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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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.

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.

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.

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.