Can Children with Asthma Keep Pets?

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

The presence of some pets in the home can trigger asthma attacks in children. While many believe pets’ fur is the culprit, it is actually the allergens such as dust and proteins found in pets’ dander, saliva, dead-skin flakes, urine and feathers that can cause a reaction.

These allergens and proteins are airborne-they can enter the body by way of the mouth or nose. When they are combined with antibodies (a substance that the body recognizes as foreign) and inhaled into the lungs, they can trigger the body’s defense mechanisms, causing inflammation and eventually restricting air flow.

It is recommended that the easiest way to reduce the hazards of pet dander and allergens in the home is to relocate the animal. For some, this decision can be difficult as pets often become members of the family. If the option of relocating the animal is not likely, then the following solutions should be considered.

Minimizing contact by keeping your pet outdoors as much as possible or prohibiting the animal from the bedroom of the person with asthma.
Using vacuums with HEPA filters to frequently vacuum surfaces where dander can accumulate.
Wash pets often and groom them outside the home.
Keep animals off surfaces such as the couch, which collects pet dander.
Dust frequently. It is best to dust when the person with asthma is not home.
Clean bird and rodent cages thoroughly at least once a week.
Purchase air cleaners with HEPA filters.
Keep children away from litter boxes or places designated for the animal to eliminate waste.
Change carpeted floors to hard wood floors.

It is highly advised that you consult a physician to confirm that it is okay to keep your pet and to explore the best ways to reduce the risks of triggering an asthma attack. Your doctor may be able to develop a treatment plan, which can include allergy shots, sprays or pills to help manage symptoms.

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.

Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Decorating your home for the holidays is always so much fun, but did you know that each year an estimated 250 house fires nationwide are caused by faulty holiday lights? Here are some tips for keeping your home safe this year:

• Before stringing holiday lights always check the sockets to ensure they are not broken or cracked.

• Never use indoor lights for outdoors use.

• Turn off the indoor tree lights before going to bed or whenever you leave the house.

• Do not connect more than three sets of lights to each extension cord.

• Make sure that your lights have safety labels and are made by reputable companies.

• Do not use candles on or near a tree.

• Place your tree and gift wrapped presents away from sources of heat such as fireplaces.

• Make sure that your tree is secured firmly to its base so that it can’t tip over.

• Artificial trees should be fire resistant.

• Always keep a fire extinguisher handy and accessible in case of emergency.

Don’t ruin your holiday by being careless. A little common sense and taking some precautions will ensure a joyous holiday for you and your family.

Should You Breast Feed When You Are Sick?

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Mother breastfeeding and hugging newborn baby

There are many benefits to breast feeding, but is it harmful to your child’s health when you are sick with a cold or virus?

Even when you are sick, your baby will almost always benefit from breastfeeding. In most instances, viruses are most likely transmitted before symptoms even occur. Breast feeding can actually help protect your baby from the virus since your breast milk produces the necessary antibodies to stave off the illness. In fact, even if your baby gets sick, it is usually a much milder case than anyone else in the house.

It is not a good idea for you to stop breast feeding abruptly because your breasts can become engorged, which can lead to painful inflammation, known as mastitis. Instead, while you are sick, ask a family member to bring the baby to you to nurse and take him way when you’re done so you can rest. Also, drink plenty of fluids when you are sick so you don’t become dehydrated and your milk supply does not decrease.

Some moms may also be concerned about taking medications while breastfeeding, but with few exceptions, over the counter medications are just fine. Some suggestions include:
• Avoid using extra or maximum strength pain medication or fever reducers.

• Medications that contain ibuprofen are recommended over those that contain acetaminophen.

• Try to use single ingredient, short acting forms of cold, cough, and allergy medications.

• Avoid taking aspirin as there is a small risk of infants developing Reye’s syndrome.

It is important however to carefully read medication labels and check with your physician before taking any drug while you are nursing. If you do not have a doctor, contact Jamaica Hospital’s Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276 to make an appointment.

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Schizophrenia

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

Schizophrenia is a disorder of the brain that is severe, chronic and disabling. Research has shown that there is a brain chemical imbalance that causes the disease. People with the illness do not interpret reality in a normal manner. It occurs in approximately one percent of the population, but if there is a family history of the illness the frequency is much higher. Men and women are affected equally but symptoms are usually seen earlier in men. Usually the illness is first noticed in the early 20’s for men and late 20’s for women. When teenagers develop the illness they tend to be withdrawn socially, perform poorly in school, become irritable and lack motivation. It is unlikely for most people to develop the illness after their mid forties.

Adult Symptoms of Schizophrenia:

• Hallucinations – People hear, see, smell or feel things that do not exist
• Delusions – false beliefs like imagining they are someone else
• Thought disorders – Having trouble organizing thoughts and speaking without making sense
• Movement disorders – A person may make agitated movements or not move at all
• Lack of caring about personal hygiene

The treatment goal is to be able to control symptoms Treatment for schizophrenia includes taking antipsychotic medications and receiving psychosocial treatments.. It is important that a treatment plan for the patient include counseling for their families as well. One important method of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy which is where the patient is taught how to manage their symptoms.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7160.

Buyer Beware the Potential Dangers of Plastic Surgery Tourism

Posted on December 9, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Cosmetic surgery is chosen with the intent of enhancing a person’s appearance. Procedures could include breast augmentations, rhinoplasty and facelifts. The costs of plastic surgery can be expensive. Generally, most insurance plans consider cosmetic surgery as elective and will not cover the costs-leaving many patients to pay out of pocket and some exploring the option of plastic surgery tourism.

The costs of receiving surgery overseas can be relatively cheaper than in the United States and can be tempting; however, consumers should be aware of the dangerous and sometimes deadly situations they can encounter. It is highly important to keep in mind that many plastic surgery practices overseas do not uphold the rigid standards of qualified board-certified physicians in the U.S. There are no laws protecting patients who choose to do surgeries outside of the country, therefore if there is negligence it is unlikely the medical practice will be penalized.

Other complications that a consumer may encounter from plastic surgery tourism include:

Travel- Long flights can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolisms and blood clots.
Lack of follow up care- Follow up care after surgery is extremely important. Physicians need to assess your recovery and ensure there are no abnormalities and infections. Many overseas facilities offer very limited or no follow up care.
Botched surgeries and revisions- If the procedure is botched, it may cost twice as much money to make revisions than the initial surgery would with a domestic surgeon.
Language barriers- A breakdown in comprehension and communication can be fatal.
Sub-standard equipment-The facility may be ill-equipped.Facilities overseas may not use the same safety checklist that is standard in the U.S. and medical records may not be properly documented.

Every surgery, including plastic surgery has risks. Boards and organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are in existence to regulate practices, set safety standards and help reduce these risks. While you may be saving money by going abroad, you are being exposed to medical institutions that may not have the same standards of the U.S. and increasing your risks for complications and potentially death.

What is White Coat Hypertension?

Posted on December 5, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Does the thought of having a physician take your blood pressure make you nervous? Anxiety over going to the doctor’s office can lead to an elevation in your blood pressure; a condition known as “white coat hypertension.”

White coat hypertension is a real condition that occurs when blood pressure readings at your doctor’s office are higher than they are in other settings, such as your home. The term white coat refers to the traditional white lab coat health care professionals wear in clinical settings.

The underlying cause of white coat hypertension is believed to be tension and stress associated with being examined by a physician. Not much attention was given to this condition since the blood pressure of patients returned to normal levels when taken in the home environment, where they feel more relaxed. Recent studies however have proven that people with white coat hypertension are twice as likely to develop true hypertension within a decade, compared to people with normal blood pressure levels.

How do you know if you have white coat hypertension and what should you do if you have it? The first step is for your doctor to have you monitor your blood pressure at home to see if it returns to normal levels. If it does, together, you and your doctor can decide whether to treat it or not. On one hand, if your blood pressure is normal during the rest of the day, taking blood pressure medications can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure). On the other hand, people with white coat hypertension might have elevated blood pressure during other stressful parts of the day. Many factors, such as age, family history, and the existence of other conditions will help the doctor make the right decision for you.

There are things that you can do to reduce your anxiety and stress before having your blood pressure checked by a health care professional. First, avoid drinking excessive amounts of water before checking your blood pressure because water can increase your reading. Also, do not participate in any physical activity before having your blood pressure taken. Excessive physical exertion will raise blood pressure. Lastly, avoid stressful situations and remain calm leading up to and during your visit to the doctor’s office.

If you think you have hypertension, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. If you do not have a primary care physician, call Jamaica Hospital’s Family Care Center at 718-657-7093 to schedule an appointment.

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Oh My Aching Feet!

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Corns and calluses are caused by pressure or friction on skin, which leads to the formation of thickened skin on the top or side of a toe. Complications from corns and calluses are rarely serious; however, if you are a diabetic they can lead to more serious issues.

Diabetics often have impaired sensitivity and may not be aware of the friction or presence of a corn or callous. Since they are unaware, the corn or callous can progress into ulcers or secondary infections without the person knowing.

In addition, diabetics don’t, usually, heal as quickly as non-diabetics and their infections can become life-threatening.

Indications that you may have a corn or callous:

Skin is thick and hardened.
Skin may be flaky and dry.
Hardened, thick skin areas are found feet or other areas that may be rubbed or pressed.
The affected areas can be painful and may bleed.

According to the National Institutes of Health, preventing friction by wearing proper fitting shoes and avoiding walking barefoot are often the only preventative measures you can take.

Regular examination of you feet can help you to identify any problems and, if you receive a foot injury, you should seek immediate medical attention.

If you have diabetes and are experiencing corns/calluses that are painful, red, warm, or there is drainage in the area, you should call your healthcare provider immediately to determine the cause.

To make an appointment with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Jamaica Hospital Medical Centers Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-206-7005 to schedule an appointment.

Tap V. Bottled Water: Which is Better?

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Remember sipping water from a fountain in the park or turning on the kitchen sink for a glass of H2O? Many people today do not have those same experiences because fewer and fewer are drinking tap water. In a recent study, it was revealed that one out of every five U.S. households uses bottled water as their primary or only source of water. Many Americans believe it is a healthier option, but is it really better for you?

Tap water and bottled water are regulated by two different agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency oversees tap water and the Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water. Despite the different governing agencies, the standards of ensuring safety are very similar. Both have strict quality control measures in place to protect the water we drink from harmful bacteria and other contaminates.

Another similarity between tap and bottled water is often the source. There are over 500 bottled water plants in the United States and while some of the bottled water originates from sparkling springs, many others come from a municipal water supply. The water is treated, purified and sold to the public at an inflated cost. In fact, bottled water is estimated to cost up to 1,000 times more than tap water.

Distinguishing which is healthier is hard to do. The levels of certain important minerals in your water, such as calcium and magnesium, depend on what type of bottled water you purchase or the source of your tap water. Areas that use water sources that contain lower levels of these minerals have a higher rate of heart disease than areas with higher levels.
What about taste? Some people prefer the taste of bottled water, citing a funny taste in tap water. The taste that they are referring to is the trace amounts of chlorine used as a disinfectant to guard against the regrowth of microorganisms. Bottled water often utilizes ozone disinfection, which is tasteless and odorless.

The last factor to consider when choosing between tap and bottled water is the effect bottled water consumption has on the environment. It is estimated that Americans consume nearly ten billion gallons of bottled water every year. It is also estimated that less than 20% of water bottles are recycled.

What do you prefer to drink and why? Jamaica Hospital wants to know.

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Delicious and Healthy Herbed Cornbread Stuffing Recipe

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Full Herbed Cornbread Healthy Recipe courtesy of www.eatingwell.com

CORNBREAD

1 1/2 cups cornmeal

1 cup white-whole wheat flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

1/2 cup low-fat milk

2 large eggs

1 large egg white

3 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

3 tablespoons canola oil

STUFFING

8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), divided

1 1/4 cups chopped celery

1 1/4 cups chopped shallots

2 sweet-tart apples, such as Jonagold, peeled and chopped

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage

1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme

1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock

3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1/4 teaspoon salt

Ground pepper to taste

PREPARATION

To prepare cornbread: Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Whisk buttermilk, milk, eggs, egg whites, melted butter and oil in a medium bowl until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until blended.

Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. If time allows, let stand, uncovered at room temperature, before preparing the stuffing.

To prepare stuffing: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery, shallots and apples; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, crumble cornbread into medium pieces in a large bowl.

Add sage and thyme to the pan; cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Scrape the mixture into the bowl and toss to combine with the cornbread.

Melt the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Add to the stuffing mixture along broth, parsley, Old Bay, salt and pepper. Scrape into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake the stuffing for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until lightly brown, 20 to 25 minutes more.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and a good time to find out if you are at risk. With 30 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes and an additional 86 million at risk, there is a possibility that you either have it, are at risk for it, or know someone who has been diagnosed.

Risk factors for diabetes include having a family history of the disease, obesity, living a sedentary life style and having heart disease. Africn Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Native Americans are also at higher risk. Signs and symptoms include blurry vision, sudden change in weight, frequent urination, feeling thirsty all the time and fatigue. People who are at risk should start having annual assessments starting at age 45.

Diabetes is a disease that leads to elevated blood sugar. Either the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone, insulin, that helps the cells absorb glucose (type I diabetes) or the body produces insulin and the cells don’t recognize it (type II diabetes).Type I diabetes affects children most frequently and can’t be prevented so it must be treated with medication. Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset, is not always preventable but it can sometimes be delayed or controlled by diet and exercise.

The key to successfully managing diabetes and preventing secondary complications is to control blood sugar levels. Type I diabetes is treated by taking insulin injections on a daily basis. Type II diabetes can be treated by taking medication. These medications can either be administered in tablet form or in more severe cases by taking tablets and insulin injections.

People at risk should speak to their physician about being tested for diabetes. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.