New Guidelines Recommend NOT Swaddling Your Baby

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

The practice of swaddling infants has grown in popularity over recent years. It is practiced around the world and dates back to Biblical times. Swaddling wraps babies’ arms tightly in a small blanket, such as a receiving blanket, to restrict movement and is said to reduce crying and help babies sleep better.

However, according to Maria Smilios, Director of Nursing at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, there are new recommendations regarding swaddling. “We no longer swaddle babies as was advocated in the past,” advises Ms. Smilios. “We leave the babies arms out of the swaddle and one small blanket to cover. Swaddling can cause your baby to overheat and actually increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).”

Follow the ABCs of safe sleep:

A — Baby should sleep ALONE.

B — Baby should sleep on their BACK.

C — Baby should sleep in a safe CRIB right from the start.

For more information on how best to help your baby get a good night’s rest, check out these links on safe sleeping from the New York State (NYS) Safe Sleep Initiative or the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

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.

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.

Warm up with healthy Thai Pumpkin Soup!

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Pumpkin is a delicious and healthy fall vegetable. Warm up with this Thai Pumpkin Soup recipe courtesy of Sur La Table.

Serves: Makes 8 cups

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
¾ cup (180 ml) coconut cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¾ cup (180 ml) coconut milk
2½ cups (610 g) canned pumpkin
1 tablespoon chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons (30 g) chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 garlic clove, peeled, chopped
Salt and pepper

Procedures:

For an appetizing presentation, and an authentic dash of extra flavor, garnish this soup with chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts and sour cream.

Sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add tomato paste, pumpkin, ginger, garlic, broth, coconut cream and coconut milk. Combine until thoroughly heated through.

Place mixture into the Vitamix container. Add chilies and lemon juice and secure lid.

Select purée program.

Switch machine to start and allow machine to complete programmed cycle.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Asthma and Alcoholic Drinks

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

alcoholic drinks

For most people, a glass of wine, beer or distilled liquor is a nice way to relax, but did you know that for a person with asthma it can cause an attack? Many people end up in hospital emergency departments with alcohol related asthma attacks.

Alcohol contains varying amounts of chemicals, such as histamines and sulfites, that can cause people with asthma to have an attack. They trigger a tightening of the airway which makes it hard to take full breaths. Alcoholic may also cause acid reflux which occurs when liquid in the stomach goes back up in to the esophagus. This reaction can lead to irritation of the airways causing them to swell..

Anyone who knows that they have asthma should be aware of these reactions and should use extra caution when drinking alcohol. Speak to your physician about what to do in case you have this type of reaction and they may be able to recommend a medication that will help to alleviate the symptoms.

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#MotivationMonday: The Benefits of “De-cluttering” Your Life

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Life is busy. Sometimes we neglect our home, office space, or car, and allow items to pile up. These items soon become part of the scenery and clutter your space. Did you know that clutter can lead to a stressful lifestyle? Take a moment to “de-clutter”- your mental, and physical, health may depend on it.

Clutter is an excessive visual and physical stimulation. A study conducted by neuroscientists at the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute observed people’s task performance in an organized versus disorganized environment. The results of the study exhibited that physical clutter in your surroundings competes for your attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress.

Stress can reveal itself in various ways demonstrating physical, emotional, behavioral and even cognitive symptoms. These symptoms can include being moody and frustrated, feeling overwhelmed, inability to focus, forgetfulness, and even procrastination. Long term health effects of stress can affect your mental health creating depression and anxiety. Physical stress can suppress the immune system causing fatigue and high blood pressure.

What can you do to “de-clutter”? Some helpful suggestions are:

Create a three pile system – place items that are cluttering your space into three categories: keep trash or donate. Try using this system once a month or even once a week- this can enhance mental clarity; this is a good idea for home and work.
Clear your desk before going home – make sure to file away certain items in a designated area, shred documents you no longer need, and create a ‘To-Do’ list to remind you of the things you need to tackle the following day.
Set an alarm – setting an alarm reminds you to carve out a designated time to clear out a specific area, either in your home or office or car. It can make all the difference to avoid wasting your precious time out with your family and friends.

A little time spent organizing can go a long way in providing some peace of mind, creating clarity and focus on the more important things in your life and career.

Will a Cup of Coffee Help Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer?

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has found that drinking coffee is associated with a slightly reduced risk for melanoma, the most serious kind of skin cancer and leading cause of skin cancer death in the United States.

Using health and dietary data, researchers concluded that the more caffeinated coffee consumed, the lower the risk of melanoma. Drinking four or more cups of coffee was associated with a 20 percent risk reduction compared with those who drank none.

While the results are encouraging, more research is needed. There are some health risks associated with excess caffeine intake, so please consult with your doctor before increasing your caffeine intake. The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to limit sun and ultraviolet light exposure, and make sure you or your dermatologist perform a skin check. Usually, skin cancer is not painful. A change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This may be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole or old growth.

To make an appointment with a dermatologist, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.

Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Trying to stop smoking? Why not try acupuncture! Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine procedure that involves inserting thin needles in the skin in specific parts of the body to improve well-being.

Traditionally used to treat pain and diseases, recent studies suggest that acupuncture is effective as part of an overall strategy in smoking cessation. It eases symptoms of nicotine withdrawl, such as cravings, fatigue and irritability.

If you need help to stop smoking, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment with a counselor.

Benefits of Prenatal Exercise

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

prenatal exercise Don’t be afraid to exercise if you are pregnant. As long as you are feeling well, and your doctor approves, it is okay to do some moderate exercising during pregnancy. Exercising is recommended because inactivity is not good for pregnant women. It can lead to excess weight gain, elevated blood pressure, frequent aches and pains, and higher risk of C-sections.

The benefits of exercising during pregnancy include:

• Better posture
• Improved circulation
• Less fatigue and more energy
• Strengthens muscles
• Helps prevent back pain

Exercising during pregnancy has to be done carefully and should be done in moderation. You don’t want to injure your body or your developing fetus. It is advisable to work with an instructor who has experience working with pregnant women. Definitely do not exercise if you are experiencing any type of discomfort, shortness of breath, or become overheated.

One of the easiest ways to start exercising during pregnancy is by simply walking. It is important to always wear shoes that are comfortable and loose fitting clothing. Walking should be done on a level surface at the beginning and slowly increase the distance and duration. For added benefit, you can try carrying light weights, increasing your speed, and walking up and down hills. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and low or non-impact aerobics are also usually safe.

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Strange But True — The Walking Dead?

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Do zombies really exist? Walking Corpse Syndrome (also known as Cotard’s Syndrome) is a rare neuropsychiatric disorder in which the afflicted person believe he or she is dead, missing their soul, organs, blood or other body parts, and being in a state of existence denial. Conversely, some patients may have delusions of immortality.

For people with this condition, entertainment like cable TV’s “The Walking Dead” may be too close for comfort.

Studies indicate that the disease is more prevalent in older patients and women with depression. It is also more likely to occur in patients with disorders such as:

Schizophrenia
Bipolar disorders
Brain injury
Brain atrophy
Seizure disorders
Depression
Brain tumors
Stroke
Migraine

Lesions in the frontal and temporal regions (front and sides) of the right hemisphere of the brain have been associated with the disease. However, Cotard’s Syndrome is so rare that it is difficult to pinpoint the mechanisms that cause it.

Tests are used to diagnose associated diseases and rule out other conditions. Current treatment for Cotard’s Syndrome involves medication with antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Electroconvulsive therapy, in combination with medication, has been reported to be more effective than medications alone.

Fortunately, patients with Cotard’s Syndrome can experience a complete recovery, even in severe cases.

Is There Medicinal Power in Herbs? Bay Leaf Tea

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Sage Robinson

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

16 oz water
3 bay leaves
Juice of 1 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.