November 2015 - Health Beat

Can You Overdose on Vitamins?

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Surely you have heard the saying, “too much of a good thing can become a bad thing.” The same applies to vitamin supplements, as taking an excess of vitamins can be harmful to your health. This may seem contradictory because vitamins are often encouraged to supplement nutrients that may be lacking in our diets. Physicians or nutritionists may suggest vitamins once it is confirmed that you have a nutrient deficiency and highly advise that the daily recommended doses are followed.

The Institute of Medicine has established guidelines such as the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) and DV (Daily Value) to help people understand the daily suggested dose of vitamins.

Vitamin overdose occurs when a person ingests far more than the daily recommendation, for an extended period of time. Although the body can excrete excessive amounts of water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C, it can retain fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, which can be toxic.

Here are a few vitamins that are proven to be toxic if taken in excess, as well as their symptoms of overdose:

Iron- Nausea, bloody stools, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, fluid build-up in the lungs and fever.
Vitamin A-Hair loss, liver damage, severe headaches, bone pain, blurred vision, dry skin and vomiting
Vitamin D- Abnormal heart rhythm, constipation, frequent urination, muscle weakness and confusion.
Vitamin E- Interferes with the body’s ability to clot blood, which can be harmful for those on blood thinning medication
B Vitamins-B6 in excess can cause nerve damage; while B3 can cause jaundice, elevated liver enzyme levels and nausea.

If you have decided to purchase vitamins, always follow the daily recommended dose to avoid excessive intake. Before purchasing it is recommended that you consult a physician or nutritionist to receive an assessment.

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.

Why Are You Sleepy After Eating A Big Meal?

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

521469703 sleepy after big meal When we eat a lot of food that is high in carbohydrates, sugars and fats such as pies, yams and buttery mashed potatoes they trigger a neural response in the nervous system, which tells the body to slow down and concentrate on digestion. Also, the more you eat is the more insulin your body releases. Insulin increases serotonin and melatonin, which are the chemicals and hormones associated with feelings of drowsiness and happiness.

How Safe is Colon Cleansing?

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Colon Cleansing

What do you know about colon cleansing?

The colon is the end portion of the intestinal tract that is very important for the absorption of fluids and electrolytes from the digestive tract and stores waste products for elimination. It is typically about three to four feet in length and two to three inches in diameter.

Traditional medical doctors feel that the body has its own way of regulating what goes in and what comes out. Doctors today will tell you that the only time you need to clean out your colon is prior to undergoing a colonoscopy or a surgical procedure that involves the intestinal tract. Medical professionals feel that this part of the body takes care of itself.

People who chose to have colon cleansings will often say that they feel much healthier after the treatment. Some of the reasons they have the procedure is to remove toxins that may accumulate in the colon, improve their bowel regularity, and improve their overall health. Colon cleansings have been used for centuries, but less frequently now than years ago.

A colonic cleansing consists of inserting a tube into the rectum and slowly sending warm, filtered water through this tube, expanding the colon. The body’s normal response is to expel this fluid, along with any waste products that may have accumulated in this area, back through the tube to an external container.

Colon cleansing can sometimes be very dangerous. Side effects include:

 Risk of dehydration

 Potential for infection

 Cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting

 Potential for puncturing the bowel

 Loss of intestinal flora (needed for proper digestion)

People who should not have a colon cleansing are: women who are pregnant, people with heart conditions, anemic, have abdominal hernias, have ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and hemorrhoids. If you are considering having a colon cleansing, speak with your physician first to see if they think it is beneficial. Keep in mind that while the USDA regulates the production of the equipment used in colon cleansing, it does not regulate how it is used. Caution should be taken if a person makes the decision to have this type of treatment.

Holiday Heart Syndrome

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Holiday Heart Syndrome, coined in 1978, is a real syndrome in which the heart’s vulnerability to certain arrhythmias is increased by excessive alcohol ingestion (binge drinking) and the onset of a heart rhythm disturbance in people who are otherwise healthy.

The most frequently seen arrhythmia during the holiday season is atrial fibrillation, in which the top chambers of the heart quiver or fibrillate causing the heart to beat irregular and often quite fast.

Excessive alcohol intake in women is defined as consuming seven or more drinks per week or over three doses at one time. For men, heavy consumption is defined as over 14 drinks per week or over four drinks at one time by the U.S. Department of health and Human Service.

Alcohol alone does not fully explain Holiday Heart Syndrome. There are other risk factors for atrial fibrillation that are higher around the holidays such as:

Overeating
Stress
High levels of sodium consumption
Dehydration

Everyone has some degree of stress in their lives. Health concerns, family and relationship issues, financial problems can all cause stress which can ultimately affect your health; the idea of “letting go” at a holiday event and consuming more alcohol than usual as a way to forget the present may have a negative effect on your future.

If you have any heart symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention immediately; even if your symptoms appear ON a holiday.

The NERVE of Diabetes

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Typically, 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some sort of nerve problems, know as neuropathy.

Neuropathy is a shorter term for peripheral neuropathy, meaning nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system. Neuropathy from diabetes can damage the nerves in your hands, arms, feet and legs. This condition can cause pain, numbness and weakness. Depending on the degree of neuropathy, and how long you have been a diabetic, nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart and reproductive organs.

The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years. Diabetic neuropathy also appears to be more common in people who have issues with controlling their blood glucose, have high blood pressure and are overweight.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary depending on the nerves affected and develop gradually over the years. Symptoms may include:

Trouble with balance
Numbness and tingling of extremities
Abnormal sensation to a body part (Dysesthesia)
Diarrhea
Erectile dysfunction
Urinary incontinence
Vision changes
Burning or electric pain in extremities

When treating diabetic neuropathy, a nutritionist may recommend healthier food choices and exercise to help lower your glucose and glycohemoglobin levels. Additionally, analgesics and low doses of antidepressants can be prescribed for pain relief, burning and tingling.

The Dangers of Co-Sleeping With Your Infant

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

New parents have been embracing co-sleeping with their newborns. Proponents claim that it’s an easier and more convenient way to breastfeed and get your baby to sleep through the night with minimal disturbance for either your or your child. However, the American Association of Pediatrics advises against co-sleeping because of the dangers of accidental suffocation and an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The New York State (NYS) Safe Sleep Initiative has issued new recommendations regarding co-sleeping and asks that you follow the ABCs of safe sleep:

A — Baby should sleep ALONE.

B — Baby should sleep on their BACK.

C — Baby should sleep in a safe CRIB right from the start.

For more information on how best to help your baby get a good night’s rest, check out the NYS Safe Sleep Initiative.

New Guidelines Recommend NOT Swaddling Your Baby

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

The practice of swaddling infants has grown in popularity over recent years. It is practiced around the world and dates back to Biblical times. Swaddling wraps babies’ arms tightly in a small blanket, such as a receiving blanket, to restrict movement and is said to reduce crying and help babies sleep better.

However, according to Maria Smilios, Director of Nursing at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, there are new recommendations regarding swaddling. “We no longer swaddle babies as was advocated in the past,” advises Ms. Smilios. “We leave the babies arms out of the swaddle and one small blanket to cover. Swaddling can cause your baby to overheat and actually increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).”

Follow the ABCs of safe sleep:

A — Baby should sleep ALONE.

B — Baby should sleep on their BACK.

C — Baby should sleep in a safe CRIB right from the start.

For more information on how best to help your baby get a good night’s rest, check out these links on safe sleeping from the New York State (NYS) Safe Sleep Initiative or the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

Pulmonary Rehab for COPD

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

November is national COPD Awareness month. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a general term that describes progressive respiratory diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by decreased airflow over time and increased inflammation of the lungs.

A decrease in airflow often results in shortness of breath, which at times makes performing minimal physical activities difficult. One of the most recommended forms of treatments used to improve this issue is pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD. A respiratory therapist can assess the severity of a patient’s condition before enrollment into a program by administering tests such as a pulmonary function test.

This form of treatment involves a series of exercises that teaches people breathing techniques that help them build physical fitness and lung strength.

Most pulmonary rehab programs include:

Exercise-This is one of the key components in pulmonary rehab. Patients are required to do a series of physical activities such as:

Exercises to strengthen and improve breathing muscles
Upper body exercises
Lower body exercises
Strength training

Smoking cessation- In order to improve quality of life and lung function, smoking cessation is often a goal or prerequisite in pulmonary rehab. Quitting is the most important thing a smoker can do to slow the progression of COPD.
Education-Programs offer education in either a group setting or on an individual basis. Education sessions are designed to teach people ways to manage their COPD or include lessons on understanding medication as well as using oxygen therapy.

Patients who participate in pulmonary rehab programs gain several benefits. Most see significant improvement in their breathing. It is suggested that participants continue the exercises even after completing a program by incorporating them in to their daily life. Those who do not may experience a decline in its benefits.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

November is designated American Diabetes Awareness Month by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes affects nearly 30 million people in the United States which is ten percent of the total population. There are 86 million more people who have pre-diabetes, and are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes during their lifetime.

There is no cure for diabetes, but there are many ways for people who have been diagnosed with the disease to live long, healthy lives, if it is controlled properly. Learning to live with diabetes is one of the most important components for managing the disease. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, daily blood sugar monitoring, and taking medication to control diabetes are some of the ways that complications can be prevented. Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, non traumatic amputations, kidney disease and increased risk for heart attacks.

During the month of November, the ADA sponsors events around the country helping to raise awareness about the risk factors and the warning signs of diabetes. For more information on events taking place, please see the American Diabetes Association’s website at www.diabetes.org .

It is important to have regular medical exams to manage diabetes successfully.To schedule an appointment with a physician or nutrition expert, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

Warm up with healthy Thai Pumpkin Soup!

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Pumpkin is a delicious and healthy fall vegetable. Warm up with this Thai Pumpkin Soup recipe courtesy of Sur La Table.

Serves: Makes 8 cups

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
¾ cup (180 ml) coconut cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¾ cup (180 ml) coconut milk
2½ cups (610 g) canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons (30 g) chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, peeled, chopped
Salt and pepper

Procedures:

For an appetizing presentation, and an authentic dash of extra flavor, garnish this soup with chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts and sour cream.

Sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add tomato paste, pumpkin, ginger, garlic, broth, coconut cream and coconut milk. Combine until thoroughly heated through.

Place mixture into the Vitamix container. Add chilies and lemon juice and secure lid.

Select purée program.

Switch machine to start and allow machine to complete programmed cycle.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.