Home Remedies Separating Fact from Myth

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Age-old home remedies have been passed on for generations. Even in a modern, technologically advanced and scientific world, these timeless, home-made cures have remained and become common practice in the way minor ailments are treated.
Over the years, medical studies have been conducted to determine the validity in some of these home remedies.

Here are a few remedies in which myths have been dispelled and facts confirmed:
• Chicken Soup is good for a cold
Fact- Research published in the medical journal Chest in 2000, shows that chicken soup does have anti- inflammatory effects that clear stuffy noses and soothe sore throats. Hot fluids also aid in the movement of nasal mucus.
• Krazy Glue can be used to seal small wounds
Myth-It Is not advised to use Krazy Glue to seal small wounds. The United States Food and Drug Administration does not recommend the use of it for medicinal purposes. One may run the risk of infection or an allergic reaction.
• Honey helps in healing wounds
Fact-studies support the use of medical-grade honey as a healing agent in minor wound care. Honey possesses antibacterial properties. It has an obstructive effect on over 60 types of bacteria.
• Feed a cold, starve a fever
Myth-This is an old wives’ tale. In actuality when experiencing cold or flu symptoms the body needs all the nutrients of a proper diet. Eating foods that are high in anti-oxidants such as vitamin C, Beta- Carotene and vitamin E; helps build up the immune system. It is also very important to stay hydrated.
• Steam helps in the relief of sinus headaches
Fact-Inhaling steam relieves sinus pressure by opening up and flushing out nasal passages. Adding oils such as, eucalyptus, peppermint and chamomile can also help in soothing the mucus lining.
• Eating fish makes you smart
Fact-This is true for children up to age three or four. Fish such as salmon, Atlantic mackerel, sardines and Albacore tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is beneficial for brain development in infants for the first two years of life. If your child is allergic to seafood, alternatives to fish include walnuts and avocado.

While some home remedies are natural, they may cause adverse reactions if you are taking certain medications or have allergies. It is always best to consult a physician before using them. You can make an appointment to see a Family Medicine practitioner at Jamaica Hospital by calling 718 206 6942.

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.

Will Drinking Soda Make you Sick?

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Let’s test your knowledge. What is the single biggest source of calories for Americans? Is it white bread? Fast food? Nope, it’s soda!

American’s drink about two cans of soda every day. You may think that drinking diet soda, with no calories or sugar is the perfect way to satisfy you need for soda. Think again. Drinking diet soda has its own set of side effects that may harm your health.

Unfortunately, diet soda is more in vogue than ever. Kids consume diet soda at more than double the rate of the last decade, according to research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Among adults, consumption has grown almost 25%.

Some side effects of drinking too much soda are:

Declining Kidney function
High risk of metabolic syndrome
Bellyfat
High Cholesterol
Heart Disease
Obesity
Cavities
Gum Disease

So, you have to ask yourself, are you making the right choice when reaching out for a can of soda, diet or regular? The answer is, no. Drinking soda is bad for your health in so many ways. Science can’t even state all the consequences. Water is and has been the healthier alternative.

Centering Care: Share Your Prenatal Experience With Other Expectant Moms

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Frustrated by short prenatal visits that leave you with more questions than answers? You might be interested in learning about a new, very popular and effective form of prenatal care.

Centering Pregnancy incorporates a group care model that provides a dynamic and lively atmosphere for learning and sharing that is difficult to create during a typical prenatal care visit. During a centering modeled pre-natal care visit, a group of women with similar gestational ages meet together, to participate in a provider facilitated discussion. Through this unique model of care, women have an opportunity to share similar experiences, receive support, and empower one another to choose healthy behaviors during their pregnancies.

Centering Pregnancy maintains all the same patient-centered elements of traditional prenatal care, but incorporates them into an interactive experience for expectant mothers and their families. At the beginning of each session, patients have a brief individual assessment by the care provider before joining the group to discuss key health topics and the exchange of information and education on shared health experiences. Each group visit lasts under two hours with your healthcare provider guiding the session.

Each group meets for a total of 10 sessions throughout pregnancy. Sessions begin during the first trimester and meet at regular prenatal intervals until delivery. After delivery, the group meets for a reunion session during the postpartum period.

The satisfaction expressed by both the women and their providers support the effectiveness of this model of care. Women who have participated in centering-based prenatal care have expressed a high level of fulfillment and motivation. Professionals report that the group setting provides them with renewed satisfaction in delivering quality care. Some of the many benefits of centering care include reduction in preterm birth, higher birth weight and increased breastfeeding rates.

Jamaica Hospital now offers Centering Prenatal care at its Women’s Health Care Center. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s Centering Program, please call 718-291-3276.

Back to School Safety Tips

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

As summer draws to an end and the start of the school year begins, road travel increases. This can be a dangerous time of year, especially for children.

Many children rely on walking, riding a bicycle, or taking a bus to and from school. Fewer daylight hours can make it harder for motorists to see these young students. Take advantage of the following tips to strengthen your traffic safety knowledge:

Car:
• All passengers should wear a seat belt.
• All children should ride in an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4′ 9” and is between eight to 12 years of age).

School Bus:

•   Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the curb or to the school building.
•   Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
•   Make sure your child walks where they can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see them too).
•   Remind your child to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street.

Walking:
• Make sure your child’s walk to school follows a safe route with trained crossing guards at every intersection.
• If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely.
• Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.
Bike:
• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
• Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
Following these simple rules can help to prevent accidents and will keep you and children safe.

Jamaica Hospital Offers Free Diabetes Prevention Program

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center now offers a free, innovative approach to treat patients at risk of developing diabetes. The hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is aimed at managing the health of individuals with prediabetes, or borderline diabetes.

There are over 79 million for people with prediabetes in the United States, a condition where a person has glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to indicate diabetes. When individuals with prediabetes do not manage their condition, they are at a high risk of developing type II diabetes, a condition that is largely preventable.

By adopting this nationally recognized prevention program, Jamaica Hospital plans to reduce the diabetic population in South East Queens. The goal the DPP is to help individuals reduce their weight through a healthy, low-calorie, low-fat diet and engage in at least 150 minutes of moderately physical activity every week.

Participants meet in a group setting on a weekly basis for 16 weeks. The weekly meetings are facilitated “Lifestyle Coaches”, specially trained and certified Jamaica Hospital Patient Navigators with strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills. The Lifestyle Coaches review and provide feedback to each participant on a weekly basis. Each member of the group is expected to maintain weekly diet and exercise logs and get weighed in at each session. The sessions are completely customizable to the individual needs of the group and are run in English and Spanish.

After the 16 week program is completed, participants continue to be monitored by a monthly maintenance program to provide on-going support and motivation to continue a healthy lifestyle.

The results of the Diabetes Prevention Program have been overwhelming positive. Half of the over 3,000 participants in the national CDC program have seen a 7% weight loss through lifestyle intervention and 58% of the participants reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 71%. One of the reasons that the program is so successful is the group dynamic of the program. Through engaging and sharing experiences with others with the same condition, participants in the DPP learn to support each other and provide the necessary encouragement for success.

The DPP is open to all who meet the basic medical criteria. For more information about eligibility or to sign up for the Diabetes Prevention Program, please call 718-206-7088.

Can Your Hypertension Medication Affect Your Dental Health?

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Managing your high blood pressure with the appropriate medications is very important for your overall health, but sometimes those medications can negatively affect your dental health.

Often, medications that are used to treat hypertension can have side effects in the oral environment. Some of these medications can reduce the amount of saliva you produce, causing xerostomia, or dry mouth. Without the proper amount of saliva, the mouth can become irritated and inflamed. Dry mouth can also increase the risk of developing infection, gum disease, and the development of plaque, and therefore cavities.

Gum swelling or gingival overgrowth is another possible side-effect of medications used to treat high blood pressure. Gingival overgrowth occurs when gum tissue becomes so swollen that it begins to grow over the teeth. Swollen gum tissue creates a favorable environment for bacteria because plaque can easily get trapped underneath the gums, making it hard to brush and maintain good oral hygiene.

It is import to inform your dentist about any health conditions you have, and the medications you are taking. Good oral hygiene and more frequent visits to the dentist can help lower your chances of developing complications.

Jamaica Hospital operates an outpatient dental center that treats a wide variety of conditions. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-6980.

Jamaica Hospital Staff Advocates for Suicide Prevention

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Michael Hinck

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24 in the United States. It is estimated that 4,600 lives are lost each year. These numbers are cause for great concern but with awareness and prevention can be decreased.
With the reported average in occurrences and recent high-profile suicides, the question of what is suicide and can it be prevented have become popular topics in conversation. It is of the utmost importance that trained mental health professionals address concerns through public education and advocating for the awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

In support of Suicide Prevention week a team of doctors, residents and administrators under the leadership of Jamaica Hospital’s Dr. Seeth Vivek, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, raised awareness by displaying posters, making and distributing yellow ribbons; which represent the dedication to preventing youth suicide through education and public awareness campaigns. Proceeds from the group’s efforts will benefit future community outreach campaigns.

The psychiatric staff at Jamaica Hospital is available 24/7 for consultations, depression screenings, assessments and immediate care. The staff consists of a team of caring professionals which include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, creative arts therapists and nurses.

Are You Raising a Tween?

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Want to be a great parent? Want to raise a happy, healthy, well-behaved child? The secret is to create a closer connection.One of the most frightening times for parents is when your adorable young child becomes a tween. All of a sudden, that child who needed your nurturing has acquired a strong opinion, can debate brilliantly and, often times, experiences ups and downs.

Just as when your child was a toddler, parents need to accept and constructively negotiate their child’s newest growth of independence. Using constructive negotiation may avoid a disconnect with your tween.

The best way to navigate the tween years is by staying connected to your child. Having dinner together, as often as possible, is a great place to start. Sharing private time with your child will invite conversation. Use conversation with your tween as a trust building/getting-to-know-you again exercise. Building trust is key for your tween to be able to confide in you.

Additional tips to stay connected to your tween are:

Recognize their need for independence.

Re-think your previous ideas about discipline.
Don’t take it personally.
Use the tween years to teach values.
Be aware of the pop culture they are exposed to.
Stay aware of their schoolwork.
Know their friend-base.
Keep in mind that they are actively shaping their identity.

Being a tween is a confusing time for your child. Don’t wait until you see that your relationship needs some repair work… It’s never too late to build a great relationship with your child.

History of Physical Therapy

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Andrew Rubin

The American Physical Therapy Association defines physical therapy as the treatment or management of pain or physical disabilities without the use of medication, surgery, or radiation. Some of the methods of physical therapy include massage, exercise and hydrotherapy.

The practice of physical therapy has been documented for thousands of years with Hippocrates using it for the treatment of physical disabilities. In more modern times, physical therapy became widely used to treat injured war veterans returning from W.W. I. In the early 1920’s, physical therapy was used to treat people afflicted with polio in order to help their mobility.

Physical therapy is commonly used for:

• Back conditions

• Neck problems

• Shoulder and arm problems

• People who have undergone hip or knee replacement

• Stroke patients
• Post-op rehabilitation

Starting in the 1980’s physical therapy became more high tech through the use of computers and more advanced equipment that assisted in the process. Some of the more modern modalities developed during the past 20 years include ultrasound, electric stimulators, and cold laser therapy.

Most patients who receive physical therapy are referred by their orthopedic doctors or rheumatologists. If you have a condition that you feel may be helped by physical therapy, please contact the physical medicine department at 718-206- 7140 for an appointment.

The Truth About Sugar Free

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Joann Ariola

Snacks can help curb hunger and add a nutritious energy boost to your day. When you are a diabetic, planning your snacks/meals is important for managing the disease. But, what about sugar free foods?

What you may not be aware of is that sugar-free does not necessarily mean carbohydrate or calorie free. Some sugar substitutes tend not to add calories, but it is the carbohydrate that has the greatest effect on blood glucose.

If you have diabetes, you know that by cutting sugary foods out of your diet does not manage your condition. What is necessary is to count the carbohydrates and calories in the food as part of your overall meal plan.

If you eat foods with sugar replacements such as: sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, or isomalt, (all sugar alcohols), although they do not contain sugar, they are high in carbohydrates. These foods will affect your blood glucose just as a sugar-containing food would.

However, consuming foods sweetened with aspartame or other non-caloric sweeteners like saccharin, acesulfame, potassium or sucralose do not contain carbohydrates and should not cause your blood glucose to rise.

When it comes to snacking, people often think of foods that are high in sugar or added fats, but there is a great deal of other options. Snacks can help curb hunger and add a nutritious energy boost to your day.

Experts have recommended that people with diabetes choose “free foods” as part of their daily meal planning. “Free foods” are those foods and/or drinks that have less than 20 calories per serving and no more than 5 grams of carbohydrate per serving and are proven to be a better food option for diabetics.

Some examples of free foods are:

Asparagus, cooked
Beans, green, cooked
Broccoli, cooked
Celery
Cucumber
Lettuce, iceberg
Olives, canned ripe
Peppers, sweet red
Radishes
Scallions
Spinach, cooked
Tomatoes
Tomato juice
Avocados
Rasberries
Strawberries
Macadamia Nuts

When planning your meals, try to fit in another serving of whole grains, fruits or vegetables. These foods are healthier than salty snacks and sweets. They, also, fill you up and give you the energy you need to sustain a long day.

Snack time and meal planning can be time consuming for diabetics, but is worth the result. Working with a dietitian can lessen the stress of meal planning and is beneficial when learning about the different types of foods you can eat at each meal and/or snack. If you would like to meet with a dietitian to discuss your diabetes and meal planning, please call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-6023 for an appointment with a Nutritionist.