March 2016 - Health Beat

Natural Remedies for Constipation

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Supplement

Everyone knows that being constipated can be a very uncomfortable feeling and pharmaceutical companies offer us all kinds of products to alleviate the condition. Many of these contain chemicals that taken in large quantities or that are used to frequently can have harmful side effects. What many people don’t realize is that there are also simple natural home remedies that may work just as well and are generally well tolerated.
Constipation may be caused by stress, lack of fiber in the diet, being inactive physically, weak abdominal muscles, hemorrhoids, not enough fluid intake and certain foods can lead to difficulty going with bowel movements. It is a good idea to determine what the cause might be before beginning a home therapy treatment plan. If it happens only occasionally these remedies may work, if it is more frequent, a trip to the doctor is advised.
Some home remedies that you may want to try are:
• Lemon juice and warm water
• Fennel seeds – dry roasted fennel, ground up into a powder and taken with water
• Figs – soak in water for a few hours then peel the skin, grind them up and eat them
• Castor oil – one to two teaspoons
• Honey – A teaspoon taken daily
• Dandelion tea – one cup two or three times a day
• Flax seed – one tablespoon in a glass of water. Wait two hours before drinking
It is very important that a person drink at least eight glasses of water every day. People who are constipated often have low fluid intake and this is an essential component of having regular bowel movements. If you suffer from frequent constipation, it is a good idea to speak to a doctor who may be able to identify the cause and offer a solution. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-6071.

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.

Rare but True: Sleeping Beauty or Kleine Levin Syndrome

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

sleeping -493503106 Kleine Levin Syndrome (KLS) or Sleeping Beauty Syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by recurring periods of excess sleep. It is estimated that 1000 people worldwide are diagnosed with the disorder. Adolescent boys are primarily affected but a small percentage of adults and small children (male and female) are also known to suffer from this condition.

KLS symptoms occur in episodes that can last for days, weeks or months. During each episode, an individual can sleep from 12 to 20 hours a day- only waking to eat and use the bathroom. A person can experience anywhere from two to 12 episodes per year. Symptoms that occur during wakefulness include:

Mood changes
Hyper sexuality
Hallucinations
Disorientation
Child-like behavior
Flu-like symptoms
Excessive eating
Hypersensitivity to noise and light

These symptoms prevent individuals from leading a normal life. Most are bed ridden and unable to attend work or school. The frequency of KLS episodes tend to decrease with age, there is a possibility that they can recur later in life.

The cause of KLS is unknown but it is believed that it may be the result of a malfunction of the hypothalamus and thalamus (the parts of the brain that regulates sleep, body temperature, sex drive and appetite).

There is no cure for KLS but treatment is available to alleviate symptoms. Doctors may prescribe stimulants to reduce excessive sleepiness.

Donate Life Month

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

April is National Donate Life Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the lives of people saved by organ donation and the donors who made a difference. In 2015, over 30,000 lives in the United States were saved thanks to the men and women who decided to give the gift of life.

During National Donate Life Month, organizations such as LiveOnNY carry out missions or campaigns to educate communities about the importance of organ donation. These initiatives are very important because they address many concerns people may have about becoming a donor, such as:

Religion- Most major religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and others are in support of organ donation.
Age – If you have been given approval by your doctor to be a donor, you are never too old. The oldest person in the U.S. on record to be a donor was 93 years old.
Health conditions- It is important that you do not rule yourself out as donor due to medical conditions. Each case is different.
Premature death- The primary goal of doctors is to save your life. Donation is only considered when all efforts to save a patient’s life have failed.

Flushing Hospital is encouraging people to help play a role in saving or improving lives by registering as organ donors. Research shows that 90 percent of New Yorkers support organ donation but only 25 percent are registered. By registering, you can make a difference and help save up to eight lives.

For more information please visit www.LiveOnNy.org

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS SLOW-COOKER RECIPE

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

If you love using your slow- cooker, try this chicken, potatoes, carrots, and celery in a creamy sauce recipe topped with tender dumplings. It’s easy to make and delicious.

Makes: 8 servings

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 8 hrs

INGREDIENTS

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
2 cups whole baby carrots
2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
2 10 3/4 ounce can Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups all-purpose baking mix
2/3 cup milk

DIRECTIONS

Place the chicken, potatoes, carrots and celery into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Stir the soup, water, thyme and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours* or until the chicken is cooked through.
Stir the baking mix and milk in a medium bowl. Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto the chicken mixture. Increase the heat to HIGH. Tilt the lid to vent and cook for 30 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked in the center. *Or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.

SERVING SUGGESTION TIP

Serve with spinach salad; baby spinach leaves topped with orange sections, dried cranberries and raspberry-pecan vinaigrette. For dessert serve wedges of mixed berry pie with whipped topping.

For this and more easy to make recipe’s visit-

Ahhhhhchew! Cold, Flu or Seasonal Allergies?

Posted on March 29, 2016 by Joann Ariola

We have sprung into spring! Flowers and trees are beginning to bud and we should be feeling great, but some of us aren’t. If you are one of these folks, you may be experiencing seasonal allergies, or are you?

Allergies, colds and the flu are often hard to tell apart because they share many similar symptoms. It is knowing the differences in the symptoms that will help you when seeking treatment.

Colds and the flu are caused by different viruses and the symptoms associated with the flu are often more severe. Allergies are different because they are not caused by a virus. It is your body’s immune system reacting to an allergen that you are allergic to such as pollen or pet dander.

This chart can help you determine whether you have seasonal allergies, a cold or the flu:

	Common Cold	Influenza	Seasonal Allergies
Stuffy or runny nose	Yes	Sometimes	Runny, itchy nose
Fever	Sometimes; mild if present	Usually, often 100 degrees F (38.8 degrees C) or higher.	No
Body Aches	Mild	Mild to severe	No
Chills	Sometimes	Yes, sometimes intense	No
Sore Throat	Often	Sometimes	Itchy or tickling throat
Fatigue, Weakness	Sometimes	Usually, can last a couple of weeks after recovery	Rarely
Feeling extremely exhausted	No	Yes	No
Headache	Sometimes	Usually, sometimes severe	Sinus pressure or stuffiness
Sinus drainage	Usually	Rarely	Often
Diarrhea, Vomiting	No	Sometimes	No
Cough	Mild to moderate	Usually, can become severe	Dry or with minimal mucus
Watering eyes	Sometimes	Sometimes, with fever	Itchy swollen, burning, and/or watery eyes
Ears	Ear congestion	No	Ear congestion or popping
Sneezing	Usually	Sometimes	Yes
Timing	Anytime throughout the year	Most cases occur between October and May.	Anytime, but symptoms are often more intense in the fall and spring seasons.

If you are experiencing some or all of the symptoms listed above and would like to make an appointment to see a physician, you can call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

Motivation Monday

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Have you been getting fit for spring but want to add excitement to your exercise? Try out this custom exercise chart created just for you! Using the letters of the alphabet to spell your name you will have a fun workout to keep you fit. Please be advised that these workouts are only suggestions and can be catered to better suit your physical ability due to age, weight and health.

50 Jumping Jacks

20 Crunches

30 Squats

15 Push-Ups

1 Minute Wall-Sit

15 Burpees

20 Arm Circles

20 Squats

50 Crunches

15 Sit-Ups

10 Push-Ups

2 Minute Wall-Sit

10 Burpees

20 Burpees

40 Jumping Jacks

15 Arm Circles

30 Crunches

15 Push-Ups

30 Burpees

25 Squats

30 Arm Circles

3 Minute Wall-Sit

60 Jumping Jacks

20 Push-Ups

30 Crunches

1 Minute Plank

Poison Prevention Week Tips

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

poison prevention-154210048 This week, March 20-26 is Poison Prevention Week. Did you know that every year more than 2 million poison-related injuries and deaths are reported in the United States and more than 90 percent of these cases occur in the home?

The majority of poison-related accidents occurs among children but can be prevented by taking the proper precautions to store, dispose or conceal items that contribute to these incidents.

The following safety tips are recommended by The American Association of Poison Control Centers and can help you reduce the risk of an accident your home:

Place the Poison Help number in a place that is easily accessible or viewable. That number is 1 (800) 222-1222. Calls are free, confidential, and answered by experts at all times.
Safely store these substances in cabinets with childproof locks or in child- resistant containers:

Medications
Vitamins
Tobacco products, especially liquid nicotine
Laundry and cleaning supplies
Alcohol
Pesticides or insect repellants
Hand sanitizers
Small batteries

Read medication labels properly before administering.
Never call medication “candy” to encourage children to take it.
Avoid taking medications in front of young children.
Do not use food storage containers to store harmful products such as detergents or pesticides.

While practicing these guidelines should be routine, we invite you to use Poison Prevention Awareness Week as a reminder to ensure that your home is poison safe.

Is Juicing Heart Healthy?

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people living in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association. While no one juice or juice blend can prevent heart disease or repair damaged heart and blood vessel tissue, some juices contain heart-friendly nutrients. Some juicing proponents say that juicing is better for you than is eating whole fruits and vegetables because your body can absorb the nutrients better and it gives your digestive system a rest from working on fiber. Pomegranate, beet and red grape juices could give your cardiovascular system an overall health boost.

Pomegranate juice has shown the ability to lower blood pressure and is considered a heart-healthy fruit juice. Scientists found, as published in “Nutrition Journal,” that beet juice, combined with a low-nitrate diet, lowered blood pressure as soon as six hours after drinking the juice. Grape juice is naturally high in flavonoids, particularly in the case of red or purple grape juice. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants that can protect your cells from damage from aging and may help reduce your risk of developing cancer and heart disease. An article from “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology” said studies have shown that red grape juice provided protection from “bad” or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which can cause hardened arteries. The scientists concluded that medical findings made it reasonable to suggest including purple grape juice in a daily diet as a way of reducing the risk of developing heart disease.

As with all premade juices, check to make sure there is little added sugar to derive the most benefits from the juice. Also, make only as much juice as you can drink in one sitting because fresh squeezed juice can quickly develop harmful bacteria. When juicing, try to keep some of the pulp. Not only does it have healthy fiber, but it can help fill you up.

Although these juicing ingredient suggestions have proven to prevent heart disease it is still important to check in with your doctor for heart health tests. The Department of Cardiology at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is available to assess and treat heart conditions and diseases. To make an appointment, please call 718-670-5486.

What You Should Know About Your Premature Baby

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

rbma_0019 Learning that your baby will be arriving early can be overwhelming. You may grow anxious as you wonder; what happens next? Having a premature baby does have its challenges; however you can better prepare yourself for what to expect through education.

A baby’s birth is considered premature when they are born before the 37^th week of pregnancy. There are different levels of prematurity, each of which is influenced by how early your baby was born. The levels of prematurity are:

Late preterm– Babies born between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
Moderately preterm– Babies born between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy
Very preterm- Babies born at less than 32 weeks of pregnancy
Extremely preterm– Babies born at or before 25 weeks of pregnancy

The earlier the birth is the higher the risk of health complications that may affect your baby: Some of the health complications you could encounter are:

Heart problems
Respiratory problems
Eye disease
Intestinal problems

To ensure that your baby receives optimal medical attention after delivery, your team of doctors and nurses will take measures needed to stabilize him or her, which means they may need to:

Clear the airways and assist the baby in breathing
Regulate and monitor the heart rate. If the baby’s heart rate is exceedingly low, CPR may be performed
Transfer the baby to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) if he or she is critically ill

If transferred to the NICU, your baby will receive round-the-clock care. NICU’s are well equipped with the technologies needed to monitor and regulate babies’ health. While in the NICU, be sure to:

Form a relationship with caregivers
Consult with a lactation consultant to ensure your baby is receiving a fresh supply of milk. Breast milk is best. If you are unable to produce milk, speak with your consultant about receiving donor milk.
Become your baby’s health advocate. If you have a concern or have noticed something unusual do not be afraid to speak up
Touch your baby as much as allowed
Talk to your baby as much as possible; your voice will become familiar and offer comfort

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is equipped with the latest technology to care for infants born prematurely or with complications. Even the tiniest babies can be cared for in this unit, which provides specialized testing and the use of modern equipment to manage medical and surgical illnesses. The unit is staffed by highly specialized, Board Certified physicians, certified neonatal nurses, nurse practitioners and social workers. NICU babies continue to receive specialized care after discharge. To learn more about the NICU or Obstetrical Unit at Flushing Hospital, please call the Department of Pediatrics at 718-670-5486.

History of the EKG

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

An EKG machine measures the electrical activity of the heart. It displays this activity by drawing waves on a piece of paper that is either displayed on a screen or drawn on a piece of paper that runs through a machine.
• Late 1700’s – The first step in the development of the modern electrocardiograph machine was the creation of a machine that could sense, but not measure, electric current. This machine was called a galvanometer.
• 1786 an Italian physician, Dr. Luigi Galvan, discovered that skeletal muscles worked by producing electric current. In
• 1842 Dr. Carlo Matteucci working at the University of Pisa discovered that there is an electrical current that comes with each heart beat in a frog.
• Mid 1800’s a machine called the “Rheotome” was invented that could now measure this electrical current.
• 1872 – further refinements to this Rheotome led to a machine devised by Gabrrile Lippman of the “capillary electrometer”.
During this time, a British physiologist, Augustus Waller, was able to record the first human electrocardiogram that using this technology with electrodes placed on the chest and back of a patient. This demonstrated electric activity taking place before ventricular contraction. In
• 1893 – Dr. Wilhelm Einthoven, a Dutch physiologist, refined the capillary electrometer to show five deflections in the electrical current passing through the heart. The five waves were initially called ABCDE, but were changed to PQRST after a mathematical correction was made to compensate for the inertia in the capillary tube. He used the phrase “electrocardiogram” for the first time at a meeting of Dutch physicians. In
• 1901 – Dr. Eintoven he developed a string galvanometer, a more sensitive machine. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for his invention of the electrocardiograph.
As time passed, the electrocardiograph machine became much smaller and much more accurate. In 1903 it weighed 600 pounds and by 1930 it weighed about 30 pounds. Tthe importance of an electrocardiograph was recognized as being essential in diagnosing cardiac from non cardiac pain and able to help diagnose a myocardial infarction or a heart attack. Today we use a 12 lead electrocardiogram as a major tool in diagnosing heart disease. The machine today weighs just a few pounds and is an essential tool in diagnosing diseases of the heart.