They’re Baaaack! How to Prevent and Treat Head Lice

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Sage Robinson

For parents of preschool and elementary school aged children, going back to school can sometimes result in your child bringing home some new friends: head lice.

Head lice, which can’t jump or fly, are transmitted by direct physical contact with the hair of an infested person, feeding on blood and attaching their eggs to the base of hair shafts. Head lice do not spread disease, and getting head lice is not related to the cleanliness of your child or your home.

Contact can occur among children during play at school or sporting activities or by sharing hats, scarves, combs or brushes. Some studies suggest that girls get head lice more often than boys, probably due to more frequent head-to-head contact. Infestation with head lice is much less common among African-Americans than among persons of other races.

Permethrin is an over-the-counter treatment used to treat lice. Recently, 25 states, including New York and New Jersey, have reported head lice that don’t respond to permethrin, but don’t be discouraged. The good news is that prescription medications that don’t contain permethrin are still effective including benzyl alcohol, ivermectin, malathion, spinosad, and lindane shampoo. Prescriptions might be pricier, but will save you money in the long run.

Treatment for head lice is recommended for all household members and all should be treated at the same time. Hats, scarves, pillow cases, bedding, clothing, and towels worn or used by the infested person in the 2-day period just before treatment should be machine washed and dried using the hot water and hot air cycles. Lice and their eggs are killed within five minutes of exposure to temperatures greater than 53.5°C (128.3°F). Items that cannot be laundered may be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuuming furniture and floors can remove an infested person’s hairs that might have viable nits (louse eggs) attached.

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.

Peer Pressure: Teen Smoking

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Adolescents feel social pressure in various ways, from wearing the latest clothing trends and styles to current music choices. Your child’s friends are one of the strongest influences during this time in their lives, especially when it comes to risky behaviors like tobacco use.

During the pre-teen and teenage years, your child is asserting their independence and exploring their identity. Yet they still crave the approval of their peers and often worry about being rejected. Peer pressure makes them feel they are being pulled in two directions. When it comes to smoking cigarettes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted the rate among teens that have three or more friends who smoke is 10 times higher than those that reported none of their friends smoke.

However, based on behavior recent research, teenagers who don’t smoke say one of the main reasons is their parents. Your influence is real and as a parent, you can help your child as he struggles with peer pressure, examines their options, and becomes a mature independent thinker.

Some helpful tips for your teen to avoid caving into peer pressure are:
• Set boundaries: Place smoking on the list of things they shouldn’t do. Make sure they understand smoking’s health risks, know the consequences for breaking the rules and enforce them.
• Know your child’s friends: Pay attention to how your teen interacts and observe. Are the relationships equal and respectful? If not, make time to about them.
• Manage stress: Be on the look-out for signs of stress. Empathize with their feelings, and help them prioritize their activities.
• Encourage independent thinking: The more they trust themselves, the less vulnerable they will be to peer pressure.
• Show and teach empathy: By showing empathy for your child’s feelings, you teach them how you value their thoughts and in turn will teach them to trust themselves.
• Get them involved: Try having them become involved in groups or clubs that fit their interest and reduce the chances of boredom while gaining a new set of strengths.

Your influence can bring a world of difference. If you are a smoker and are interested in quitting, look into a local smoking cessation group or contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 to make an appointment with a pulmonologist.

Home Remedy – Ginger For Nausea

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Sage Robinson

The Chinese have used ginger to treat nausea and digestive issues for over 2,000 years. While research has debated the extent of its effectiveness as a natural remedy, it’s thought that active components, such as gingerol, directly affect the digestive and central nervous systems.

Most doctors and herbal medicine practitioners agree that using fresh ginger in teas and water or natural ginger candies will help relieve nausea, especially during pregnancy. Some studies suggest it is an effective treatment for post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea, as well.

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help boost immunity. Bottom line, there are no disadvantages to ingesting a little ginger to help ease nausea and digestive issues.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24 in the United States. It is estimated that 4,600 lives are lost each year. These numbers are cause for great concern but with awareness and prevention can be decreased.
With the reported average in occurrences and recent high-profile suicides, the question of what is suicide and can it be prevented have become popular topics in conversation. It is of the utmost importance that trained mental health professionals address concerns through public education and advocating for the awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

Know the signs:

. Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

. Changes in sleep patterns

. Irritability or anger

. Lack of interest in daily activities, grooming and things they were once passionate about

. Talking about harming themselves

. Reckless behavior

. Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol

. Preoccupation with death and organizing of affairs in preparation for death

. Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

If you or someone know know if having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or 1-800-273-TALK

Soy and Amaranth Salad Dressing for Whole Grains Month

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Sage Robinson

In honor of Whole Grains Month try this delicious and easy salad dressing made with amaranth. Amaranth is technically a seed, but is considered a grain in the sense that oats and wheat are because its nutrient profile is similar to that of cereals. Amaranth is high in protein. In some studies it has been shown to lower cholesterol, and may have cardiovascular benefits.

This dressing is great on baby greens. You can store it in the fridge for up to two weeks which will increase the garlic flavor. Adjust the garlic and soy sauce to taste.

Ingredients

1 cup olive oil or canola oil

1 cup amaranth

2 garlic cloves, crushed and sliced

3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

Toast amaranth in a small frying pan on top of the stove. Don’t leave it unattended and continue to agitate the pan while it toasts. When you hear it “pop” and see it start to brown remove it from heat.

Blend the oil, garlic and soy sauce in a bowl or container. Add the toasted amaranth and let marinate for an hour. Shake or stir before pouring over salad.

Obesity and Arthritis: What is the Relationship?

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Flushing Hospital

When asked what health problems are directly attributed to obesity, the most common answers are hypertension, heart health, and diabetes, but obesity has a large affect on another condition – arthritis.

One out of five Americans has been diagnosed with arthritis, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that number nearly doubles among those considered obese. Obesity not only raises the risk of getting a certain type of arthritis; but for those who already have arthritis, obesity makes the condition worse.
Here’s a look at what fat does to arthritis, as well as some tips to put you on the road to losing weight.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage – the flexible but tough connective tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints. Age, injury, heredity and lifestyle factors all affect the risk of OA.

OA has a logical link to obesity: The more weight that’s placed on a joint, the more stressed the joint becomes, and the more likely it will wear down and be damaged.
Every pound of excess weight exerts about 4 pounds of extra pressure on the knees. So a person who is 10 pounds overweight has 40 pounds of extra pressure on his knees. If a person is 100 pounds overweight, that is 400 pounds of extra pressure on the knees, causing those who are overweight to be at greater risk of developing arthritis in the first place. Once a person has arthritis, the additional weight causes even more problems on already damaged joints.

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Strange but True — Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Sage Robinson

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is a rare, but real condition, but it doesn’t involve the Mad Hatter or the Cheshire Cat.

Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a neurological condition where the sufferer has temporary episodes of a distorted perception of their own size and the size of things around them. People with this condition visualize themselves as big as giants or as small as insects. The objects around them also appear abnormally large or small. For instance, someone with AIWS will perceive a teacup either as big as a car or as small as a thimble.

This hallucination-like state typically lasts anywhere from five to 30 minutes. People with AIWS also may experience an impaired sense of space, with objects suddenly seeming very close or far away. In some cases, the sense of touch and sound may also be distorted.

The syndrome references the adventures from the famous novel by Lewis Carroll, where the title character Alice experiences strange events in Wonderland. Many believe that the Carroll himself suffered from this disease and was the inspiration for the story.
The cause of the condition is unknown, although the episodes have been closely associated with the onset of migraine headaches or epilepsy. AIWS can affect anyone, but it is most common in children and young adults. Episodes stop for most over time, but those who experience symptoms are recommended to see a doctor immediately.

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!

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.