Understanding how cholesterol helps or harms our health can be confusing due to several myths that exist.  It is important that we debunk misinformation so that we can learn how to properly take care of our bodies.

One of the most common myths about cholesterol is that it is all bad. This is not true.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), “good cholesterol,” transports cholesterol to the liver where it is flushed from the body. Cholesterol is also important for the production of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid.   Cholesterol poses a problem for our health when high quantities of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), “bad cholesterol,” are found in our blood. This can lead to cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Here are a few other myths to explore:

• People who have a healthy weight can’t have a high level of cholesterol – not true
  • Cholesterol levels have nothing to do with bodyweight. People of any weight can have high cholesterol levels
• Eating food that has a lot of cholesterol in it will not raise my cholesterol levels – not true
  • Foods that are high in cholesterol tend to have a lot of saturated fat, which can cause cholesterol numbers to increase.
• Only men have to worry about high cholesterol levels – not true
  • Both sexes are vulnerable to have high cholesterol levels. Women as they age lose estrogen and this can raise their risk level.
• Taking cholesterol medications makes it okay to eat anything I want – not true
  • Medications used to lower the level of bad cholesterol in the body can only do so much. Diet and exercise are also very important to control cholesterol levels.
• Only people over 40 years of age are affected by high cholesterol – not true.
  • High cholesterol can affect people of any age. The American Heart Association recommends having cholesterol levels checked once between the ages of 9 – 11 and again between 17 – 21. After that, young adults should be checked every four to six years.
• Having high cholesterol is based only on your diet – not true
  • Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels. These include family history, level of physical activity, and also age are factors to consider.

Speak with your physician about your risk factors for developing high cholesterol and ask about having a blood test performed. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical 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.

Winter can be a particularly harsh season for our skin. Not only is the cold temperature to blame but also the dry air.  A major reason skin becomes dry is because of the low humidity in the environment. Another reason is because we spend more time indoors where heating systems tend to warm the air and deplete the water content in the environment.

The outer layer of the skin is called the stratum corneum. It is composed of dead skin cells and natural oils that act as a protective layer, preventing water from evaporating from the surface. When the outer layer becomes compromised, water begins to evaporate, outer skin cells become flaky and will cause cracks and fissures.

Dry skin most commonly appears as rough and flaky patches on the arms and legs which are typically the areas exposed to the air. In more severe cases, the skin will develop creases and cracks..

Steps we can take to prevent dry skin:

• Bathe in warm water, never hot
• Use mild soaps that contain moisturizing creams
• Pat the skin dry with soft towels
• Use a moisturizer several times a day on exposed areas of the body
• Drink a lot of water
• Apply sunscreen to prevent drying out from the sun’s rays
• Wear gloves
• Avoid wearing wet articles of clothes outdoors
• Use a humidifier in the home

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to discuss dry skin and how best to treat it, 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.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, currently affecting  over 32 million Americans. This form of arthritis is known as the “wear and tear” disease because while it can affect almost any joint, it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hips, hands, and spine that are subject to the most amount of movement. Women tend to be affected by osteoarthritis more often than men.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage, which is the slippery tissue which cushions your bones when they rub against one another deteriorates over time due to weight, stress, injuries or genetic factors. When this happens, people with osteoarthritis will experience a variety of issues including::

• Joint pain
• Joint Deformity
• Decrease in joint mobility
• Swelling of a joint
• Joint crackling

Diagnosing osteoarthritis can be performed by taking an x-ray, a magnetic resonance image (MRI), and physical manipulation of the joint. Examining the joint fluid can help differentiate osteoarthritis from other types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis may not be able to be completely avoided but there are ways to slow down its progress and to treat it. Measures to minimize osteoarthritis include:

• Keeping active
• Maintaining a proper weight
• Participating in physical therapy
• Taking medications to reduce symptoms such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
• Applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• Receiving cortisone injections into the joint
• Receiving injections of hyaluronic acid
• Having Joint replacement procedures

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, speak with your physician to discuss what treatment option is best for you. If  you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical 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.