Backpack Comfort and Safety Tips for Parents

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Backpacks are essential back-to-school items for kids. Available in all different colors, sizes and shapes, they are the preferred way for most children to carry their belongings.

Backpacks are preferred by many in comparison to shoulder bags because when worn correctly, they evenly distribute weight across the body. However, if worn incorrectly they can cause back pain or injuries and eventually lead to poor posture.

To prevent problems associated with improper backpack use, parents should first purchase a backpack that is lightweight and has the following features:

Wide and padded straps
Multiple compartments
Padded back
Waist belt

A backpack should also be the correct size for your child, it should never be wider or longer than your child’s torso. Practicing these safety tips will further reduce the chance of back pain or injuries caused by backpacks:

When packing, heavier items should be placed to the back and center of the backpack. Lighter items should be in front. Sharp objects such as scissors or pencils should be kept away from your child’s back. Utilizing different compartments can help in distributing weight.
Do not over pack. Doctors recommend that children should not carry backpacks that weigh more than 10-15% of their body weight.
Ensure that children use both straps. Using a single strap can cause muscle strain.
Adjust the straps so that the backpack fits closely to your child’s back and sits two inches above the waist. This ensures comfort and proper weight distribution.
Encourage children to use their lockers or desks throughout the day to drop off heavy books.

The Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America recommends that parents should always look for warning signs that indicate backpacks may be too heavy. If your child struggles to put on and take off the backpack, they are complaining of numbness or tingling or if there are red strap marks on their shoulders -It may be time for you to lighten their load.

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.

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common genetic condition. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters fetal development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome like low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm.

The cause of the extra full or partial chromosome is unknown, but maternal age is linked to an increased chance of having a baby with Down syndrome. A 35 year old woman has about a one in 350 chance of conceiving a child with Down syndrome, and this chance increases gradually to 1 in 100 by age 40. At age 45 the incidence becomes approximately 1 in 30. However, due to higher birth rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

Genetic counseling, prenatal screenings and diagnostic testing for parents is becoming increasingly important and can provide a definitive diagnosis with almost 100% accuracy.

Most screening tests involve a blood test and an ultrasound (sonogram), and are used to estimate the chance of having a child with Down syndrome. New advanced prenatal screens are able to detect chromosomal material from the fetus and provide a high accuracy rate. Other diagnostic tests include chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis. These procedures, which carry up to a 1% risk of causing a spontaneous termination (miscarriage), are nearly 100% accurate in diagnosing Down syndrome. Amniocentesis is usually performed in the second trimester between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation, CVS in the first trimester between 9 and 14 weeks.

You can find more information on Down Syndrome, as well as support here.

Does Breastfeeding Help Lower the Risk of Breast Cancer?

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Sage Robinson

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and studies suggest that breastfeeding for at least a year can help lower breast cancer risk. In addition to providing your child with antibodies that protect him/her from bacterial and viral infections, breastfeeding protects breast health because:

. Making milk 24/7 keeps breast cells healthier.

. Breastfeeding triggers fewer menstrual cycles resulting in lower estrogen levels.

. Women eat more nutritious foods and follow a healthier lifestyle.

Whether or not you breastfeed, other lifestyle choices play an important part in keeping your risk for breast cancer as low as possible. Try to:

. Maintain a healthy weight.

. Exercise regularly.

. Limit alcohol.

. Eat a nutritious diet.

. Quit smoking, if you haven’t already.

Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center has a variety of services including a dedicated breast clinic. Our clinic can help you take your first steps to prevention and provide peace of mind. For more information or to schedule and appointment, please call 718-670-5486.

FACT FRIDAY: Asian American Women Live Longer

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Did you know that Asian American women have the longest life expectancy of any other ethnic group? The average Asian woman will live an average of 85.8 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

MYTH or FACT FRIDAY: Can hair turn white from fright overnight?

Posted on September 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

For centuries, people have believed that a sudden fright, scare or traumatic experience could turn your hair white overnight.

It is in fact medically impossible. Hair that has grown out of your scalp is dead and there is no way any physiological or psychological experience can change its color overnight.

#TBT — The History of Eyeglasses

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Over 60 percent of the adult population in the United States today wears eyeglasses. Modern day eyeglasses have their roots that date back more than 1000 years. In the middle ages Monks were known to use reading stones that were glass spheres, sometimes filled with water, that were placed on top of objects in order to magnify them. The first documented use of eyeglasses was attributed to being developed in Italy. In the 13th century Venetian glass blowers made the first solid glass lenses that were held by frames and that were a primitive version of modern day wearable eyeglasses.
In the 17th century eyeglasses started to be made that could correct vision. Glasses could be made with either concave lenses, for nearsightedness, or convex lenses for farsightedness. Benjamin Franklin invented bifocal lenses in 1784. Glass was the material used in the production of eyeglasses for centuries until the latter part of the 20th century when plastic became widely used in eyeglasses as it was lighter and safer than glass. Now many eyeglasses are being made from polycarbonate which is lighter still and more resilient to scratches.

Healthy Recipe: Smashed Cucumber Salad

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

September is Fruit and Vegetable Month, and according to Foodies, smashed cucumber salads are currently all the rage. The perfect recipe to try using the last of your summer garden cucumbers, if you’re not using Persian cukes, peel and deseed before smashing.

Smashing or smacking is a classic Chinese technique that allows the cucumbers to absorb more flavor. Get the recipe here, courtesy of the New York Times.

INGREDIENTS

About 2 pounds thin-skinnedcucumbers like English or Persian (8 to 10 mini cucumbers, 4 medium-size or 2 large greenhouse)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for cucumbers
2 teaspoons granulated sugar, plus more for cucumbers
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon grapeseed or extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced or put through a press
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Small handful whole cilantro leaves, for garnish
2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

PREPARATION

Rinse cucumbers and pat dry. Cut crosswise into pieces about 4 inches long. Cut each piece in half lengthwise.
On a work surface, place a piece of cucumber (or several) cut side down. Lay the blade of a large knife flat on top the cucumber and smash down lightly with your other hand. The skin will begin to crack, the flesh will break down and the seeds will separate. Repeat until the whole piece is smashed. Break or slice diagonally into bite-size pieces, leaving the seeds behind.
Place the cucumber pieces in a strainer and toss with a big pinch of salt and a big pinch of sugar. Place a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the cucumbers to serve as a weight and place the strainer over a bowl. Let drain 15 to 30 minutes on the counter, or in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 4 hours.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine salt, sugar and rice vinegar. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir in sesame oil and soy sauce.
When ready to serve, shake cucumbers well to drain off any remaining liquid and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with grapeseed or olive oil and toss. Add half the dressing, half the garlic and the red pepper flakes to taste, and toss. Keep adding dressing until cucumbers are well coated but not drowned. Taste and add more pepper flakes and garlic if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Many people confuse memory loss and “forgetfulness” with Alzheimer’s. A lot of people have trouble with memory — this does NOT mean they have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and those with Alzheimer’s live an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable, but can live longer depending on age and other health conditions.

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information as Alzheimer’s typically affects that part of the brain first.

Scientists aren’t sure what causes Alzheimer’s, but believe plaques and tangles, greater than the normal amount that occur due to aging, form in the brain, blocking nerve cell communication and causing cell death. As the disease advances, the severity of symptoms increase. These include serious memory loss, mood and behavior changes, disorientation, confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and caregivers. People with late stage Alzheimer’s often have difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, make an appointment with a physician. Only a doctor can diagnose Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure, but treatments for symptoms are available that can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer’s Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease. Call their 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900

Men’s Health — Common Prostate Problems

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Men of all ages can experience prostate problems. The prostate, a small gland about the size of a walnut located below the bladder, helps make semen, which carries sperm from the testicles when a man ejaculates.

One problem is prostatitis, an inflammation or infection of the prostate. Prostatitis can affect men of all ages and is the number-one reason men under the age of 50 visit a urologist. In some cases, prostatitis is considered chronic if it lasts more than three months. It can follow an attack of acute prostatitis or may also be related to other urinary tract infections.

Some men don’t experience any symptoms, however, the primary symptom of chronic infectious prostatitis is usually repeated bladder infections.

Additional symptoms include:

. Frequent urge to urinate

. Difficulty urinating

. Pain or burning during urination

. Chills and fever

Other symptoms may include pain that comes and goes low in the abdomen, the anus, the groin, or the back. The prostate may swell, causing a less forceful urine stream. Sometimes blood in the urine, pain with sexual intercourse, and painful ejaculation are other symptoms of prostatitis.

If your doctor suspects that you have prostatitis or another prostate problem, he or she may refer you to a urologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system) to confirm the diagnosis. A comprehensive exam will help evaluate whether the prostate gland is enlarged or tender and what treatment is best for you. Prostatitis is a treatable disease, and treatment can include anti-inflammatory drugs, warm baths, beta blockers, hormones or antibiotics, depending on the diagnosis.

The Harmful Truth about High Heels

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

High heels can make you look long and lean, and can definitely add some glitz to your outfit—but unfortunately, that’s not all they’re doing.

Prolonged wearing of high heels can lead to foot pain, ingrown toe nails, bunions, nerve damage, or damage to leg tendons. Additionally, lower back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, and overworking an injured leg muscle can also result from wearing high heels over time.

These problems are likely to develop because the feet are forced into an unnatural position when they are in high heels, therefore placing increased weight on the toes. The incorrect redistribution of weight causes the body to lean forward and puts a strain on the back, knees, and hips. In addition, the change in posture also puts pressure on the nerves which can trigger numbness and pain throughout the entire body.

The conditions that result from wearing high heels don’t develop immediately. They occur from frequent high heel wear. Eliminating high heels from a wardrobe may not be favorable for some, however following these recommendations can reduce some of the issues they may cause:

wear a sensible heel height or consider a wedged shoe
use insoles to help reduce the impact to your knees
wear the correct size shoe
wear heels on days you expect limited walking or standing
alternate shoes throughout the day or from day to day
stretch your calf muscles and feet a few times a day

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