September 2015 - Page 2 of 3

Healthy Recipe: Smashed Cucumber Salad

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

September is Fruit and Vegetable Month, and according to Foodies, smashed cucumber salads are currently all the rage. The perfect recipe to try using the last of your summer garden cucumbers, if you’re not using Persian cukes, peel and deseed before smashing.

Smashing or smacking is a classic Chinese technique that allows the cucumbers to absorb more flavor. Get the recipe here, courtesy of the New York Times.

INGREDIENTS

About 2 pounds thin-skinnedcucumbers like English or Persian (8 to 10 mini cucumbers, 4 medium-size or 2 large greenhouse)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for cucumbers
2 teaspoons granulated sugar, plus more for cucumbers
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon grapeseed or extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced or put through a press
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Small handful whole cilantro leaves, for garnish
2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

PREPARATION

Rinse cucumbers and pat dry. Cut crosswise into pieces about 4 inches long. Cut each piece in half lengthwise.
On a work surface, place a piece of cucumber (or several) cut side down. Lay the blade of a large knife flat on top the cucumber and smash down lightly with your other hand. The skin will begin to crack, the flesh will break down and the seeds will separate. Repeat until the whole piece is smashed. Break or slice diagonally into bite-size pieces, leaving the seeds behind.
Place the cucumber pieces in a strainer and toss with a big pinch of salt and a big pinch of sugar. Place a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the cucumbers to serve as a weight and place the strainer over a bowl. Let drain 15 to 30 minutes on the counter, or in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 4 hours.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine salt, sugar and rice vinegar. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir in sesame oil and soy sauce.
When ready to serve, shake cucumbers well to drain off any remaining liquid and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with grapeseed or olive oil and toss. Add half the dressing, half the garlic and the red pepper flakes to taste, and toss. Keep adding dressing until cucumbers are well coated but not drowned. Taste and add more pepper flakes and garlic if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds.

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.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Many people confuse memory loss and “forgetfulness” with Alzheimer’s. A lot of people have trouble with memory — this does NOT mean they have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and those with Alzheimer’s live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable, but can live longer depending on age and other health conditions.

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information as Alzheimer’s typically affects that part of the brain first.

Scientists aren’t sure what causes Alzheimer’s, but believe plaques and tangles, greater than the normal amount that occur due to aging, form in the brain, blocking nerve cell communication and causing cell death. As the disease advances, the severity of symptoms increase. These include serious memory loss, mood and behavior changes, disorientation, confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and caregivers. People with late stage Alzheimer’s often have difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, make an appointment with a physician. Only a doctor can diagnose Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure, but treatments for symptoms are available that can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease. Call their 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900

Men’s Health — Common Prostate Problems

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Men of all ages can experience prostate problems. The prostate, a small gland about the size of a walnut located below the bladder, helps make semen, which carries sperm from the testicles when a man ejaculates.

One problem is prostatitis, an inflammation or infection of the prostate. Prostatitis can affect men of all ages and is the number-one reason men under the age of 50 visit a urologist. In some cases, prostatitis is considered chronic if it lasts more than three months. It can follow an attack of acute prostatitis or may also be related to other urinary tract infections.

Some men don’t experience any symptoms, however, the primary symptom of chronic infectious prostatitis is usually repeated bladder infections.

Additional symptoms include:

. Frequent urge to urinate

. Difficulty urinating

. Pain or burning during urination

. Chills and fever

Other symptoms may include pain that comes and goes low in the abdomen, the anus, the groin, or the back. The prostate may swell, causing a less forceful urine stream. Sometimes blood in the urine, pain with sexual intercourse, and painful ejaculation are other symptoms of prostatitis.

If your doctor suspects that you have prostatitis or another prostate problem, he or she may refer you to a urologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system) to confirm the diagnosis. A comprehensive exam will help evaluate whether the prostate gland is enlarged or tender and what treatment is best for you. Prostatitis is a treatable disease, and treatment can include anti-inflammatory drugs, warm baths, beta blockers, hormones or antibiotics, depending on the diagnosis.

The Harmful Truth about High Heels

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

High heels can make you look long and lean, and can definitely add some glitz to your outfit—but unfortunately, that’s not all they’re doing.

Prolonged wearing of high heels can lead to foot pain, ingrown toe nails, bunions, nerve damage, or damage to leg tendons. Additionally, lower back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, and overworking an injured leg muscle can also result from wearing high heels over time.

These problems are likely to develop because the feet are forced into an unnatural position when they are in high heels, therefore placing increased weight on the toes. The incorrect redistribution of weight causes the body to lean forward and puts a strain on the back, knees, and hips. In addition, the change in posture also puts pressure on the nerves which can trigger numbness and pain throughout the entire body.

The conditions that result from wearing high heels don’t develop immediately. They occur from frequent high heel wear. Eliminating high heels from a wardrobe may not be favorable for some, however following these recommendations can reduce some of the issues they may cause:

wear a sensible heel height or consider a wedged shoe
use insoles to help reduce the impact to your knees
wear the correct size shoe
wear heels on days you expect limited walking or standing
alternate shoes throughout the day or from day to day
stretch your calf muscles and feet a few times a day

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They’re Baaaack! How to Prevent and Treat Head Lice

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

For parents of preschool and elementary school aged children, going back to school can sometimes result in your child bringing home some new friends: head lice.

Head lice, which can’t jump or fly, are transmitted by direct physical contact with the hair of an infested person, feeding on blood and attaching their eggs to the base of hair shafts. Head lice do not spread disease, and getting head lice is not related to the cleanliness of your child or your home.

Contact can occur among children during play at school or sporting activities or by sharing hats, scarves, combs or brushes. Some studies suggest that girls get head lice more often than boys, probably due to more frequent head-to-head contact. Infestation with head lice is much less common among African-Americans than among persons of other races.

Permethrin is an over-the-counter treatment used to treat lice. Recently, 25 states, including New York and New Jersey, have reported head lice that don’t respond to permethrin, but don’t be discouraged. The good news is that prescription medications that don’t contain permethrin are still effective including benzyl alcohol, ivermectin, malathion, spinosad, and lindane shampoo. Prescriptions might be pricier, but will save you money in the long run.

Treatment for head lice is recommended for all household members and all should be treated at the same time. Hats, scarves, pillow cases, bedding, clothing, and towels worn or used by the infested person in the 2-day period just before treatment should be machine washed and dried using the hot water and hot air cycles. Lice and their eggs are killed within five minutes of exposure to temperatures greater than 53.5°C (128.3°F). Items that cannot be laundered may be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuuming furniture and floors can remove an infested person’s hairs that might have viable nits (louse eggs) attached.

Peer Pressure: Teen Smoking

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Adolescents feel social pressure in various ways, from wearing the latest clothing trends and styles to current music choices. Your child’s friends are one of the strongest influences during this time in their lives, especially when it comes to risky behaviors like tobacco use.

During the pre-teen and teenage years, your child is asserting their independence and exploring their identity. Yet they still crave the approval of their peers and often worry about being rejected. Peer pressure makes them feel they are being pulled in two directions. When it comes to smoking cigarettes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted the rate among teens that have three or more friends who smoke is 10 times higher than those that reported none of their friends smoke.

However, based on behavior recent research, teenagers who don’t smoke say one of the main reasons is their parents. Your influence is real and as a parent, you can help your child as he struggles with peer pressure, examines their options, and becomes a mature independent thinker.

Some helpful tips for your teen to avoid caving into peer pressure are:
• Set boundaries: Place smoking on the list of things they shouldn’t do. Make sure they understand smoking’s health risks, know the consequences for breaking the rules and enforce them.
• Know your child’s friends: Pay attention to how your teen interacts and observe. Are the relationships equal and respectful? If not, make time to about them.
• Manage stress: Be on the look-out for signs of stress. Empathize with their feelings, and help them prioritize their activities.
• Encourage independent thinking: The more they trust themselves, the less vulnerable they will be to peer pressure.
• Show and teach empathy: By showing empathy for your child’s feelings, you teach them how you value their thoughts and in turn will teach them to trust themselves.
• Get them involved: Try having them become involved in groups or clubs that fit their interest and reduce the chances of boredom while gaining a new set of strengths.

Your influence can bring a world of difference. If you are a smoker and are interested in quitting, look into a local smoking cessation group or contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment with a pulmonologist.

Be One in a Million Hearts – Support the Million Hearts Campaign

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017 requires work and a commitment to change from all of us. There are steps each of us—and our organizations—can take to reach this shared goal. Find out how you can be one in a Million Hearts® and make a positive difference in your family, community, and nation.

Try the Heart360 app to record and track your heart health online here.

If you’d like to make an appointment with a cardiologist to discuss your heart health and what treatment options are right for you, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center for an appointment at 718-670-5486.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers affecting women. In the United States, an estimated 22,000 women will be diagnosed every year with this disease and approximately 14,250 will die because of it. This type of cancer usually affects women who are in their fifties and sixties, and who typically have a family history of the disease. When the disease is detected early, the five year survival rate is above 93%.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

• Bloating
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, and constipation
• Abdominal and pelvic pain
• Fatigue
• Backaches
• Urinary frequency and urgency

When a physician suspects ovarian cancer, they will perform certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. The exam will include a blood test for the CA-125 genetic marker, an examination of the abdomen to see if there is tenderness, a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and a biopsy.

There are four main stages of ovarian cancer:

. Stage I – completely confined to one or both ovaries.
. Stage II – Found in one or both ovaries with spread to other pelvic organs (bladder, colon, rectum, uterus).
. Stage III – Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and has spread to the lining of the abdomen and/or the lymph nodes.
. Stage IV – Most advanced stage of the disease with spread to additional organs such as liver and lung.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer include chemotherapy, surgical removal of the affected organ(s), hormone therapy, and radiation. The type of treatment will be determined by the type of ovarian cancer, the age of the patient, and the stage of the disease.

Remember that early detection is important and just may save your life. All women should have see their OB/Gyn once a year for a pelvic exam. If you would like to make an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Home Remedy – Ginger For Nausea

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Sage Robinson

The Chinese have used ginger to treat nausea and digestive issues for over 2,000 years. While research has debated the extent of its effectiveness as a natural remedy, it’s thought that active components, such as gingerol, directly affect the digestive and central nervous systems.

Most doctors and herbal medicine practitioners agree that using fresh ginger in teas and water or natural ginger candies will help relieve nausea, especially during pregnancy. Some studies suggest it is an effective treatment for post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea, as well.

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help boost immunity. Bottom line, there are no disadvantages to ingesting a little ginger to help ease nausea and digestive issues.

The Best High Fiber Foods For Diabetics

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Sage Robinson

People with Type 2 diabetes need to control both their weight and sugar levels. Consuming a diet high in fiber is the best way to accomplish those goals.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), many high-fiber foods are naturally low in sugar, fat and calories helping diabetics reduce the risk for diabetes complications. The FDA recommends an average daily intake of 25g of dietary fiber for adults. Some of the best sources of fiber include:

. High fiber fruit like berries, citrus fruits, as well as Asian and domestic pears.

. Orange vegetables such as sweet potato, pumpkin, squash and carrots.

. Green vegetables like cooked collards, turnip greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach and artichokes.

. Whole grains such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice and barley.

. Beans including soybeans, navy, pinto black and kidney beans, split and black-eyed peas and lentils.