March 2016 - Page 2 of 3

World TB Day

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

March 24th has been designated globally as “World TB Day”. The event began in 1982 is sponsored by the World Health Organization and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and is intended to raise awareness that anyone can contract TB to make health professionals aware of the importance of testing people for the disease.
This date was chosen to celebrate the discovery by Dr. Robert Koch of the Mycobacterium tuberculoisis (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis) in 1882. This important discovery was the beginning of the steps being taken to control and hopefully one day eradicate the disease. Unfortunately, TB is still one of the leading causes of death around the world.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial disease that affects mainly the lungs but can also affect the kidneys, brain and the spine. Signs and symptoms may include:
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Pain with breathing
TB is spread by coming into contact with the airborne droplets of the bacteria from an infected person. People most susceptible are those who have compromised immune systems and include people undergoing chemotherapy, have diabetes, are very young or very old, and have HIV/AIDS. There are antibiotics that given to fight the disease but depending on the strain and their resistance to treatment, may require months or years of treatment.
A routine physical usually includes a TB skin test. If you would like to schedule a physical exam and a TB test with one of our physicians, please call 718-670-5486.

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.

The Common Core of Common Chores for your Children

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Many parents wrestle with the question of whether or not their children should be required to do chores around the house, and if so, should they be paid for it? There’s really no simple answer.

There are pros and cons to every method of administering an allowance to children. Some think kids should earn money in exchange for doing chores, others believe kids should not be paid for regular contributions that are expected of every family member. No matter which side you agree with, the point of an allowance is to teach your kids money management skills.

Age appropriate, weekly chores, whether it’s taking out the garbage, emptying the dishwasher, folding clean laundry, walking the dog or light yard work like raking leaves, can help a child develop character. Paying them for their contributions also helps them to develop a respect for earning money.

You might decide on a definite set of weekly chores that your child must complete before being paid, or choose to make a list with a set price per chore and leave it up to them. Bigger tasks like shoveling snow, earn more money, and things like making their bed, earn less.

The method you end up using may not be what you started with, every child is different and the family dynamic and responsibility varies. However you structure it, be flexible. Even if you offer your child an allowance with no strings attached, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask them to do something periodically.

Hey! I Thought This Was Healthy

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

Optimal health is a goal for many but is sometimes easier said than done. In this day and age there are so many diet fads and new health trends that inspire us for a moment and create shortcuts to a seemingly healthy lifestyle. However, everything that might seem good for you can actually be bad for you. Let’s take a look at some popular health beverages that are actually junk food in disguise.

Fruit Juices

When you go to the supermarket you see a lot of juices that claim to have 100% fruit juice. That must be healthy because it comes from a fruit right? Wrong. A lot of the fruit juice is not really fruit juice. Sometimes there isn’t even any actual fruit in there, just chemicals that taste like fruit. What you’re drinking is basically just fruit-flavored sugar water. Fruit juice is like fruit, except with all the good stuff (like the fiber) taken out, only leaving you with sugar.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks were designed with athletes in mind. Whether you are committing to a steady workout routine or joining a local sports team to stay in shape, you might grab a sports drink every once in a while to stay hydrated. These drinks contain electrolytes (salts) and sugar, which can be useful for athletes in many cases. However, most regular people don’t need any additional salts, and they certainly have no need for liquid sugar. Although often considered “less bad” than sugary soft drinks, there really is no fundamental difference except that the sugar content is sometimes slightly lower. It is important to stay hydrated, especially around workouts, but most people will be better off sticking to plain water.

Smoothies

Smoothies have long been the darling of the health-food world. Although some smoothies made with simple, whole-food ingredients can be healthy, don’t get fooled into thinking anything with the name “smoothie” is good for you. Some smoothies are made with lots of added sugars, high-calorie ingredients like chocolate syrup, or even use full-fat ice cream as a base. Your best smoothie bet? Make one at home so that you know exactly what’s in it.

Diet Sodas

The word “diet” doesn’t always equal healthy, and that’s certainly the case for diet soda. Made with artificial ingredients and flavorings, it’s not only unnatural and high in sodium, but regular diet soda drinkers have been shown to eat more calories after consuming diet cola. While the reasons aren’t fully understood, researchers suspect it’s the body’s way of making up for calories it thinks it received in the diet soda but didn’t.

Today we learned that foods that look good for us are not always the best for us. If you saw some of your favorite beverages on here remember that the fresh way is the best way! Carefully read all of your labels before consumption and look out for liquids that are high in sugars, fats and sodium.

Is Obesity Culturally Influenced ?

Posted on March 10, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Obesity is a problem that is well known but not well controlled in the United States today. It has become a very big problem for both men and women and affects all racial, socioeconomic and ethnic groups, but how much does culture contribute to someone’s obesity risk factor? People who are defined as being obese are severely overweight and are also at greater risk of developing circulatory problems, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular problems.
Cultural factors play a role in why some groups of people are more likely to become obese during their lifetime. To understand how cultural factors play a role in obesity one has to understand that a culture is a set of rules, learned by sharing experiences, of a certain group of people. A group of people who share the same culture also share the same values and have shared experiences. How that group defines what is an acceptable way of eating, and how they appear to others is what makes them unique. There are some cultures for example that see being overweight as a sign of affluence because food may be scarce in that region.
People who share a cultural background tend to reside in the same neighborhood. An example of this would be when immigrants from other countries or from different parts of the same country, migrate to an area, these people tend to eat foods that are familiar to them. Those food choices may not be healthy but are comforting and may be eaten in quantities that are excessive.
Where people live and what resources they have available to them also can play a role in what choices they make are available for healthy eating. People who eat a lot of fast food because of its low cost are consuming food that is high in calories, fats, and refined sugars, all of which contribute to becoming obese in the long term. Fresh fruit and vegetables which are more beneficial to overall weight control tend to be more expensive and therefore not eaten as often. People living in societies that are more economically developed tend to be more obese than in parts of the country that are rural because they are more likely to eat prepared , packaged, and processed foods.
There has been a slow increase in the number of people who care considered to be obese in the United States and this is due to poor choices in foods and less physical activity, influenced by culture changes and lifestyles. People make choices in how they live their lives, and a society that allows for poor choices on how they eat, get physical activity and spend their leisure time will be doomed to an even greater population of obese people.
It is important for people with poor eating habits to adopt healthier diets. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital who can help you to improve your diet, please call 718-670-5486.

What You Should Know About Endometriosis

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

endometriosis-488786798 Endometriosis affects approximately every one in ten girls and women in the United States. This condition occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus- grows outside the uterus. This abnormal growth of tissue can commonly be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, ligaments that support the uterus, as well as areas between the rectum and vagina. Areas where endometriosis is less commonly found are the lungs, thighs, arms and other areas beyond the reproductive organs or lower abdomen.

Endometrial tissue develops into growths or clumps called implants. These clusters of tissue respond to the menstrual cycle the same as they would inside the uterus. Meaning, each month the tissue builds up, breaks down then sheds. Unlike the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus; endometrial tissue cannot be discharged from the body through vaginal bleeding. This results in inflammation, swelling, the formation of scar tissue or internal bleeding.

The symptoms of endometriosis typically present themselves during reproductive years- on average between the ages of 12 to 60 years old. Symptoms include:

Painful sexual intercourse
Pain during pelvic examinations
Severe pain during menstruation
Pain during urination or a bowel movement
Excessive bleeding
Infertility

The cause of endometriosis is unknown but several factors such as genetics, retrograde period flow, immune system disorders and hormones are being researched.

Most cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 25 to 35 years of age; however, some women with endometriosis remain undiagnosed because they do not have symptoms and the disorder is sometimes mistaken for other conditions.

Women who do experience symptoms should speak with their doctor about receiving tests such as pelvic examinations, laparascopy and imaging tests, to find out if they have endometriosis.

Although there is no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments including medication, surgery and alternative therapies are available.

If you are experiencing the symptoms it is recommended that you make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. To make an appointment with a gynecologist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-8994.

How Important is Eating Breakfast?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

How important is eating a healthy breakfast to you? Please share your daily morning routine with us. Do you make the time for a healthy breakfast every morning?

Here’s what we know, breakfast is STILL the most important meal of the day. It provides you with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration whether in the classroom or at work.

Some benefits of eating a healthy breakfast are:

Reduces the chance of developing diabetes
Reduces the incidence of heart disease
Improves cognitive functions related to memory

Additionally, studies have shown that breakfast can be important in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Translation – Eating breakfast is a smart move!

How Does Internet Surfing Effect Your Health?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

How many hours a day do you spend on the internet?

Whether you are in front of the computer or on your smart phone the amount of time you spend on your devices could be affecting you. If you find yourself constantly logging on to Facebook or browsing for hours at time, you may be setting yourself up for poor mental health. Researchers have found out that those who constantly use a computer or their mobile phone can develop stress, sleeping disorders and depression.

We all know what it is like to spend long hours at a computer, either for leisure or work purposes. In fact, some of you may spend 7 to 8 hours a day sitting at down a computer each day, in which case this is some extremely important information for you. Millions visit the hospital each year experiencing symptoms of lower back pain, but very few realize that this is connected to the pressure being put on our lower back from sitting all day at the computer.

Is High Blood Pressure Affecting your Kidneys?

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Joann Ariola

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes.

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. When the force of blood flow is high, blood vessels stretch so blood flows more easily. Eventually, this stretching scars and weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys.

If the kidneys’ blood vessels are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.

Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In rare cases, high blood pressure can cause headaches.

Kidney disease also does not have symptoms during its early stages. A person may have swelling called edema, which happens when the kidneys cannot get rid of extra fluid and salt. Edema can occur in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face.

Once kidney function decreases further, symptoms can include:

Appetite loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Drowsiness or feeling tired
Trouble concentrating
Sleep problems
Increased or decreased urination
Generalized itching or numbness
Dry skin
Headaches
Weight loss
Darkened skin
Muscle cramps
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Following a healthy eating plan can help lower blood pressure. Your health care provider may recommend a dietary approach that includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, dairy that is fat-free or low-fat, fish, poultry and nuts, as well as, consuming less read meat, sweets and added sugars.

If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to speak with a physician, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5795.

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Michael Hinck

In 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This designation provides patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the country an opportunity to join together to raise awareness about colon cancer and the importance of early detection.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women with an average risk of developing colon cancer be tested beginning at age 50. People with certain risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or a history of inflammatory bowel disease should be tested earlier.

Early detection can save lives, but unfortunately, less than half of the people age 50 and older get tested for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet there is a 90 percent cure rate when detected early.

There are a variety of different tests used to diagnose colon cancer. They include:

Standard (or optical) colonoscopy – During this test, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a colonoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and tool for removing tissue. During a colonoscopy, any abnormal growths in the colon and rectum can be removed.

Sigmoidoscopy – During this test, the rectum and the sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidascope. The instrument is inserted through the anus and into the rectum and sigmoid colon as air is passed pumped into the colon to expand it so the doctor can see it more clearly.

High-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) – This exam checks for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The stool samples are collected by the patient and the doctor has the samples tested.

Speak with your doctor about when to begin screening for colorectal cancer and what test(s) are best for you. If you do not have a doctor, Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center has doctors that can help. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 718-670-5486.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Many people spend long hours staring at a computer monitor at work during the day and then during their leisure time they may be using a tablet or another type of device to stay in contact with their family and friends. Can too many hours using these devices be harmful to the eyes?
Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS describes a few eye disorders that may have been caused by excessive time in front of a screen. Prior to the computer generation, we used to spend more time reading material printed on paper and we had more variety of formats. We would move our eyes more frequently to and from the material that we were reading because we would take breaks to read then write or type manually. In this new digital era, we gaze at a computer or tablet screen for longer periods of time without a break. This causes our eyes to be constantly changing focus and the brain is interpreting images at a much quicker pace. All this causes the muscles of the eyes to be moving much more than they had to when we were reading mainly printed materials.
As we have become more technologically advanced, we are more prone to the symptoms of CVS. These include:
• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Headaches
• Eye irritation
• Dry eye
There are a few things that you can do to help ease the problems caused by long periods of time at a computer screen. The most important may be reducing the glare from the screen. This will help prevent squinting. It is recommended that the screen should be about 20 – 28 inches from the face and slightly below neck level. Also, try to take a break every twenty minutes to give your eyes a rest, set the font size and the brightness of the screen to make it suitable to you.
It is recommended that you get your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist, especially if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. To schedule an appointment with an eye doctor please call 718-206-5900.