Tips for College Health and Safety

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Starting freshman year of college is one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life. In addition to an increased study schedule, new environments, routines and friends can be very overwhelming.

Here are a few tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to help keep your kids on the right track their freshman year:

. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – Follow a healthy eating and exercise plan. Limiting soda and caffeine intake, as well as increasing exercise like walking across campus instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and working out with a friend will help combat the dreaded “Freshman Fifteen.” Many colleges also offer a wide variety of sports and classes from crewing to modern dance.

. Manage Stress — Getting enough sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol, making friends and taking personal time are all important ways to avoid stress. If your child is feeling depressed or experiencing distress, encourage them to seek help from a medical professional. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among persons aged 15 to 24 years. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

. Safety First — Sexually transmitted infections are preventable. Half of all new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur among young people under the age of 25. College students who are sexually active should get tested for STDs and HIV to know their status and to protect themselves and their sexual partners.

. Be Aware — One in five women have been sexually assaulted while in college. Students should know their rights, and seek help immediately if they or someone they know is the victim of violence.

. Drink Responsibly – Binge drinking accounts for 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth. Binge drinking is defined as having four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men over a short period of time. Binge drinking increases the chances for risky sexual behavior, unintended pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, motor vehicle accidents, violence, and alcohol poisoning.

. Just Say No — Substance abuse and smoking are problems among young people. In 2013, around 21% of those aged 18 to 25 years reported use of illicit drugs in the past month. Among cigarette smokers, 99% first tried smoking by the age of 26. Call 1-800-662-HELP to get help for substance abuse problems.

An open line of communication is the best way to keep your child happy, healthy and thriving while in school. Let them know you support them no matter what!

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.

It’s National Cherry Turnover Day!

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Sage Robinson

In honor of National Cherry Turnover Day try these quick and easy cherry turnovers courtesy of Taste of Home.

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

MAKES: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 8 oz tube of refrigerated crescent rolls
1 cup cherry pie filling
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Unroll crescent dough and separate into four rectangles; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Press perforations to seal. Place 1/4 cup pie filling on one half of each rectangle. Fold dough over filling; pinch edges to seal. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden.
Place confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl; stir in enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle over turnovers. Serve warm. Yield: 4 servings.

Nutritional Facts

1 turnover equals 359 calories, 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 1 mg cholesterol, 459 mg sodium, 56 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 4 g protein.

Strange but True – Werewolf Syndrome

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Werewolf Syndrome does exist but it is not what Hollywood or science fiction depicts it to be. Werewolf syndrome is medically known as hypertrichosis. It is a disorder that is characterized by excessive body hair. Typically the entire body with the exception of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are covered in dense hair, which can resemble fur. In some cases hair growth can be localized to a specific body part such as the back, elbows or ears.

Hypertrichosis can be classified into three main subcategories: congenital hypertrichosis terminalis, Naevoid hypertrichosis and congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa.

Congenital hypertrichosis terminalis- Is often associated with gingival hyperplasia, which causes those that are afflicted to have very few teeth or soft voices.
Naevoid hypertrichosis – Symptoms may include excessive beard growth (men and women), a heavy unibrow, hairy ears and in some cases with underlying spina bifida-a tail on the lower back.
Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa- This form of hypertrichosis is extremely rare and is characterized by excessive hair at birth. There have only been about 50 cases reported globally since the middle ages.

Some possible conditions believed to cause hypertrichosis are metabolic disorders or genetic disorders caused by spontaneous mutations. The recommended treatment for this condition is hair removal because it is usually considered a cosmetic problem.

The “Eyes” Have It! Treating Pinkeye

Posted on August 12, 2015 by Sage Robinson

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, affects children of all ages and at any time of the year. Symptoms include redness and swelling of the mucous membrane that line the lid and surface of the eye and discharge. Pinkeye can be caused by many things including, but not limited to, an infection, dry eyes from lack of tears or over exposure to wind and sun, chemicals, allergies and smoke.

Pinkeye is very common, is usually not serious, can be viral or bacterial, is highly contagious and can spread very easily. Therefore, preventing its spread is important.

There are home remedies for Pinkeye that will help reduce your pain and keep your eye free of drainage prior to seeing your doctor.

Some home remedies that have proven effective are – removing your contacts from infected eyes, applying cold or warm compresses to your eye (whichever feels best) to soothe any discomfort and reduce redness.

When treating your Pinkeye at home, remember to wipe your eye from the inside toward the outside and do not rub drainage back and forth between eyes. After wiping your eye, be sure to wash your hands to prevent pinkeye from spreading.

Symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days, but some cases can last for up to 3 weeks.

If symptoms persist and you would like to make an appointment to see one of our doctors, please call the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 for an appointment.

Ear Infections and Your Child

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Ear infections are among the most common health conditions in young children and babies. However, some children are too young to tell you that they have ear pain. How can you tell if your child has an ear infection?

Look for the following symptoms, which are all signs of ear infections:

ear drainage
fever
trouble hearing
tugging on the ear, fussiness, or excessive crying
difficulty sleeping
difficulty eating or chewing

While ear infections are not always preventable, you can help minimize your child’s risk of developing them by keeping him or her away from second hand smoke and people with colds whenever possible. Frequent hand washing also helps. If your child has frequent ear infections it is advisable to see an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for a complete evaluation.

Originating from germs found in the nose or throat, ear infections are easily treated. Over-the-counter pain medications can be given as needed for temporary relief. Ear infections may resolve by themselves, however depending on the severity, antibiotics may be needed. It is best to speak to your physician to determine the proper treatment.

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, please call 718-670-5486 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician.

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What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection that affects the outermost portion of the ear canal. A common cause is the accumulation of water in this portion of the canal that leads to a bacterial infection. It can also be caused by the insertion of unclean foreign objects into the ear that irritate the lining of the ear canal.

Signs and symptoms of swimmer’s ear are:
• Redness in the ear canal
• Itchiness in the ear
• Fluid discharge which may include pus
• Muffled hearing
• Sensation of fullness in the ear
• Fever if the infection is severe

A few factors that can make a person more susceptible to swimmer’s ear are:
• Swimming in water that isn’t clean
• Having a narrow ear canal
• Abrasion of the ear canal by improper use of a cotton swab
• Reduced production or improper removal of ear wax

It is important to treat swimmer’s ear as soon as possible in order to prevent serious complications such as hearing loss. Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment options are ear drops containing antibiotics, steroid, and a mild acidic solution. Have your physician evaluate the problem as soon as possible. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-700

High Blood Pressure? Make sure you read the labels on OTC Meds

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

Over the counter (OTC) remedies often seem like the way to alleviate allergy symptoms, headaches or common cold symptoms. However, it is always important to read the labels of any OTC medicines, especially if you are taking medications to treat high blood pressure.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), are often used to relieve pain or reduce inflammation. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are OTC medicines, which are considered NSAIDs, and cause you to retain fluid and decrease kidney function, placing a greater stress on your heart or kidneys.

Believe it or not, many cough and cold medications contain NSAIDs to relieve decongestion and pain. Decongestants can make your blood pressure and heart rate rise and may prevent high blood pressure medications from working properly. Avoid using them and seek alternative ways to ease the symptoms of cold, flu, or sinus problems.

Do you suffer from migraines? Some migraine headache medications work by constricting blood vessels in your head, but the medication also constricts blood vessels throughout your body. This can raise blood pressure, perhaps to dangerous levels. If you have high blood pressure or any other type of heart disease, speak with your doctor before taking medication for migraines or severe headaches.

Trying to lose weight? Appetite suppressants tend to speed-up the body and can make your blood pressure rise, placing more stress on your heart. Before using any weight loss drug, whether prescription or over-the-counter, be sure to check with your doctor. These medications may do you more harm than good.

Read medication labels before buying over-the-counter preparations. Talk to your doctor before using any over-the-counter medication, herbal preparation, vitamins, or other nutritional supplements. Ask for alternatives to potentially harmful medicines. Give a list of all the medications you use, both prescription and over-the-counter, to every doctor you visit, including dosages. If you do not have a physician and would like set up an appointment to meet with one, please contact Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Center at 718-670-5440.

The Facts About Dem Bones

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Most of our understanding of the human skeleton is limited to what we see around Halloween, but there are many interesting facts about our bones. Here are a few:

• Adults have 206 bones in their bodies, but the same is not true for infants. The skeleton of a newborn has approximately 300 bones. Over time, the “extra” bones in infants fuse to form larger bones, reducing the overall number of bones to 206 by adulthood.

• Each hand has 27 bones, and each foot has 26, which means that together the body’s two hands and two feet have 106 bones. The hands and feet contain more than half of the bones in your entire body.
• The largest, and by most accounts, the strongest bone is the thigh bone, or femur. It is roughly over 25% of our total height. The smallest bone in the human body is the staples (or stirrup) bone, found in the middle ear. It is only 2.8 millimeters long.

• Most adults have 24 ribs (12 pairs), but about one in every 500 people has an extra rib, called a cervical rib. This extra rib can cause health issues for some if it squashes nearby blood vessels or nerves. Symptoms are marked by pain in the shoulder or neck, loss of limb feeling, blood clots and other problems.

• Every bone is connected to another bone — with one exception. The hyoid is a horseshoe –shaped bone found in the throat, located between the chin and the thyroid cartilage. It’s the only bone in the human body not connected to another bone. The hyoid is important for speech because of it works with the larynx (voice box) and tongue to produce the range of human vocalizations.

• Bones are strong and rigid – In fact, they are stronger than steel, but they are not the hardest substance in the body. That title goes to another part of the skeletal system; tooth enamel. This substance protects the crown of teeth and owes its strength to its high concentration of minerals.

Facts About AFib (Atrial Fibrillation)

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Sage Robinson

by Xavia Malcolm

Afib- Heart-177545642 Atrial Fibrillation or AFib is a type of heart arrhythmia (an irregularity in the rhythm of the heart), which is caused by a disorder of the heart’s electrical system.

Normally, the heart’s electrical system rhythmically contracts the upper chambers (atria) of the heart in synergy with the lower chambers (ventricles). However, with AFib the heart’s two upper chambers contract rapidly and out of sync with the lower chambers.

Each person’s experience with AFib may differ; some people may have no symptoms, while others may have incidents of:

Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Chest discomfort
Fatigue
Shortness of breath

If you are frequently experiencing these symptoms, make an appointment to see your physician. Your doctor will run the following to diagnose atrial fibrillation: electrocardiogram, trans- telephonic monitor, holter monitor or portable event monitor testing.

If symptoms are ignored and AFib goes untreated it can develop into serious health complications such as:

Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Pulmonary embolism
Cardiomyopathy
Hypertension
Stroke

There are many options available to treat or improve the symptoms of AFib. Your doctor may prescribe medications that can help in controlling the heart rate, reducing the risk of stroke and normalizing the rhythm of the heart. He or she may also recommend exercising and eating a healthy diet, as well as several lifestyle changes which can be incorporated into your daily routine.

Recipe: Easy Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Its summer time and who doesn’t enjoy ice cream, especially at this time of year. Here’s a great recipe that doesn’t even require an ice cream maker courtesy of Real Simple magazine.

Hands-On Time
15 minutes
Total Time
2 hours and 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 3.5-ounce chocolate bar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups heavy cream
Directions
1. Break the chocolate bar into chunks and place in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave the chocolate, stopping and stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth. Stir condensed milk into the chocolate. Set aside.
2. Place the heavy cream in a large bowl and use an electric hand mixer to whip it until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until completely incorporated. Scrape mixture into an airtight container and cover. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.