How Cold Weather Affects Asthma

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

When very cold and dry air enters the body, and subsequently the lungs it can cause a tightening of the airways. Cold air can cause wheezing, tightness of the chest muscles, shortness of breath, coughing, a sense of dizziness and sometimes difficulty speaking.

Taking some precautions before going outside in very cold weather can help ease the symptoms. It is important to keep asthma under control at all times. It can be helpful to take a dose of an asthma inhalant ten minutes before going outdoors. This will aid in keeping the airways open. People with asthma should carry their medication with them if they know they are going to be outdoors for any period of time. Another good idea is to keep your mouth and nose covered with a scarf when you are outside in cold weather. This will help to warm the air you are breathing. Anyone who has asthma should avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Sometimes the act of just walking on a windy day can bring on symptoms of an asthma attack. Try breathing through your nose more and through your mouth less. This will help to warm the air that enters your lungs.

People with asthma know the effects it can have during the cold days of winter. Taking a few precautions can help minimize the effects of the cold air on the body.

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.

Holiday Heart Syndrome

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Holiday Heart Syndrome, coined in 1978, is a real syndrome in which the heart’s vulnerability to certain arrhythmias is increased by excessive alcohol ingestion (binge drinking) and the onset of a heart rhythm disturbance in people who are otherwise healthy.

The most frequently seen arrhythmia during the holiday season is atrial fibrillation, in which the top chambers of the heart quiver or fibrillate causing the heart to beat irregular and often quite fast.

Excessive alcohol intake in women is defined as consuming seven or more drinks per week or over three doses at one time. For men, heavy consumption is defined as over 14 drinks per week or over four drinks at one time by the U.S. Department of health and Human Service.

Alcohol alone does not fully explain Holiday Heart Syndrome. There are other risk factors for atrial fibrillation that are higher around the holidays such as:

Overeating
Stress
High levels of sodium consumption
Dehydration

Everyone has some degree of stress in their lives. Health concerns, family and relationship issues, financial problems can all cause stress which can ultimately affect your health; the idea of “letting go” at a holiday event and consuming more alcohol than usual as a way to forget the present may have a negative effect on your future.

If you have any heart symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention immediately; even if your symptoms appear ON a holiday.

Pulmonary Rehab for COPD

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

November is national COPD Awareness month. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a general term that describes progressive respiratory diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by decreased airflow over time and increased inflammation of the lungs.

A decrease in airflow often results in shortness of breath, which at times makes performing minimal physical activities difficult. One of the most recommended forms of treatments used to improve this issue is pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD. A respiratory therapist can assess the severity of a patient’s condition before enrollment into a program by administering tests such as a pulmonary function test.

This form of treatment involves a series of exercises that teaches people breathing techniques that help them build physical fitness and lung strength.

Most pulmonary rehab programs include:

Exercise-This is one of the key components in pulmonary rehab. Patients are required to do a series of physical activities such as:

Exercises to strengthen and improve breathing muscles
Upper body exercises
Lower body exercises
Strength training

Smoking cessation- In order to improve quality of life and lung function, smoking cessation is often a goal or prerequisite in pulmonary rehab. Quitting is the most important thing a smoker can do to slow the progression of COPD.
Education-Programs offer education in either a group setting or on an individual basis. Education sessions are designed to teach people ways to manage their COPD or include lessons on understanding medication as well as using oxygen therapy.

Patients who participate in pulmonary rehab programs gain several benefits. Most see significant improvement in their breathing. It is suggested that participants continue the exercises even after completing a program by incorporating them in to their daily life. Those who do not may experience a decline in its benefits.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

November is designated American Diabetes Awareness Month by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Diabetes affects nearly 30 million people in the United States which is ten percent of the total population. There are 86 million more people who have pre-diabetes, and are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes during their lifetime.

There is no cure for diabetes, but there are many ways for people who have been diagnosed with the disease to live long, healthy lives, if it is controlled properly. Learning to live with diabetes is one of the most important components for managing the disease. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, daily blood sugar monitoring, and taking medication to control diabetes are some of the ways that complications can be prevented. Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, non traumatic amputations, kidney disease and increased risk for heart attacks.

During the month of November, the ADA sponsors events around the country helping to raise awareness about the risk factors and the warning signs of diabetes. For more information on events taking place, please see the American Diabetes Association’s website at www.diabetes.org .

It is important to have regular medical exams to manage diabetes successfully.To schedule an appointment with a physician or nutrition expert, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

#TBT A look back at the early days of Flushing Hospital

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

With roots in the community since 1884, here’s a rare photo of the Flushing Hospital ambulance stables circa, 1910.

POLL QUESTION: Have you ever tried coining?

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Though not utilized in western medicine, coining, or “gua sha,” is a Chinese medicine technique used in treating many illnesses since ancient times. It is a form of dermabrasion therapy still widely practiced in China and South East Asia. This massage treatment is employed to rid the body of “heatiness” or “negative energies.”

The practice of coining involves stroking highly lubricated skin with a smooth edge, such as a coin or spoon. It is used to alleviate symptoms of muscle discomfort, headaches and fever. It is effective in improving blood circulation in the treatment area. However, coining in children has sometimes sparked allegations of child abuse by teachers and caregivers unfamiliar with the practice.

If you have a fever, we recommend you consult with your physician before trying coining.

At What Age Should Kids Walk To School Alone?

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Parents make a lot of difficult decisions regarding the safety of their children, but one of the most debated is at what age should you let your child walk to school alone?

Experts agree there is no one perfect age for when kids can walk or bike to school without an adult. Children should have good cognitive and reasoning skills, as well as the ability to follow directions. The general consensus seems to be that 5-year-olds are too young, 6- and 7-year-olds should walk in a group and that by age 10 most kids are ready.

Your child could walk to school as early as first grade if the route is easy. You should base your decision on the distance to school, the availability of sidewalks, and how safe your neighborhood and surrounding streets are. If you don’t think your child’s ready to walk to school alone yet, organize a Walking School Bus. It can be a fun compromise for your child and other kids who live nearby.

Before your child heads off to school by themselves (or with friends), here are a few safety precautions you should take:

. Never let a child under age 10 cross the street alone.

. Teach your child to recognize and obey traffic signal, pavement markings, and to always look both ways before crossing.

. Choose the safest route between home and school and practice walking it with your child until he/she can demonstrate traffic-safety awareness.

. Stick to well-traveled streets, use the same route every day and avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys.

. Carry backpacks and bags close to their body, not dangling by the straps.

. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket.

. Don’t wear shoes or clothing that restrict movement.

. Cross streets only in crosswalks; never enter streets from between parked cars or from behind shrubbery. Use crosswalks with crossing guards when available.

. Teach your child about good and bad strangers. Don’t speak to strangers; if a stranger approaches, tell a teacher, a school principal, a policeman or another mom with small children. These are good strangers.

. Give your child a cell phone for emergencies and teach them how to use 911.

Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Sage Robinson

We all know the dangers and health risks involved with cigarette smoking, but what about smokeless tobacco?

Smokeless tobacco, or chewing tobacco, also known as dip, chew, snuff or snus, is tobacco that is not burned, but instead chewed or sucked in the mouth then the tobacco juices are spit out. Nicotine in the tobacco is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

People on many continents, including North America, northern Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, have a long history of using smokeless tobacco products.

According to the National Cancer Institute, at least 28 chemicals in smokeless tobacco have been found to cause cancer, especially nitrosamines, which are formed during the growing, curing, fermenting, and aging of tobacco, polonium–210 (a radioactive element found in tobacco fertilizer) and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.

Users of smokeless tobacco absorb the addictive ingredient nicotine through the mouth tissues directly into the blood and brain. Nicotine continues to be absorbed into the bloodstream for much longer than for smokers

Smokeless tobacco causes oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, and puts the user at risk for heart disease, gum disease, and oral lesions. There is no safe form of tobacco. Flushing Hospital Medical Center encourages you to quit today. For help with smoking cessation visit www.cdc.gov/tobacco for a list of resources near you.

#MotivatedMonday: Binge Watching and Exercise

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Sage Robinson

With the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter, snuggling up on the bed or couch and binge watching your favorite TV shows or movies is becoming more appealing. However, long hours of inactivity can increase health risks for obesity, heart disease, and even osteoporosis.

Here are a few tips to stay active while marathoning:

Jumping Jacks – try doing multiple sets during breaks or even while you watch.
Side lying leg lifts — While lying on your side, stack your legs and bring them out to a 45 degree angle in front of your body. Flex your feet and lift your top leg slightly higher than you hip and then down. Try doing multiple sets of 20 until you reach 100.
Sit ups – Lay on the floor and do multiple sets of sit ups until you reach 100.
Chair poses – For all over toning stand with your feet together and big toes touching. Inhale and lift your arms up until they are perpendicular to the floor. Exhale and sit your hips back down like you’re about to sit in an invisible chair. Bring your thighs as close to parallel with the floor as you can. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths.
Upper back stretches — Improve your posture and ease tension while sitting on your sofa. Sit with a straight back, stomach held in and feet flat on the floor. Grab your left wrist with your right hand and pull your left wrist to the right until you feel a nice stretch. Keep the stretch for 30 seconds then repeat using the opposite hand.
Free weights — invest in some free weights and vary some arm exercises like curls or the tricep push. Try low weight and high reps for toning.

No matter how long you binge watch, or how frequently, be sure that you always take the time to exercise for a healthier, happier you.

Bicycle Safety

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Sage Robinson

According to the New York City Department of Transportation, commuter cycling increased 262% in New York City from 2000 to 2010. Cycling is certainly a healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get around, but what are the rules of the road for cyclists?

Did you know that cyclists are subject to the same regulations as drivers of motor vehicles?

Here are some additional rules cyclists must follow, as well as safety tips for riders:

. Ride in the street, not on the sidewalks (unless rider is age 12 or younger and the bicycle’s wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter).

. Ride with traffic, not against it. Do not weave in and out of traffic.

. Stop at red lights and stop signs and obey all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings.

. Use marked bike lanes or paths when available. Bicycling is permitted on all main and local streets throughout the City, even when no designated route exists.

. When riding at night, use a white headlight and a red taillight, as well as a bell or horn and reflectors.

. Look, signal and look again before changing lanes or making a turn. Establish eye contact with drivers. Seeing a driver is often not enough. Make sure drivers see you before executing a turn or riding in front of a turning car.

. Watch out for car doors. Be prepared for the possibility that a car door may be opened in your path.

. Use your bell. It alerts drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence, and it is required by law.

. Don’t wear earphones. By law you may wear one earbud, but keeping your ears clear is a much safer choice.

. Wear a helmet. While, helmets are required by law for children age 13 or younger and working cyclists, they are a good idea for cyclists of all ages.

For more information on bicycle safety, go to NYC.gov