to make sure you are relieving any gas that may be trapped. Gently rub your baby’s back, in an upward motion, to help release any gas that may have formed during their feeding. Laying your infant down, immediately after a feeding, is discouraged since a prone position can cause acid-reflux.

In addition, crying after a feeding increases intro-abdominal pressure, this can cause abdominal pain so attempt to soothe your infant. The calmer your baby is, the better their stomach will tolerate milk.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. The symptoms usually begin to subside, on its own, by the time the infant reaches three or four months old.

If your baby is experiencing the symptoms of colic, you can make an appointment at The Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Call 718-206-7005