October 2019 - Page 2 of 2

Can A Glycemic Index Help Diabetics Control Their Blood Sugar

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Michael Hinck

If you have diabetes, you probably already know that eating certain carbohydrates can raise your blood sugar levels dramatically and quickly.

That’s because carbohydrates such as refined sugars and breads are easier for your body to convert into glucose, (the sugar your body uses for energy) than more slowly digested carbohydrates like those in vegetables and whole grains.

If you are diabetic and consume too much of the wrong type of carbohydrates you may have a difficult time controlling your blood sugar. To help diabetics make better choices a guide known as the glycemic index (GI) has been developed. This index assigns numbers to carbohydrate-containing foods based on how much and how quickly they can increase your blood sugar. The glycemic index provides diabetics with a way to distinguish slower-acting “good carbs” from the faster “bad carbs.” Many utilize this tool to refine their carbohydrate intake and to help them maintain steady blood sugar levels.

According to the glycemic index, carbohydrates with a low GI value are more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolized, resulting in a lower and slower rise in blood glucose. GI values are divided into three categories:

55 or less = Low (good)
56- 69 = Medium
70 or higher = High (bad)

Research has indicated that for most diabetics, the best tool for managing blood glucose is carbohydrate counting. Some clinical studies also suggest that a low GI diet can help people with diabetes control blood glucose levels, but there are warnings.

While the glycemic index can be a helpful tool to assist diabetics, most healthcare professionals agree that it shouldn’t be the only guide used to determine what to eat. One of the reasons for this is that the glycemic index only takes the carbohydrate value into account and doesn’t consider other nutritional values. The glycemic index also does not take into consideration the portion size of the carbohydrates being eaten, how they are being prepared, and what other foods are being consumed at the same time.

The glycemic index is also used by individuals who are trying to lose weight as well as those trying to adopt a healthier diet. Regardless of the reason however, doctors maintain that even though it can be helpful, the glycemic index should not be used in isolation as other nutritional factors, such as calories, fat, fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients should be considered.

If you have diabetes and are considering adopting the glycemic index into your diet, it is important to speak to your doctor first. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a diabetes specialist at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center, 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.

National Dental Health Hygiene Month

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Joann Ariola

October is National Dental Hygiene Month and (FHMC) would like to bring awareness to a dental hygiene condition that affects most people, gum disease or gingivitis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately half of the American population has gum disease or symptoms of it. Affecting women and men alike, no one is excluded from this possible diagnosis- even child are susceptible.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the gum tissues and bone that supports the teeth. Many factors can increase the chances of developing gum disease, such as tobacco use, stress, poor diet, or even genetics. Hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus, that builds up by the gum line can bring about gingivitis and spread into the underlying bone. It can start slowly without any pain and may go unnoticed until there is pain.

Some of the symptoms of gum disease can include:

Red, swollen or tender gums
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
Receding gums
Tooth sensitivity
Metallic taste
Chronic bad breath
Deep pockets (the space between gums and the teeth)

While practicing good dental hygiene, such as regular flossing and brushing after meals, can help slow the progression of such a disease, it is important to schedule regular dental check-ups to prevent gum disease or its progression.

Unfortunately, many people go to the dentist only when they experience some sort of pain or symptom. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep on top of your oral health and make an appointment with your dentist every six months for a dental check- up and deep cleaning. If you would like to make an appointment with a Board Certified Dentist at, call to schedule an appointment.

Rotator Cuff Injury

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Xavia Malcolm

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that keep your arm in the shoulder socket. Damage or injury caused to the rotator cuff can result in limited mobility or permanent loss of motion of the shoulder joint.

Rotator cuff injuries are very common; in fact, it is estimated that close to 2 million people living in the United States seek treatment for rotator cuff problems every year.

Injuries occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their daily activities. However, an injury can also be sustained due to an accident or the degeneration of tendons. These factors put some at risk of injury more than others. Those who have an increased risk of injury include:

Individuals who play certain sports that involve the use of repetitive arm motions such as baseball or tennis
Individuals employed in occupations that require the use of constant overhead motion such as a house painting
Individuals over the age of 40

Injury to the rotator cuff can range from microscopic tears to large irreparable tears. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, symptoms can vary depending on the severity of these tears and may include:

Pain at rest and at night, particularly if lying on the affected shoulder
Pain when lifting and lowering your arm or with specific movements
Weakness when lifting or rotating your arm
Crepitus or crackling sensation when moving your shoulder in certain positions

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. Prolonging a doctor’s visit can result in more damage.

Your doctor may conduct a physical examination and (or) imaging tests such as x-rays or an MRI to determine if you have received an injury. Treatment for a rotator cuff injury may include rest, physical therapy or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical, please call 718-206-6923

Foods That Are Good For Your Kidneys

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Andrew Rubin

The kidneys are two bean shaped organs in the body that help to filter waste products from the blood. They also help to regulate blood pressure.

People who have kidney disease should follow a diet that prevents the kidneys from losing their ability to function properly. It is important to maintain a diet low in sodium. This usually means less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Eating fresh foods is usually a healthier option due to a lower sodium content. Eat small portions of protein, 2 to 3 ounces, is a good amount.

Protein can come from fish, skinless chicken, lean meat, eggs, or dairy. Avoiding alcohol is also important. Heart healthy meals are a good choice. Avoid deep fried foods. Broiled or baked is a better option. Eat foods lower in phosphorous include vegetables, bread, pasta, rice, corn, and foods low in potassium apples, carrots, green beans, white bread, apple, grape, cranberries. It is also important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day.

Things to avoid when you have kidney disease are:

Sodium
Potassium
Excess Protein
Fast food

There a certain foods that help to keep the kidneys functioning well. These include:

Cauliflower
Blueberries
Sea Bass
Red Grapes
Garlic
Buckwheat
Olive Oil
Cabbage
Bell peppers
Arugula
Macademia nuts
Radish
Turnips
Pineapple
Shiitake mushrooms

Speak to your physician if you are having kidney problems about the best choice of foods for you. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.