April 2015 - Page 2 of 3

What is Schizophrenia

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

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 When teenagers develop the illness they tend to be withdrawn socially, perform poorly in school, become irritable and lack motivation.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.

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.

Benefits of Yoga

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

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 Prenatal Massage Help During Pregnancy?

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Having a baby is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, but the pregnancy itself isn’t always a pleasant experience. Can a prenatal massage help?

The goals of a prenatal massage are the same as a regular massage – to relax tense muscles, improve circulation, offer relaxation, and to re-energize the body and mind.

Many women experience joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping, and sciatica during pregnancy. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping release tension in nearby muscles.

A prenatal massage also improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy by stimulating soft tissue. This reduces fluid build-up around joints. Improved blood flow also helps the body’s lymphatic system work more efficiently by aiding in the removal of toxins and tissue waste.

By ridding the body of certain stress hormones, a prenatal massage can reduce anxiety and improve an expecting mother’s overall mood. Other benefits include the alleviation of headaches, reduced instances of insomnia, decreased levels of depression, and even improved labor outcomes.

When choosing a massage therapist, be sure to pick one who is certified in prenatal massage. Certified Prenatal Massage Therapists are trained to provide relief to known sore spots and also know to avoid applying pressure to very sensitive pressure points. They know the appropriate techniques to use and positions to recommend and may even have a specially designed massage table for pregnant women.

A prenatal massage may not be for everyone. Women with certain conditions, such as preeclampsia, pregnancy induced hypertension or with a history of pre-term labor should not receive a prenatal massage. All women should consult with their prenatal care provider before scheduling a massage.

If you have questions about prenatal massage or would like to schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN at Flushing Hospital’s Women’s Health Center, please call 718 670-8994.

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Your Child and the Battle Against Junk Food

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Childhood obesity has become a common health concern for parents. It is estimated that one in every five children is overweight. An obese child is considered well above the normal weight for their age and height. One of the contributing factors in obesity is unhealthy eating habits. Parents should introduce healthy eating to children as early as possible. For some this may be easier said than done, because children love junk food.

What makes junk food enticing to children is sugar, high sodium, the taste of fat-commonly hydrogenated oils, in addition to bright, colorful packaging, fun shapes and unnatural food coloring. Parents can win the fight against junk food by making healthy food more appealing to children’s senses.

Here are a few tips on converting kid favorites into healthier choices:

Hot dogs- instead of regular beef and pork hot dogs, purchase low sodium turkey franks and ones without added nitrates. Decorate the hot dog with colorful vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, red and yellow peppers.
Salty cheese snacks- make plain cheese fun by cutting it into quirky shapes or adding bright and sweet fruit. You can make cheese and fruit shish kebabs.
French fries- opt for baked sweet potato fries and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C, B6, and D. They are a great source of Iron, magnesium and potassium.
Ice cream- frozen yogurt is just as tasty and contains less sugar and fat. Adding toppings such as fruit and granola is a plus.
Popsicles- freeze real fruit juices with bits of fruit into bars.
Potato chips- kale chips are rich in vitamin A and easy to make at home. Make them delicious by adding herbs and spices.
Candy- healthy alternatives to candy include raisins or strawberries and bananas lightly drizzled with chocolate.
Milk shakes- smoothies made with fresh fruit and low fat yogurt are a healthier option.
Meat lasagna- load lasagna with vegetables instead of meat, choose low fat cheese and whole-grain pasta.
Macaroni and cheese-use low fat cheese and Greek yogurt to make it creamy. Add spinach to make it nutritious.

The battle against junk food is not lost. In addition to healthy eating, keep your family physically active and make an appointment with your family doctor to ensure that everyone is at their recommended weight.

What is White Coat Hypertension?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

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 Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 178-670-5486 to schedule an appointment.

Join us on Facebook.com/FlushingHospital or follow us on Twitter @FHMC_NYC for more tips on fitness and health.

Obesity and Your Teen’s Self Esteem

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Obesity among teenagers is a growing problem in the United States. It’s estimated that 30% of teenagers are overweight and another 15% are obese.

Many parents and doctors focus on the physical effects of obesity, but what about the psychological and emotional ramifications? Obesity can lead to heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension, but its depression, low self esteem, anxiety and poor body image that should be the greater concern for most.

Recent studies have concluded that obese teens have considerably lower self esteem than their non-obese peers. The difference in the two groups is most evident among 14 year olds, which also happens to be a critical time for teens because it is when they develop their sense of self worth. It is also an age where peers can be most cruel. Teasing, taunting, and poor treatment from other kids can also contribute to depression and other psychological 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. They often become depressed, which causes them to withdraw from social activities with friends and family and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

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 parents of obese teens 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.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center has a variety of services to help teens facing this issue, including nutritional counseling and adolescent mental health services. Speak to your child’s pediatrician or make an appointment at the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to find the best treatment options for your teen.

Protect Your Children. Get Them Vaccinated.

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Do You Vaccinate Your Children?

More and more parents are opting not to have their children immunized against serious medical diseases. Their decisions are largely based on unsubstantiated reports in the media that link vaccines to certain conditions.

April 18-25 is National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.The fact is vaccines are safe and immunizing your children protects them from more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that were once responsible for thousands of childhood deaths each year have been completely eliminated and others are close to extinction. Unfortunately, because some parents have opted not to get their children vaccinated, there has been a resurgence of certain diseases, such as whopping cough and measles, which has led to an increase in hospitalizations and childhood death.

By vaccinating your child today, you are not only ensuring their protection against a wide variety of illness, but you are also helping to eradicate these diseases for future generations.

Toddlers and Tantrums

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Your child is throwing a temper tantrum. It’s every parent’s nightmare, especially if it happens in a public place like a store or restaurant. What is the best way to deal with the situation?

Tantrums are most common when your child is a toddler, around ages two to three. During this time your child is becoming independent and developing ideas on what they want and need. Most toddlers aren’t able to express these feelings with words and they haven’t yet learned to share. They test rules over and over by saying “No!” and “Mine!” to see how parents will react.

It is often easier to prevent tantrums than to deal with them after they get going. Try these tips:

Stick to a daily routine that balances fun activities with enough rest and healthful food.
Anticipate when your child will be disappointed, and give your child a choice in small matters. (“We won’t be buying cookies, but you can help me pick out some fruit for later.”)
Praise your child when he or she shows self-control and expresses feelings with words.

If you can’t prevent a tantrum, here are some tips for dealing with one:

Direct your child’s attention to something else. (“Wow, look at that fire engine!”)
Say what you expect from your child and have confidence that your child will behave.
Remain calm. Resist overreacting to tantrums, and try to keep your sense of humor. You are a role model for your child.
Holding your child during a tantrum may help a younger child feel more secure and calm them down more quickly.
Take your child to a quiet place where he or she can calm down safely. Speak softly or play soft music.
Some children throw tantrums to seek attention. Try ignoring the tantrum, but pay attention to your child after he or she calms down.

Despite your best efforts, you still might have to deal with a few tantrums. The most important thing you can do is remain calm and wait it out. Do not let your child’s behavior cause you to lose control.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. #NCAPM

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Are you a breastfeeding mom who needs a little help boosting your milk supply? Try this healthy, easy and delicious lactation cookie recipe. The addition of Brewer’s Yeast, which contains B vitamins, may help increase milk production.

Recipe courtesy of Food.com.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

4 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons flaxseed meal or ground flaxseeds

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups oats

1 cup chocolate chips

2-4 tablespoons Brewer’s Yeast

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix the flaxseed meal and water and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar well.
Add eggs and mix well.
Add flaxseed mix and vanilla, beat well.
Sift together flour, brewers yeast, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to butter mix.
Stir in oats and chips.
Scoop onto baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes.
Let set for a couple minutes then remove from tray.

Makes 4 1/2 dozen cookies

Electronic Cigarettes — Are They Safe?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Electronic cigarettes, or as they are more popularly called, e-cigarettes, are designed to look like traditional tobacco cigarettes. Though the e-cigarettes contain no tobacco, they can be harmful because they contain nicotine which is a cancer causing chemical. Some believe they are safer than cigarettes and a good smoking cessation aid when trying to quit, but this may not be the case.

How they work – The user inhales through a mouthpiece similar to traditional cigarettes. This flow of air triggers a sensor that turns on a small battery operated heater. The heater warms up a capsule that contains nicotine and propylene glycol. The vapor that is created gives the user the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. The vapor from these e-cigarettes also contains formaldehyde and acetaldehyde which can also cause cancer.

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has done a preliminary analysis of these devices and concluded that the vapors that they emit contain other carcinogens, such as nitrosamines and diethylene glycol. It is presumed that the effects of smoking these e-cigarettes would have similar second hand effects as regular tobacco products and their use should be regulated in a similar manner.

If you smoke, or know someone who does, and are interested in quitting we recommend speaking with your physician. Join us on Facebook.com/FlushingHospital or follow us on Twitter @FHMC_NYC for more information on smoking cessation and tips on fitness and health.