July 2019 - Page 2 of 2

The Health Benefits of Watermelon

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

One of the foods most closely associated with summertime is watermelon. It is tasty and quenches your thirst but did you know that it is also healthy for you ?

It is believed that watermelon may help in the prevention of diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heat stroke, kidney disorders, and macular degeneration.

Some of the known benefits of watermelon are:

It is high in lycopene, an antioxidant believed to curb cancer and also protect the skin from the sun’s rays
It contains an amino acid citrulline which may lower blood pressure and also lower the risk of a heart attack
It contains beta-cryptoxanthin which lowers joint inflammation
It contains vitamin A which is good for the eyes
It is 92% water and good for keeping hydrated and feeling full
It contains vitamins A, B6, and C which keeps the skin soft and supple
It is low in calories
It is high in potassium which is important for flushing out the toxins through the kidneys
It is easy to digest
The potassium and magnesium helps insulin to function properly which controls diabetes

One of the risks associated with eating watermelon is that if it is pre-cut, there is a chance of being exposed to salmonella. It must be refrigerated below 40 degrees and washed thoroughly before eating.

Enjoy your summer and make watermelon a part of your summertime snacks.

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.

#WellnessWednesday

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Leonardo da Vinci, although best known as a painter, happend to be fascinated by science. Like any modern day scientist, he used observations, common-sense reasoning and research to find answers to satisfy the many questions he had regarding the health of the human body, mind and soul.

He cataloged his findings in his “Notebooks.” We are sharing one of his thoughts here and wish you a great #wellnesswednesday

“Vitality and beauty are gifts of Nature for those who live according to its laws.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

The One Where you Reconnect With Your Family

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Summer is here and the kids are out of school. It is the perfect time to spend quality family time together.

Studies have shown that a family vacation is one of the most beneficial ways you can spend time with your children. A family vacation creates moments that children value and will long remember. For the most part, it can be used as time spent away from electronic distractions and helps both parents and children relax and recharge without daily stressors.

When you travel with your children, you are offering them new experiences that will cause heightened social, physical, cognitive and sensory interaction. Visiting museums, national parks, swimming together in an ocean or pool, hiking through the forest, campfire chats or long rides in the car can be effective when seeking to strengthen the family bond.

A family vacation is also a good way to get your child to open up. It is a time when chores don’t exist and rules are relaxed causing them to feel more open to discussing what’s going on in their lives.

Children, who travel with their family, learn how to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Experiencing new places, foods, traditions and meeting new people increases a child’s confidence and builds interpersonal skills.

Whether it’s a short overnighter or a long adventure, a family vacation is something to be shared and has been proven to enrich the overall development of your child. They return from the holiday happier and with knowledge of a world and cultures outside of their own way of living.

Heart Disease and Hot Weather

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

Overweight Businessman Having his Blood Pressure Taken by a Doctor

Summertime heat affects everyone, but for people who suffer from heart disease, it can be life threatening. Activities that are performed when the weather is mild may not have much risk associated with them but once the temperature rises they can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People with heart disease are very susceptible to extreme weather conditions.

When we are exposed to the heat, our bodies respond by sweating, which is the body’s way to maintain a normal temperature. . Heat as well as the body’s response to it, leads to enlarged blood vessels, lower blood pressure and higher heart rate. This combination can cause people with heart problems to serious problems due to the stress on the cardiovascular system. If the heart is already weakened it may not be able to pump blood effectively and keep the blood pressure at a high enough level. This can lead to an overheating of the body. Some medications that are prescribed for heart patients also lower the heart rate, which can be compounded during the hot weather.

Some helpful tips for people with heart disease in the hot weather are:

 – Stay out of the heat during the middle of the day
 – Wear clothing that is loose fitting and light
 – Do not perform strenuous activities in hot weather
 – Keep hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
 – Stay indoors in an air conditioned environment

Discuss with your physician ways to stay healthy during the hot summer months. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Flushing Hospital, please call 718-670-5486.

Learn How to Properly Store Your Insulin in the Summer

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Michael Hinck

We would never waste our food or allow it to become spoiled by the heat, but what about medicines? Medicines should not be the exception, specifically insulin.

Insulin is a protein which is dissolved in water and is required to manage blood sugar levels in diabetics. As with any protein, bacteria can grow in insulin, making it susceptible to become spoiled. Bacteria can also break down the proteins in insulin and makes it less effective. Keeping insulin cool can help prevent it from spoiling and maintain its effectiveness. The recommended temperature for storage, once opened, should be anywhere from 59-68 degrees Fahrenheit. For insulin not in use, store between 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit. For many diabetics, insulin is most comfortably administered at room temperature.

Some other storage tips include:
• Do not freeze or use thawed insulin. The freezing temperature will break down the proteins and will not work to lower blood sugar levels.
• Do not leave in sunlight. This can break down the proteins in insulin as well.
• Inspect insulin prior to each use. Ensure that there are no clumps, crystals or particles in the bottle or pen. Insulin should be clear.
• Write the ‘start use’ date on the insulin vial and discard after 28 days or if it’s been opened.
• Never use expired insulin.
• Be wary of any unusual smells. Insulin should never have an odor or bad smell.

Insulin is administered in many forms including injections, pens or cartridges. Each may have different recommended storage times based on their manufacturer. It is important to check with a pharmacist, package insert, or the manufacturers’ website to ensure proper storage temperature of insulin.