October 2015 - Page 2 of 2

National Depression Screening Day

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

October 8 is recognized as National Depression Screening Day. Started in 1990, the day helps promote awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression and provides those who need it mental health information and access to support services.

Though many mental health conditions are treatable, many people go through life not seeking help because they are undiagnosed. Medical professionals estimate that one in five Americans has a mental health condition in any given year and less than half will receive treatment.

Depression affects one in 10 adults and is more common in women than in men. Depression can be categorized either as Major Depression which interferes with the ability to sleep, eat, work and study or as Persistent Depressive Disorder which lasts for at least two years having varying levels of severity and which does include Major Depression during this time. Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Signs and symptoms of depression include:

• Waking up and feeling exhausted
• Sleeplessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Short temper
• Always worrying or anxious
• Lack of energy
• Sadness

Take this quick and easy depression screening tool to see how you are doing.
(This screening tool © Copyright Mental Health America”)

Depression is real and there are ways to treat it. Treatment options include therapy with a trained professional and in some situations medication may be prescribed. If you would like to make an appointment to speak to one of the mental health professionals at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5562.

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.

Diabetes and Gastroparesis

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

People with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be affected by gastroparesis, a condition in which the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally and the movement of food is slowed or stopped.

Diabetics with neuropathy, or nerve damage, to the vagus nerve, which supplies nerve fibers all over the body including the throat, lungs, heart and intestinal tract, can suffer from gastroparesis.

Symptoms of gastroparesis may be mild or severe and include:

. Heartburn

. Nausea

. Vomiting of undigested food

. Early feeling of fullness when eating

. Weight loss

. Abdominal bloating

. Erratic blood glucose (sugar) levels

. Lack of appetite

. Gastroesophageal reflux

. Spasms of the stomach wall

Gastroparesis makes it more difficult to manage blood glucose which in turn can worsen diabetes. When food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine and is absorbed, blood glucose levels rise.

Your doctor can diagnose gastroparesis through a variety of different tests including a barium x-ray or blood tests. The most important treatment goal for diabetes-related gastroparesis is to manage your blood glucose levels as well as possible. Treatments include insulin, oral medications, changes in what and when you eat, and, in severe cases, feeding tubes and intravenous feeding.

The Benefits of Tai Chi

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has been practiced for thousands of years. This low-impact, mind-body exercise combines breath control, meditation, and movements that stretch and strengthen muscles.

The practice of tai chi involves meditation and fluid movements in conjunction with deep breathing that focuses on the area just below your navel. Tai chi theory believes that this area is the body’s storage point for energy, or chi. Tai chi can be gentle or vigorous, depending on the style you practice (there are several different types).Tai chi can be done either in class or at home once you learn the postures, but group sessions are usually preferred.

Some health benefits of tai chi include:

. Improved balance and coordination

. More flexibility

. Increased muscle strength

. Better stamina

Tai chi also helps relieve stress and can even ease chronic lower back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches.

Healthy Whole Wheat Pumpkin Beer Bread

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Sage Robinson

October conjures up images of falling leaves, Halloween and fall cuisine. Try this healthy, light whole wheat pumpkin beer bread courtesy of SheKnows.

Yields: 8 slices

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2-3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar
12 ounces beer (I used Sam Adams Oktoberfest)
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons melted margarine (*optional)
Cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray.
Combine flours, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice and sugars. Gradually add the beer and canned pumpkin. Mix until fully combined. Add additional pumpkin pie spice for flavor.
Pour mixture into the loaf pan and then pour melted margarine over it.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until loaf is fully cooked (a toothpick comes out clean when inserted).

Skin Changes During Pregnancy: What to Expect

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

470822057 pregnant woman During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a complete transformation. Many of these changes are due to hormonal shifts and altered blood flow. Women may experience several changes in their skin.

Often, changes in pigmentation are among the most pronounced skin changes during pregnancy. Dark patches may begin to appear on a woman’s face, particularly along the cheekbone, forehead, nose, chin, and upper lip. This is known a chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy. This occurs because estrogen and other hormones stimulate glands that produce more pigment, but since the pigment is not produced evenly, it results in a blotchy look. While chloasma is not preventable, the effects can be minimized by avoiding exposure to the sun or using sunblock.

Many women also develop acne during pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes, but is usually not as severe as during adolescence. To combat pimples, simply wash your face with a mild, oil-free cleanser multiple times a day. Avoid abrasive scrubs and exfoliants because your skin during pregnancy is often more sensitive. Check with your physician before using ante-acne prescription medications.

Other skin conditions that women experience during pregnancy include stretch marks, heat rash, spider veins, and the development of a reddish hue to the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, known as palmer erythema.

Regardless of the issue, skin conditions during pregnancy will improve or resolve within weeks or months after your baby is born.

To minimize adverse skin conditions during pregnancy, try following the “pregnancy diet”, a diet that offers women just the right balance of nutrients during pregnancy. Other suggestions include drinking plenty of water and only using “noncomedogenic” and unscented makeup and skin care products. A supplement of B6 might also be helpful for someone with severe skin issues.

For more information about changes to your skin during pregnancy, speak to your obstetrician. If you do not have one, you can make an appointment at Flushing Hospital’s Women’s Health Center by calling 718- 670-8994.

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