Toddlers and Tantrums

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Your child is throwing a temper tantrum. It’s every parent’s nightmare, especially if it happens in a public place like a store or restaurant. What is the best way to deal with the situation?

Tantrums are most common when your child is a toddler, around ages two to three. During this time your child is becoming independent and developing ideas on what they want and need. Most toddlers aren’t able to express these feelings with words and they haven’t yet learned to share. They test rules over and over by saying “No!” and “Mine!” to see how parents will react.

It is often easier to prevent tantrums than to deal with them after they get going. Try these tips:

Stick to a daily routine that balances fun activities with enough rest and healthful food.
Anticipate when your child will be disappointed, and give your child a choice in small matters. (“We won’t be buying cookies, but you can help me pick out some fruit for later.”)
Praise your child when he or she shows self-control and expresses feelings with words.

If you can’t prevent a tantrum, here are some tips for dealing with one:

Direct your child’s attention to something else. (“Wow, look at that fire engine!”)
Say what you expect from your child and have confidence that your child will behave.
Remain calm. Resist overreacting to tantrums, and try to keep your sense of humor. You are a role model for your child.
Holding your child during a tantrum may help a younger child feel more secure and calm them down more quickly.
Take your child to a quiet place where he or she can calm down safely. Speak softly or play soft music.
Some children throw tantrums to seek attention. Try ignoring the tantrum, but pay attention to your child after he or she calms down.

Despite your best efforts, you still might have to deal with a few tantrums. The most important thing you can do is remain calm and wait it out. Do not let your child’s behavior cause you to lose control.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention month. #NCAPM

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.

What are Gallstones?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Have you ever experienced sudden abdominal pain and wondered if it might be gallstones?

Gallstones form in the gall bladder, located just under the liver, and may cause no signs or symptoms. However, if a gallstone lodges in a bile duct, it could cause a blockage. Gallstone pain may last several minutes to a few hours and symptoms may include:

Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone
Back pain between your shoulder blades
Pain in your right shoulder

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these signs or symptoms. Seek immediate care if you are experiencing:

Abdominal pain so intense that you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position
Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
High fever with chills

Laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder, called a cholecystectomy, is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States, and is the treatment of choice for gallstones that cause moderate to severe pain. Symptoms usually do not return after the gallbladder has been removed. In a small number of cases, surgery may be done to prevent complications of gallstones.

The surgical team at Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers laparoscopic gallbladder removal using the da Vinci robotic system. Using the robot allows for faster healing time, less scarring and shorter hospital stays.

For an appointment with a gastroenterologist, please contact the Ambulatory Care Department at 718-670-5486.

Can you Exercise With Asthma?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Do your asthma attacks coincide with participation in physical activity such as exercise? Both ozone and particle pollution can make symptoms like coughing and wheezing worse for people with asthma and other lung diseases, and can lead to a trip to the doctor or hospital.

The symptoms of exertional asthma, include:

Wheezing
Tightness of the chest
Coughing
Feeling tired
Inability to catch your breath

Some activities that can lead to heavier than normal breathing such as recreational sports including running, basketball, football, soccer, and aerobic exercise. These can lead to exertional asthma. Additionally, when the air is cold and dry, activities such as shoveling snow or walking for long periods of time can also trigger an asthma attack.

Other contributing factors of exertional asthma can include:

Smoke or smog
High pollen counts
Having a cold or other respiratory infection
Chlorinated pools or other chemical irritants

Treatment of exertional asthma includes taking medications both on a regular basis and prior to doing strenuous exercise to limit symptoms and control breathing. Some activities and sports should be avoided if they bring on asthma attacks.

During Air Quality Awareness Week (April 27-May 1), take action to reduce your pollution exposure by referring to the Air Quality Index (AQI). When you need to, adjust your outdoor activities to reduce the amount of pollution you breathe in– while still getting exercise. It’s not difficult – and your health is worth it.

If you are experience difficulty breathing while participating in strenuous activities, you should consult with a pulmonary specialist for a complete respiratory evaluation. Please contact the Ambulatory Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center for an appointment at 718-670-5486.

Diabetes and Skin Complications

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Believe it or not, skin complications are sometimes the first sign that you may have diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes develop skin diseases more easily than those without the condition, making them more susceptible to general skin conditions such as bacterial infections, fungal infections, and localized itching. More specifically, styes, boils, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.

There are several skin conditions that mostly affect or only affect people with diabetes, such as diabetic dermopathy and diabetic blisters. Some of these conditions are painful, while others are found to be embarrassing.

Fortunately, most of these conditions can be prevented or easily treated, if caught early. To reduce the risk of developing skin-related complications of diabetes, it is recommended that individuals keep their glucose levels in a safe range by eating healthy, exercising and taking their medication. It is also important that proper skin care is practiced. Individuals with diabetes should consider the following tips for good skin care:

Keep skin clean and moisturized.
Avoid very hot baths and showers, and use moisturizing soap and mild shampoos.
Treat cuts right away. Wash minor cuts with soap and water.
During cold, dry months, keep your home more humid. Bathe less during this weather, if possible.

If not cared for properly, these conditions, in a person with diabetes, can turn into a serious problem with potentially severe consequences. If you have diabetes and have noticed changes to your skin, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist or dermatologist.

Are You a Registered Organ Donor?

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Are you a registered organ donor? April is National Donate Life Month. Take a moment to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation and to educate yourself about organ donation.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services nearly 124,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the US. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, however 21 people still die each day waiting for an organ.

Here are a few popular myths and facts about organ donation:

Myth: Age, illness or physical defects can prevent me from becoming a donor.

Fact: A person’s medical condition is evaluated at the time of death to determine what organs and tissues are viable for donation. People living with chronic diseases or those who have a history of cancer or other serious diseases are still encouraged to join the donor registry.

Myth: If doctors know that I am registered to be an organ or tissue donor, they won’t work as hard to save my life.

Fact: The first priority of a medical professional is to save lives. Organ and tissue donation isn’t even considered or discussed until after death is declared.

Myth: My religion doesn’t support organ and tissue donation.

Fact: Most religions support organ and tissue donation. Discuss organ and tissue donation with your spiritual advisor if you have concerns on this issue.

Myth: My family will be charged for donating my organs.

Fact: Costs associated with recovering and processing organs and tissues for transplant are never passed on to the donor family.

To find out how you can register as organ, eye and/or tissue donor in your state, please visit http://organdonor.gov/becomingdonor/stateregistries.html

Food Safety Tips

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Tuesday, April 7 is World Health Day. This year, the World Health Organization is asking food producers, policy-makers and the public to think about and promote food safety.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that each year roughly one in six Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. More than 200 diseases, like salmonella, listeria and e. coli, are spread through improper food handling, causing symptoms such as stomach pains, vomiting and diarrhea.

With warmer weather on the way, here are five food handling tips that will help make your meals safer:

Keep clean – Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation. Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Keep food preparation surfaces and equipment clean.
Keep raw and cooked food separate – Store food in containers to prevent cross contamination.
Cook thoroughly – Be sure to cook and reheat food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood. Use a meat thermometer to check cooking temperatures.
Store food at safe temperatures – Don’t leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours. Refrigerate all cooked and perishable foods below 5 degrees Celsius. Don’t keep leftovers too long and always defrost food in the fridge, not on the counter.
Choose foods wisely – Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating and don’t use food beyond its expiration date.

These few simple guidelines will help keep your food and kitchen cleaner, and your family healthier.

The Benefits of Drinking Bay Leaf Tea

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

There are many benefits of drinking bay leaf tea. Some of the most widely known benefits are:

1. Bay leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Also regular inclusion of bay leaves in meals promotes general health.

2. They have been proven to be useful in the treatment of migraines.

3. Bay Leaf contains enzymes that help to breakdown proteins and digest food faster, helping to calm indigestion.

Recipe for Bay Leaf Tea

16 oz water
3 bay leaves
Juice1 large or 2 smaller lemons

Place ingredients, together, in a pot and bring to a boil.
Drink, after it cools down

A hot cup of bay leaf tea can be very comforting. The aromatic fragrance that the leaves release is calming and the essence of the spiced tea makes bay leaf tea delicious.

What is a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Finding it difficult to lose weight through dieting and exercise? If you are obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or at least 100 pounds overweight, you might be considering weight loss surgery, like a vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

During vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery, the surgeon removes a large portion of your stomach. The new, smaller stomach is about the size and shape of a banana, limiting the amount you can eat by making you feel full after eating small amounts of food.

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. This type of surgery, called laparoscopic surgery, is usually done using a tiny camera called a laproscope that is placed in your belly. The camera is connected to a video monitor in the operating room that allows the surgeon to see inside your belly and remove most of your stomach.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is not a quick fix for obesity. It will greatly change your lifestyle, but you still have work to do. To lose weight and avoid complications from the procedure, you will need to follow strict exercise and eating guidelines given to you by your doctor and dietitian. This procedure cannot be reversed once it has been done.

Your surgeon will ask you to have a complete physical exam, blood and other tests, as well as an ultrasound of your gallbladder to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. It is also necessary to visit with other health care providers to make sure any medical problems you may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart or lung problems, are under control before surgery. Quitting smoking is also required before surgery.

Counseling is recommended prior to surgery to make sure you are emotionally ready for such a major lifestyle change. Classes are available to help you learn what happens during the surgery, what you should expect afterward, and what risks or problems may occur afterward.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a full range of bariatric surgery options performed by doctors using the minimally invasive da Vinci robotic system. Bariatric surgery performed using the robot allows for faster healing time, less scarring, and shorter hospital stays. Please call 718-670-8908 for an appointment.

How Many Drinks Are Too Many?

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Sage Robinson

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Poll question: How many drinks per week are too many?

Answer: According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: men should not exceed four drinks per day or a total of 14 per week and women should not to exceed three drinks a day or a total of seven per week.

When following these guidelines here are some factors to consider:

.Portion size: Standard portions in the United States include 12-ounces of beer, 8-ounces of malt liquor, 5-ounces of wine and 1.5-ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor.

.Alcohol content: There are differences in alcohol percentages between red and white wines, as well as between light beers and lagers.

.Gender: Women have less body water than men and hence retain a higher blood-alcohol concentration than men from a single drink.

.Food: An empty stomach speeds up alcohol absorption. Food slows absorption rates in men and women.

Remember, everyone metabolizes alcohol differently and moderation is key. Make smart choices when enjoying dinner or a night out with friends and NEVER drink and drive.

If you think you have a problem with alcohol, please contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Addiction Treatment Division at 718- 670-5486.

The Dangers of Texting While Driving

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Sage Robinson

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month. Did you know that motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are one of the leading causes of death in the United States? Each year, nearly 2.5 million Americans are treated in hospital emergency departments as a result of an MVA. The numbers are staggering, however, most vehicle-related injuries are avoidable.

The most important tip is to stay focused on the road and avoid becoming a “distracted driver.”

Each day, more than 15 people are killed in accidents involving a distracted driver, a driver engaged in another activity that distracts them while driving. Distractions can impair a driver in three ways:

• Visually – Forcing the driver to take his or her eyes off the road
• Manually – Forcing the driver to take his or her hands off of the steering wheel
• Cognitively – Forcing the driver to take his or her mind off of driving while they are doing something else

While there are many forms of distractions for drivers, the type that has seen the largest increase in occurrences is texting while driving. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it impairs the driver’s visual, manual, and cognitive abilities. In a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control, 31% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 reported texting or emailing while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is well aware of the growing trend involving injuries and fatalities associated with texting and driving and they want to warn drivers on the road to resist the urge to text OMG or LOL or you might end up DOA!